In response to last year’s API-related protests, Reddit has introduced new rules governing how community moderators can change the status of their subreddits. In 2023, Reddit’s API changes sparked a widespread backlash, causing a large number of subreddits to shift their settings from public to private or designate themselves as NSFW (Not Safe for Work) to disrupt advertising revenue on the platform. This move significantly impacted Reddit’s revenue streams as advertisers lost access to key audience segments.
To address this issue and prevent such disruptions in the future, Reddit has rolled out a system where moderators must submit formal requests when attempting to change a community’s type (public vs. private) or maturity rating (SFW vs. NSFW). The new rules are effective immediately and are expected to have the most significant impact on large communities, which are crucial for both content creation and ad exposure.
The Rule Changes in Detail
Moderators must now get approval from Reddit’s admin team before making lasting changes to community settings. This includes switching a subreddit’s status or changing its maturity rating. Subreddits under 30 days old or with fewer than 5,000 members can make these changes instantly.
For all other subreddits, an administrator will respond to change requests within 24 hours. Reddit has assured its users that it has enough human resources to manage this process around the clock, preventing delays that could disrupt community operations.
Moderators will still be able to impose temporary restrictions on posting and commenting—up to seven days—without seeking approval, allowing them to manage short-term situations like high-volume events or community disagreements. However, any permanent changes will require formal approval to prevent abuse of these settings.
Reddit’s post on r/modnews clarified that the changes aim to prevent disruption and rule violations, not suppress protests or dissent. The company also consulted its Mod Council, a group of over 100 subreddit moderators, to ensure the new policies meet the needs of the platform and its users.
To learn more about this topic, check out our Reddit Ads Manager Launches AI Tools for Better Ad Creation & Performance for deeper insights.
Impact on Marketers
For digital marketers, these changes represent both a challenge and an opportunity. Subreddits that turned NSFW or private last year impacted advertisers’ ability to reach key audiences. With the new rules in place, marketers can expect greater stability across the platform. Communities will face more oversight when altering their settings, reducing the risk of sudden shifts that could limit advertisers’ reach.
Additionally, Reddit’s more stringent control over NSFW designations could help ensure a safer environment for brands. Advertisers often steer clear of NSFW content to avoid associating their products with inappropriate material. With these changes, Reddit’s ad inventory may become more reliable, as fewer subreddits will be able to switch to NSFW status without oversight.
On the flip side, marketers targeting niche or specific audiences might find it more difficult to engage with communities that change their settings, as more hoops will need to be jumped through to access them. Marketers should consider this factor when planning Reddit campaigns, as it could impact ad visibility and engagement metrics.
Reddit’s latest policy changes aim to prevent the kind of platform-wide disruption that was seen during last year’s protests over API changes. While these rules introduce more control over subreddit settings, they also promise to create a more stable environment for advertisers. For marketers, this could mean more predictable ad performance and fewer surprises when engaging with Reddit’s vast and diverse user base.
Reddit is addressing concerns from both moderators and advertisers. This helps it manage its ecosystem and protect future ad revenue.
