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Knowledge Base > Reddit Marketing > Understanding the Different Reddit Ad Types
Reddit isn’t your typical social media platform, it’s a massive network of communities built around interests, ideas, and conversations. With over 500 million monthly users, it’s quickly become a goldmine for marketers who know how to approach it the right way.
But Reddit ads aren’t like ads on Facebook or Instagram. Each format has a specific purpose, tone, and level of community interaction. Understanding the different Reddit ad types helps you pick the right one for your goals, budget, and brand personality.
In this guide, we’ll break down every ad type Reddit offers, explain when to use each, and share simple tips to help your campaigns perform better.
Reddit is often called “the front page of the internet” for a reason. People come here to ask questions, share opinions, and discuss real experiences. Unlike other platforms that are full of passive scrolling, Reddit users are deeply engaged.
That engagement translates to attention, and attention drives results. According to Reddit’s internal data, users spend more than 10 minutes per session and actively participate in discussions rather than just viewing content.
For brands, that means you’re not advertising to silent observers, you’re joining a conversation.
Over the past few years, Reddit has quietly become a favorite among digital marketers for one big reason: trust.
People on Reddit tend to be skeptical of traditional ads but open to authentic, relevant ones that add value to their communities. If you create ads that blend in naturally, users are more likely to comment, share, and even defend your brand.
Reddit’s precise targeting tools also help you reach the right people by interests, subreddits, locations, and even device types. Whether you’re a startup looking for early adopters or a SaaS company targeting developers, there’s a Reddit community waiting for you.
Before you pick an ad type, be clear about your goal. Are you trying to build awareness, drive traffic, or increase conversions?
Here’s a quick match-up so that you can choose the right ad type:
Before diving deeper into each format, here’s a quick overview of all the main Reddit ad types and how they differ in purpose, placement, and engagement:
Let’s explore the main types of reddit ads one by one:
Promoted Posts look like regular Reddit posts but include a “Promoted” tag. They can feature text, images, or videos and appear directly in subreddit feeds or on Reddit’s homepage.
These ads perform best when written conversationally, encouraging genuine discussion instead of sounding promotional. Keep your tone friendly and headline engaging to drive organic interaction.
Best for:
Display Ads appear on Reddit’s sidebars or top placements, similar to banner ads. They’re perfect for gaining quick visibility across large audiences. Because Reddit’s layout is simple, bright visuals and minimal copy perform best.
Use clean, bold designs and test different banner sizes to discover what captures attention and delivers higher click-through rates.
Video Ads autoplay within Reddit feeds, instantly grabbing user attention. They’re perfect for storytelling, demonstrations, or tutorials.
Keep videos under 30 seconds, include captions, and lead with a strong hook in the first few seconds. Redditors value authenticity, so natural, relatable videos often perform far better than overly polished corporate ones.
Carousel Ads let you showcase multiple images or products in a swipeable sequence. Each card has its own image, headline, and link, creating an interactive experience.
They’re ideal for e-commerce brands or companies highlighting product variations. Consistent visuals and a clear flow make the carousel feel cohesive and engaging to users.
Conversation Ads encourage users to interact directly with your brand through polls, questions, or discussion threads.
They blend naturally into Reddit’s community-driven culture. To maximize engagement, respond promptly and genuinely to comments. This ad type strengthens brand credibility and helps gather useful insights from real users.
Takeover Ads offer the highest level of visibility by allowing your brand to control Reddit’s front page or a specific subreddit for a full day. They’re ideal for major campaigns, launches, or awareness pushes.
While expensive, they can generate enormous reach when timed around trending events or cultural moments.
Creating effective Reddit ads requires more than just catchy visuals or clever wording. Success comes from understanding the platform’s tone, respecting its communities, and optimizing your creative for performance.
Follow these key tips to make your campaigns stand out:
Every Reddit ad type has recommended size and format guidelines. Ignoring them can make your ad appear awkward, stretched, or even cut off. Proper sizing ensures your creatives load quickly and display cleanly across devices.
Recommended Specs:
Reddit users can quickly spot and reject traditional corporate marketing language. Instead of writing like an advertisement, it sounds like a real person sharing something useful. Keep your tone friendly, direct, and conversational. A touch of humor or honesty often resonates far better than polished marketing jargon.
Each subreddit has its own tone, rules, and moderation style. Some communities welcome relevant ads that add value, while others may downvote heavily if you misread the room. Always review subreddit guidelines before launching ads and adapt your messaging accordingly.
Reddit ads work best when they feel like part of the conversation, not an interruption. Each ad type Promoted Posts, Carousel, Video, or Takeover serves a unique purpose, but success depends on matching your message to the community’s tone. Authenticity and engagement matter more than polish.
When you listen, add value, and interact naturally, users reward you with trust and attention. Keep testing, refining, and joining discussions genuinely. Done right, Reddit becomes more than a place to advertise; it becomes a space to build lasting brand loyalty.
Useful Links:
Select an ad type based on your goal: Promoted Posts for content promotion, Video Ads for storytelling, Carousel Ads for showcasing multiple products, and Conversation Ads for interactive engagement. Always tailor your choice to your audience and objectives.
Reddit allows you to target users based on interests, subreddits, demographics, and behavior. This ensures your ads reach the right audience and increase the chances of engagement, making your campaign more effective.
Yes, Reddit allows you to target ads specifically to certain subreddits. This helps you focus on highly relevant communities, improving the relevance of your ad and ensuring it resonates with the right audience.
Focus on creating valuable content that resonates with your target audience. Use visuals or video to capture attention, and engage with users by responding to comments and fostering discussions. Tailor your messaging to match the tone of the subreddit.
Yes, Video Ads are highly effective for storytelling, showcasing products, or delivering detailed content. They are engaging and can help boost both brand awareness and conversions. Proper targeting ensures that these ads reach the right users.