Reddit Shadowban is a mysterious and often misunderstood issue. It’s a form of ban where a user continues to post and comment, but their content is invisible to everyone except themselves and the subreddit’s moderators.
This guide aims to unravel the complexities of shadowbanning on Reddit, how to check if you’re shadowbanned, and what you can do to get un-shadowbanned.
Reddit Shadowban Checking Tool
What is Reddit Shadowban?
Reddit Shadowban is the state where you can’t contribute new posts and comments on the platform. Although you can technically create posts and comment on them when you are shadowbanned, they won’t be visible to anyone except you and the subreddit’s moderators.
If you have been posting on Reddit and getting no upvotes, downvotes, or comments on your posts, chances are that you are shadowbanned.
A shadowban is different from a subreddit ban in that a shadowbanned user can still post and comment, but their submissions are sent to a subreddit’s spam queue, making them invisible to other users until approved by a moderator.
The user can still see their own submissions, so a shadowban is hard to detect.
Some subreddits can use AutoModerator to create a similar effect for a specific user. If you are shadowbanned, your user page will not be visible to others, but you can still see it. Contact the admins to reverse the shadowban.
On the other hand, a suspension is when the admins disable an account temporarily (hidden from other users) or permanently (with a suspension notice replacing the user’s page).
How to Check If You’re Shadowbanned
Use Reddit Shadowban Tester
The easiest way is just to use our Reddit shadowban checking tool at the top of this page. Simply type down your username and press the Check button to see whether it is shadowbanned or not.
Use Incognito Mode
The second easiest way to find if you’re shadowbanned is to open your post in incognito mode.
Open your profile link in the incognito browser window. If you can see it, you are not shadowbanned. If it says not found, you are banned.
If you can see the post’s title and body in incognito mode, you are not shadowbanned. On the other hand, you are shadowbanned if you can’t see the post in the incognito tab.
Post in r/ShadowBan
Visit the r/ShadowBan subreddit and create a new post. Wait for a few seconds, and the MarkdownShadowBot bot will analyze your account and respond to your post, showing your shadow ban status.
As of August 2023, this method is not working anymore. It’s because this subreddit is now closed.
Why does my Reddit account gets shadowbanned? How to avoid getting banned?
Reddit Shadowbans and suspensions on Reddit are different, and their specific reasons aren’t always clear.
However, adhering to the following guidelines can help you avoid these actions:
- Avoid Spamming: Posting spam links will result in an immediate shadowban.
- Advertise Responsibly: Don’t post ads for commercial products unless they are relevant and valuable to the subreddit.
- Diversify Your Content: Don’t post links only to your blog or anyone else’s; ensure a wide range of sources.
- Don’t Use a VPN for Account Creation: This can trigger a shadowban. If you are looking to get more accounts, simple buy Reddit accounts from us.
- Avoid Harassment: Don’t follow people around on Reddit or hassle them.
- Don’t Relentlessly Downvote Users: This behavior can lead to a shadowban.
- Avoid Mass PMs: Sending out mass private messages is not allowed.
- Be Careful with Bots: Don’t be a bot unless you’re extremely cautious and have admin approval.
- Avoid Repetitive Comments: Don’t harp on the same subject repeatedly.
- No Threats or Inappropriate Content: This includes death threats, child pornography, or non-consensual sexual material.
- Respect Admins: Don’t abuse or hassle the admins.
- Avoid Doxxing: Don’t post personal information about others or encourage doxxing.
- Avoid Vote Manipulation: Don’t ask for votes or respond to pleas for votes. It’s better to just use Reddit voting services.
- Avoid Nuisance Reporting: This can lead to a shadowban.
- Don’t Game the Voting System: Using multiple accounts for this purpose is not allowed.
- Don’t Return to a Banned Sub with Another Account: This is against the rules.
- Avoid Subverting Reddit’s System: Don’t use CSS to manipulate subscriptions or voting.
- Don’t Impersonate Others: Impersonation can lead to a shadowban.
- Age Requirement: You must be over 13 years old to use Reddit.
- For Moderators: Don’t respond to PMs related to moneymaking or promotions.
- Behavior Matters: If you’re disrespectful, admins may not give you the benefit of the doubt.
Additional Considerations:
- Read the Reddiquette: It can enhance your Reddit experience.
- Weak Evidence of Shadowban Triggers: Certain actions have weak evidence of causing shadowbans, such as using multiple alts in one subreddit, submitting links to several subreddits simultaneously, or accepting invitations to questionable subreddits.
tl;dr: Don’t spam, shill, doxx, brigade, stalk, game, or engage in inappropriate behavior.
How to Get Un-Shadowbanned on Reddit
Getting un-shadowbanned on Reddit is a challenging process.
Here’s a step-by-step guide If you want to give it a try:
- Verify Your Shadowban: Check our shadowban checking tool above to confirm that you are shadowbanned.
- Contact the Admins: Send messages to the admins, no more than one a week, but often enough to get a response. Include your shadowbanned username, request an explanation, and be respectful.
- Prove Your Innocence: If the admins were in error, find the posts/messages/comments in question and use them to prove your innocence. Take screenshots, underline key words, and send them as evidence.
- Persistence: Keep messaging the admins and don’t give up. It’s a process that requires patience and determination.
This is an example of the message you could send to the Reddit Admins:
Dear Reddit Admin,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to request assistance with my Reddit account, username: [Your Reddit Username].
Recently, I discovered that my account appears to have been shadowbanned. I have been an active and responsible member of the Reddit community for [number of years/months], and I am both surprised and concerned to find myself in this situation.
I have reviewed Reddit’s rules and guidelines, and to the best of my knowledge, I have not engaged in any behavior that would warrant a shadowban. I value the Reddit community and have always strived to contribute positively to discussions and subreddits.
I kindly request that you review my account and provide an explanation for the shadowban. If there has been a misunderstanding or if I have inadvertently violated any rules, I am more than willing to address the issue and take corrective actions.
I understand that maintaining the integrity of the Reddit community is paramount, and I fully support the measures taken to ensure a respectful and engaging environment. I assure you that my intentions have always been in line with Reddit’s community standards.
Please find attached any relevant information or evidence that may support my case. [Attach screenshots or links if applicable]
I would greatly appreciate your prompt attention to this matter, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
If you require any additional information or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Email Address].
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name] [Your Reddit Username] [Your Contact Information]
Several users have shared their success stories in getting unbanned. Some were unbanned within hours after messaging the Reddit Mods, while others learned their lessons and promised not to repeat the mistakes that led to the ban.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does a Reddit Shadowban Last?
Unlike account suspensions, shadowbans on Reddit last forever. You will have to raise an appeal to get rid of the shadowban.
How to Get Unshadowbanned on Reddit?
You can recover your shadowbanned Reddit by submitting an appeal. If you didn’t violate Reddit’s terms of service, the company’s support team will help you restore the account.
Is Reddit Shadowban Permanent?
It depends on how and why you got shadowbanned. If Reddit shadowbanned you for violating the company’s rules, the chances of getting your account back are low.
Conclusion
Shadowbanning on Reddit is a complex issue that requires understanding and careful navigation. By following the guidelines and tips provided in this guide, Reddit users can avoid being shadowbanned and take appropriate steps if they find themselves in this situation.
The process may be difficult, but with persistence and adherence to Reddit’s rules, it’s possible to regain full access to the platform.
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