Is Reddit safe? What you need to know in 2025

Reddit is one of the most popular places on the internet to talk about… well, pretty much anything. You can sign up with a nickname and jump into any community that catches your interest. But while it’s a fun and open platform, it’s not without risks.

To be honest, Reddit does raise a few red flags when it comes to privacy and security. For starters, its data practices are a bit murky. Reddit collects and uses your data to serve targeted ads and tailor your feed, and—more controversially—it's made a highly profitable licensing deal with a major AI company.

On top of that, Reddit isn't immune to bad actors. Some communities are filled with spammy links, phishing scams, or toxic behavior like harassment and bullying.

That’s why it’s important to know what you’re up against—and how to protect yourself. This guide breaks down the main threats you might run into on Reddit and gives you practical tips to stay safe while browsing, posting, or commenting.

What is Reddit

Reddit is a mix between a social media platform and an old-school forum, built entirely on user-generated content. If you’re signing up for the first time, you’ll pick a username—most people go with something anonymous—and you’ve got access to a massive online space made up of hundreds of thousands of smaller communities.

These communities are called subreddits, each focusing on specific topics or interests. This structure allows for a wide range of forums covering just about everything—from art and hobbies to political discussions and niche interests.

Posts are socially curated and promoted by site members through voting. The name "Reddit" is a play on the phrase "I read it," and users are known as Redditors.

Who uses Reddit today?

Recent data shows that Reddit tends to attract a younger crowd, with most of its users falling into the Gen Z and Millennial age groups. The average user is around 23 years old. In terms of gender, the platform skews male—about 60% of users are men, while around 30% are women, and roughly 10% identify otherwise.

In the U.S. specifically, nearly a third of men and about one in six women report using Reddit. But while it’s most popular among young men, the platform has a surprisingly diverse global audience, with communities that appeal to just about every background and interest.

How Reddit works

Reddit is made up of user-created communities where people share posts, comment on discussions, and vote on content. You can browse freely, but if you want to post or join the conversation, you'll need to sign up and join the communities you’re interested in.

Posts can include text, images, videos, or links—pretty much anything. Other users vote content up or down, and the most upvoted posts rise to the top. This voting system drives visibility and helps surface what the community finds valuable or interesting.

Reddit also uses a karma system—users earn karma points when their posts or comments get upvoted and lose points when they get downvoted. While karma doesn't give you special privileges, it's a rough measure of a user's reputation and activity level on the platform.

How Reddit communities function

Each Reddit community has its own volunteer moderators who set and enforce the rules. Since moderation is decentralized, rules can vary widely—what’s perfectly fine in one space might get you banned in another.

Some communities are huge and fast-paced; others are tiny and super niche. This flexibility gives Reddit its range and personality but also means there’s no one-size-fits-all experience.

Is Reddit safe to use?

Reddit is generally safe, as long as you follow healthy online habits and avoid threats. The platform itself does not pose inherent security risks; however, the open nature of user-generated content can harbor dangers.

Reddit’s security practices

Reddit employs a combination of technical safeguards and community-driven tools to help keep the platform secure. Here's a look at some of the key measures in place:

• Content moderation: Volunteer moderators play a crucial role in maintaining community standards by removing content that violates subreddit-specific rules.
• Mod tooling enhancements: Reddit provides tools like automoderator scripts, spam filters, and reporting dashboards to help moderators quickly and easily enforce rules.
• User reporting: If something feels off—like harassment or inappropriate content—you can report it directly to subreddit moderators or Reddit’s admin team.
• Data encryption: Reddit encrypts the data sent between your device and its servers, which helps keep your personal info safe from hackers trying to intercept it.
• Partnerships with threat intelligence firms: To combat malicious links and phishing attempts, Reddit collaborates with organizations like Google's Web Risk team. This partnership helps identify and block harmful URLs before they reach users.
• Bug bounty program: The platform encourages ethical hackers to report security flaws through its bug bounty program, rewarding them for responsible disclosures.
• Automated content warnings: The platform uses automated systems to flag content that may be graphic or not safe for work (NSFW), helping users avoid unexpected exposure to sensitive material.
• Security incident response team: Reddit has a dedicated team for detecting intrusions, breaches, and scammers and responding to them to either prevent or mitigate the damage caused by attacks.

Common risks of using Reddit

Reddit has taken a number of steps to keep its platform safe. But like any open, user-driven platform, it still faces challenges. Its decentralized moderation model, sheer size, and the anonymous nature of the user base create space for certain threats to slip through.Here's what you need to watch out for when using the platform:

Inappropriate content

Most of what you’ll see on Reddit is harmless, but the platform also hosts its share of inappropriate or harmful content. This includes things like adult material, cyberbullying, or extreme political views.

While Reddit has site-wide policies and moderation tools, most enforcement is handled by volunteer moderators at the community level, which means how strictly rules are applied can vary widely. Reddit admins step in for more serious violations, but the overall system is decentralized—so not all harmful content is caught right away.

Phishing scams

Despite Reddit’s work with threat intelligence partners like Google’s Web Risk team, phishing scams still show up across the site. Scammers may post malicious links or send deceptive direct messages to trick users into giving up sensitive data. These can lead to identity theft, account takeovers, or financial fraud.

Even Reddit itself has been targeted. In 2023, the platform experienced a phishing attack not against users, but against one of its employees. A hacker tricked the staff member into logging into a fake internal site, which allowed unauthorized access to internal documents and source code. Reddit reported that user data wasn’t affected.

Cyberbullying and harassment

Because Reddit allows for anonymous posting, it can sometimes foster toxic behavior. In certain communities, users may face targeted harassment, offensive comments, or even doxxing (when someone publicly shares your personal information without consent). This kind of behavior can escalate quickly, especially when group dynamics turn hostile.

Misinformation and echo chambers

Reddit’s upvote system can unintentionally amplify false or misleading information. When enough people agree with something—even if it’s wrong—it rises to the top and becomes more visible.

This can create echo chambers that reinforce false narratives and polarize communities. In extreme cases, this kind of groupthink can evolve into cult-like behavior or coordinated harassment campaigns.

Is Reddit Premium safe to use?

Reddit Premium is the platform’s paid subscription service. It removes ads, gives you access to the r/lounge subreddit (an exclusive community for Premium users), and provides a cleaner, less cluttered interface.

Is it safe? Yes, Reddit Premium is generally safe to use. Since it removes third-party ads, it lowers your exposure to ad-based tracking and reduces the risk of threats like malvertising (malicious ads that can harm your device or steal data). That said, this benefit isn’t exclusive to Premium—you can get similar protection with a reliable ad blocker.

At the end of the day, Reddit Premium is more about convenience than security. It doesn’t include any extra safety features beyond removing ads. If you’re looking for a smoother Reddit experience without the clutter, it might be worth it, but it’s not a must-have for privacy.

Is Reddit safe for kids and teens?

Reddit isn’t designed for young users. The platform hosts a vast range of content—some of it informative or entertaining, but much of it potentially inappropriate for minors. That includes explicit material, adult themes, toxic behavior, and cyberbullying.

While Reddit technically requires users to be at least 13 years old, there’s no real age verification—so younger kids can sign up with ease. Built-in parental controls are also limited, and filters to block mature content are far from perfect.

Even seemingly safe communities can shift tone quickly, and moderation varies widely. With minimal platform-level protections and a culture of anonymity, Reddit can expose kids and teens to interactions and material they may not be equipped to handle. Whether Reddit is appropriate depends heavily on your child’s maturity and how actively you're involved in their digital habits.

Read more: Find out whether other popular sites are safe for your kids. Our article covers Netflix, Facebook, and Instagram.

How to keep children safe on Reddit

Here are a few ways parents can reduce risks if their child is using Reddit:

• