10 frequently-asked questions by new mods, answered!

https://www.reddit.com/r/modhelp/comments/e49gx0/10_frequentlyasked_questions_by_new_mods_answered/

created by kungming2 on 01/12/2019 at 03:29 UTC*

539 upvotes, 106 top-level comments (showing 25)

This subreddit has become overwhelmed with the same basic questions ever since Reddit suddenly enabled the creation of subreddits via the iOS app last week[1]. The regulars on r/modhelp have been incredibly patient in answering the same few questions over and over again but I decided to put this post together for others to easily link to as an answer instead of having to type out the same thing multiple times.

1: https://www.reddit.com/r/modhelp/comments/dzq8ze/subreddit_creation_has_been_enabled_on_the_mobile/

*As always, moderation (esp. customization) of subreddits is best done on desktop rather than mobile**, so if you have access to a computer that is highly encouraged and it will solve 90% of your problems. Reddit seems to not have ported the subreddit settings and styling tools to the mobile app and it is unlikely that they will port those tools over for a while[2]. Moderating on desktop also allows you to use the indispensable r/toolbox extension for moderators.

2: https://www.reddit.com/r/redditmobile/comments/e0kxyg/ios_448_please_add_informational_mod_tools_to/

Note that you don't *necessarily* need use a physical PC to use "desktop mode", you can use your phone's own browser, too! Go to Reddit[3] and tap the ≡ hamburger button[4] on the top right, then select "Desktop Site."

3: https://www.reddit.com

4: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamburger_button

*March 2020 Update**: Reddit has ported a few basic tools over to the iOS app. Unsure if they are also on the Android one.

1. How do I change my subreddit's icon/banner [on mobile]?

If you're asking about how to change your subreddit's icon image, you can do that **via desktop mode** in a web browser. Go to `https://www.reddit.com/r/SUBREDDIT/?styling=true` in your favorite web browser and use the provided tools. The subreddit icon is usually a 256px x 256px image. The process is the same for subreddit banners.

If it's available in your app, go to `Mod Tools`, then `Avatar`. Then tap `Save`.

2. How do I add more moderators?

You can do this within the app. Go to your subreddit in the app, tap on the "mod shield" on the top right. Then tap "Moderators List" and the `+` button that appears in the top right. Enter the name of the user you want to invite.

If you are inviting users via the desktop mode, go to `https://www.reddit.com/r/SUBREDDIT/about/moderators` and enter their name there.

The invited user will get a message about the invite, and they have to accept the invite on *their end* before they show up on your moderators list.

If you're looking for more moderators and your subreddit has at least 50 subscribers and 25 posts, you may post over at **r/needamod**.

3. How do I add rules to my subreddit?

You can only do this **via desktop mode** in a web browser. Go to `https://www.reddit.com/r/SUBREDDIT/about/rules` and click "Add Rule" in the top right corner. You can use either the classic interface (Old Reddit) or the redesign (New Reddit).

4. How do I make my subreddit private or public?

You can do this **via desktop mode** in a web browser. Go to `https://www.reddit.com/r/SUBREDDIT/about/edit/` and under "Type (of community)", select "public" or "private", which ever one you want. Then click "save options/changes".

`public` means that anyone can see, post, or comment on your subreddit.
`restricted` means that only approved users can post on your subreddit, but anyone can see it and comment.
`private` means that only approved users can see, post, or comment on your subreddit. Everyone else is unable to see anything more than the description (see no. 5).

To do this on mobile, go to `Mod Tools`, then `Community type`, then change the slider to the one you want, then `Save`.

5. How do I change my subreddit's description / its about text or its NSFW setting?

You can only do this **via desktop mode** in a web browser. Go to `https://www.reddit.com/r/SUBREDDIT/about/edit/` and change the "(Community) description". Then click "save options/changes". You can also change the NSFW status there.

To change the description on mobile, go to `Mod Tools`, then `Description`, then `Save`.

To change NSFW setting on mobile, go to `Mod Tools`, then `Community type`, then tap or untap `18+ community`, then `Save`.

6. I just created my subreddit, why does it say that there are 3/4/5/6 people online right now?

*The number of users online for a subreddit is always fuzzed[5]** regardless of a subreddt's size[6]. What that means is that you may be the only one on the subreddit but the user online count will vary by up to five users[7]. As u/spladug says, "the idea of this was to make it harder to leak information about when individuals [are] visiting a subreddit."

5: https://www.reddit.com/r/changelog/comments/yneqk/reddit_change_users_online_text_adjusted_value/

6: https://www.reddit.com/r/changelog/comments/6bj0iy/reddit_change_post_view_counts_users_here_now_and/

7: https://www.reddit.com/r/changelog/comments/6bj0iy/reddit_change_post_view_counts_users_here_now_and/dhmzq71/

7. How do I use AutoModerator to restrict new accounts / filter posts / etc?

*Please read the AutoModerator introduction[8]** *first* to get an idea for what it can and can't do. There's also a library of common AutoModerator rules here[9] and what you may want to implement may already be on there. If you're *still* lost after reading those links, try asking r/AutoModerator.

