What Is the Average Reddit Karma in 2026?

If you’ve spent any time on Reddit, you’ve probably noticed the term karma floating around. Karma is Reddit’s way of rewarding users for their contributions, and it plays a crucial role in determining how visible your posts and comments are. 

But what exactly is the average karma on Reddit, and how does it compare to what’s considered “good karma”?

In this article, we’ll dive into the average karma scores across different user types, explain how karma affects your reputation on the platform, and explore actionable strategies to improve your karma.

Let’s break it all down

What Is Reddit Karma?

Reddit karma is the system Reddit uses to measure a user’s contributions and reputation within the community. It is essentially a reflection of how much value your posts and comments provide to other users. 

Karma isn’t just a vanity metric – it plays a role in how you are perceived on Reddit. While karma does not directly affect your ability to post or comment, it does influence your credibility.

Karma is divided into two categories:

• Post Karma: This is earned when your posts, links, or content receive upvotes from other Reddit users. Every upvote increases your post karma score.

• Comment Karma: This is earned when your comments on posts are upvoted by other Redditors. Just like post karma, every upvote on a comment increases your karma score.

But remember, karma is not just about the quantity of upvotes; it also considers downvotes. Each downvote decreases your karma, which means that while karma can reflect the value of your contributions, it’s a combination of quality and engagement.

What Is the Average & Median Karma on Reddit?

One of the first things you might be wondering is: What’s considered the average karma on Reddit? The truth is, the average karma on Reddit can vary widely depending on several factors, including the user’s activity level, the subreddits they participate in, and how long they’ve been active.

Average vs Median Karma:

• Median Karma: The median karma on Reddit is low compared to what you might expect. In fact, most Reddit users have only 1 karma point. This is because most users are newcomers or casual participants who don’t engage deeply or consistently. As a result, their karma is typically low.
  
• Average Karma: The average karma is typically around 500–1,000 karma points, although this figure is skewed by power users with extremely high karma. Many users may have significantly less karma, especially if they don’t participate as frequently.

What Is Considered “Good” Karma on Reddit?

Now that we’ve covered the average and median karma, you might wonder, “What’s considered good karma on Reddit?” While there isn’t an official cutoff for “good” karma there are several milestones that users generally consider impressive.

1,000 Karma

Having around 1,000 karma is considered a respectable amount for active users. This means that you’re engaging regularly and contributing valuable content to the community.

5,000 Karma

Users who have accumulated 5,000 karma are typically trusted members of the community. They’ve contributed consistently, and their content is well-regarded across a range of subreddits.

10,000+ Karma

If you’re hitting 10,000 karma or more, you’re likely considered a power user or even a moderator in some communities. At this level, your contributions are highly visible, and you’re seen as an influential member of Reddit.

How to Increase Reddit Karma (With Practical Strategies)

Some subreddits offer a higher potential for karma due to their massive user bases and high engagement. Consider participating in the following:

• r/AskReddit: Known for its high engagement, this subreddit can be a great place to get karma fast by asking or answering interesting questions.

• r/TodayILearned: This is a great subreddit for sharing fascinating facts and getting karma from users who appreciate learning something new.

• r/Memes: Posting funny and relatable memes is a quick way to get karma, especially if your meme resonates with the community.

• r/AskScience: Providing informative and accurate answers to scientific questions can earn you karma while also establishing you as a reliable source.

Optimal Posting Times

Timing plays a significant role in how much karma you can earn. Reddit users are most active during the following times:

• 6 AM – 9 AM ET: Reddit experiences a surge in activity during these hours in the U.S., and posts made during this window often get a quick burst of engagement.

• 4 PM – 7 PM ET: Evening hours also see high engagement as users are winding down and looking for entertainment or interesting discussions.

Comment Strategies That Work

If posting isn’t your thing, commenting on other popular posts is another great way to accumulate karma. Here are a few tips for commenting successfully:

• Be early: Jump into popular threads early, as posts at the top of the comments section get the most visibility and upvotes.

• Provide value: Whether it’s humor, insight, or a helpful response, comments that add value are more likely to be upvoted.

Post Types That Gain Karma

Certain post types tend to attract more karma than others:

• Polls: Interactive content like polls tends to encourage engagement and conversation.

• Relatable Stories: Sharing personal or relatable experiences often resonates with users and generates karma.
  
• Data-Driven Insights: Posts that offer value, such as interesting data or useful resources, are often highly upvoted.

Common Misconceptions About Reddit Karma

There are a few myths that can mislead new users when it comes to karma. Let’s clear them up:

Myth 1: Karma Guarantees Visibility

While high karma can help increase your credibility, it doesn’t guarantee that your posts will automatically get more visibility. Reddit’s algorithm still considers factors like relevance, timing, and engagement.

Myth 2: More Karma Means Algorithm Boost

Having high karma might help increase your visibility, but Reddit’s algorithm also relies on other factors, such as engagement and post relevance. Karma alone won’t guarantee better ranking.

Myth 3: You Can Buy Karma

It’s against Reddit’s guidelines to buy karma or engage in karma farming. Trying to artificially boost your karma through manipulative tactics can lead to account suspension.

Myth 4: Downvotes Always Affect Your Profile

Downvotes do impact your karma, but they don’t always show up publicly on your profile. While they can decrease your karma, high-quality content will help you recover from any downvotes.

Conclusion

Reddit karma is more than just a number; it’s a reflection of your reputation and the value of your contributions. While the average karma may be low, it’s important to focus on quality and consistency to build your score over time. 

Whether you’re a new Reddit user or a seasoned participant, following the strategies outlined here will help you increase your karma and boost your credibility on the platform. The key is to stay engaged, post valuable content, and join conversations that matter to the Reddit community.

FAQs

Is 1,000 karma considered good?

Yes, having 1,000 karma indicates that you’re an active and trusted member of the Reddit community.

Does karma decrease over time?

No, karma doesn’t expire. However, deleted posts or comments will remove karma points.

How much karma is needed to post in r/[subreddit]?

Some subreddits require a minimum karma score to post (e.g., r/AskReddit requires at least 1 karma).

Is post karma more important than comment karma?

It depends on your goals, but both types of karma contribute to your reputation.

Useful Links:

1. What is karma?