8: https://www.reddit.com/wiki/automoderator

9: https://www.reddit.com/r/AutoModerator/wiki/library

You can only change AutoModerator's configuration **via desktop mode** in a web browser. That configuration page is located at: `https://www.reddit.com/r/SUBREDDIT/wiki/config/automoderator`

8. How do I make a bot for my subreddit?

First make sure that what you want to do is *not* possible with AutoModerator. If what you want to do is really not possible, you can ask over at r/RequestABot but please make your request specific and do not be vague[10]. Note that hosting a bot is usually way overkill for new subreddits, especially ones with few subscribers and posts/comments.

10: https://www.reddit.com/r/RequestABot/comments/e446yf/a_note_on_low_effort_posts/

9. How do I delete my subreddit?

It is *not possible* to delete a subredit[11]. As the page says, even if you leave as a mod it will continue to exist and be available for new moderators to take over via request in r/redditrequest. If you want to get rid of it, consider r/adoptareddit. If you just don't want people to see it anymore, make it private and stay as a mod (see question #4).

11: https://mods.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/360007254911-How-do-I-delete-a-subreddit-

10. How do I get more people to visit my subreddit / grow it?

*The official help center has some useful tips on how to grow your subreddit[12]**, and there's also a guide from r/modclub **here[13]**.

12: https://mods.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002538532-Growing-your-community

13: https://www.reddit.com/r/modclub/comments/mx44s/a_guide_to_promote_your_subreddit/

*Here's a custom feed with 60 other subreddits where you can promote your subreddit. Be sure to read their rules, if any, first.[14]**.

14: https://www.reddit.com/user/kungming2/m/new_subreddits/

Here are some other tips from community members (lightly edited for clarity):

u/One_Giant_Nostril (Link[15], Link[16]):

15: https://www.reddit.com/r/modhelp/comments/birxs0/how_to_grow_a_subreddit/em2qcmb/

16: https://www.reddit.com/r/modhelp/comments/33h0wm/how_to_grow_my_subreddit/cqlcnq7/

Fill-up the first page or two with top-quality posts before revealing its existence to r/newreddits.
You *have* to fill-up the first page or two with top-quality content. I don't mean submit something every day, I'm saying submit some thing of best quality, whether it takes 3-4-5 days between posts. * The first page or two are *key*. You want visitors to *instantly* see what kind of stuff is not only considered acceptable to your subscribers but what quality of stuff is upvoted.
Use r/AutoModerator and learn about its various uses.
Create a piece of header art that represents your subreddit and upload it via your subreddit settings.

u/versitas_x61 (Link[17]):

17: https://www.reddit.com/r/modhelp/comments/ajtfez/tips_on_growing_your_subreddit/eeyxrim/

1. Network with smaller subs and advertise as much as possible in similar subs. You can just mention your sub casually in comment section as well.

2. Focus on gathering regulars. The sub I was working with took off after regulars started to generate contents everyday. Before that, you have to generate content on your own.

3. Crossposts tend to get people a lot. My sub sees a sudden growth when someone posts an article that has been posted in other subreddits as well.

u/Madbrad200 (Link[18]):

18: https://www.reddit.com/r/modhelp/comments/3ic9k1/how_do_i_go_about_growing_my_subreddit/cufuglp/

1. Find related subreddits (You can do so by going here[19] and entering a keyword. If you mod a book subreddit, typing "books" or "literature" is a good idea) and ask the moderators (Politely and professionally. Avoid being spammy) if they'd like to have a sidebar/wiki/sticky link swap (The latter two only if applicable). You could try asking if it'll be okay to make a post promoting it.

2. Crosspost to subs, preferably related, assuming the mods are okay with it. When posted, I advise adding a worthwhile comment that includes the link to your subreddit, so as to make it easier for mobile users.

3. See this list[20] of promotional subs and post to them. To get a free official ad, try r/subredditads. To buy an official ad, see this[21] page.

4. Make sure the description is rather descriptive to help it come up in Reddit searches.

5. Reach out to people you think could be interested in viewing the sub. Don't be spammy about this.

*Please do not expect that your subreddit will just automatically grow and attract subscribers without any effort on your part**. Most subreddits are grown through their creators'/moderators' labors of love and they have put a lot of work into making their communities successful.

19: https://www.reddit.com/subreddits/

20: http://www.reddit.com/user/Madbrad200/m/subredditpromotion

21: https://www.reddit.com/advertising/

Useful Links

Mod Help Center[22]
Basics of Moderation / FAQ[23]
Modiquette[24]
Moderator Discord[25]
Raerth's Moderation Guide[26]

Useful Subreddits

Please also see this subreddit's sidebar for a list of useful subreddits that may better fit your needs.

22: https://mods.reddithelp.com/

23: http://www.reddit.com/wiki/moderation

24: http://www.reddit.com/help/moddiquette

25: https://discord.gg/exJwjth

26: https://www.reddit.com/r/raerth/comments/f2xrr/raerths_moderation_guide/

r/RedesignHelp - for help with customizing the look of your subreddit.
r/modguide - a collection of searchable and indexed posts on topics covering all aspects of moderation.
r/redditlogos - request a custom logo.
r/Bot - a place to share bots and scripts that help moderators with their tasks.

Comments

Comment by TheNerdyAnarchist at 01/12/2019 at 03:40 UTC

72 upvotes, 5 direct replies

T H A N K

Y O U

Comment by Koof99 at 01/12/2019 at 03:52 UTC

8 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Ahh yes. Modguide. We appreciate the shout out :)

Comment by ladfrombrad at 01/12/2019 at 07:53 UTC

7 upvotes, 3 direct replies

Someone linked this the other day for finding related subreddits

https://anvaka.github.io/sayit/?query=math

Plug your subject(s) into the url[1] and it's pretty damn useful.

1: https://anvaka.github.io/sayit/?query=modhelp

Comment by One_Giant_Nostril at 01/12/2019 at 04:14 UTC

5 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Thanks for the quotage kung, thanks for the whole post.

Comment by SolariaHues at 01/12/2019 at 15:22 UTC*

3 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Thank you for mentioning r/modguide :)

~~We have a modding on mobile guide almost ready for posting!~~ It's here

Comment by BuckRowdy at 01/12/2019 at 04:55 UTC

3 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Are you going to send this to them with automod, or some iteration of it?

Comment by tePOET at 01/12/2019 at 05:30 UTC

3 upvotes, 1 direct replies

Just replying for future ref.

Thanks OP.

Comment by runs_with_unicorns at 01/12/2019 at 05:47 UTC

2 upvotes, 2 direct replies

Can you use a bot made for another sub?

To be more specific I mod r/climbergirls and r/climbing has u/MountainProjectBot

Comment by djbandit at 01/12/2019 at 08:17 UTC

2 upvotes, 1 direct replies

Thank you OP, and thank you for AssistantBOT.

Comment by Merkaartor at 01/12/2019 at 08:24 UTC

2 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Great! thanks :D

Comment by [deleted] at 01/12/2019 at 13:59 UTC

2 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Thonks

Comment by the_gifted_Atheist at 05/12/2019 at 22:54 UTC

2 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Yessss, these posts were getting annoying. I don’t come here often but usually when I do at least a third of the posts are some variation of these,

Comment by [deleted] at 22/12/2019 at 13:15 UTC

2 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Thank you for this, I was wondering how to add rules and such to my subreddit.

Comment by LambityLamb_BAAA7 at 20/03/2020 at 05:20 UTC

2 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Why the fuck is mobile even allowed to make a sub if the support is so bad?

Comment by redd1t_is_we1rd at 28/04/2020 at 15:20 UTC

2 upvotes, 0 direct replies

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I became a mod today and this was very helpful for learning some of the ropes of being a mod and what I can do now

Comment by webbersdb8academy at 26/11/2021 at 18:54 UTC

2 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Do I have to approve new members? I see a section in my moderator panel for approved members but I don’t see any place to approve them nor a list of who is on my sub. What up?

Comment by [deleted] at 01/12/2021 at 03:14 UTC

2 upvotes, 0 direct replies

How did I become a mod?

Comment by Comrade-Cameron at 03/12/2019 at 12:05 UTC

1 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Thank you for this post.

Comment by Lovesem2 at 04/12/2019 at 11:02 UTC

1 upvotes, 0 direct replies

I just made a community. I cannot find a way to edit anything on here. Why? When I go to the community I just made it seems like I’m just someone there and not the one who made it. What’s going on?

Comment by a-very-angry-crow at 05/12/2019 at 17:40 UTC

1 upvotes, 1 direct replies

Only being able to change your icon on desktop is stupid

Comment by YouCalledSatan at 05/12/2019 at 17:48 UTC

1 upvotes, 1 direct replies

I just made a new subreddit, and I can view and edit it just fine. My alt account can view it just fine, but the people I message to join it say they can't see it, even though it is public, can anyone help?

Comment by ThurmanatorOmega at 09/12/2019 at 18:02 UTC

1 upvotes, 0 direct replies

what about link subs where they arn't realy made to get original posts (example: r/monstermath )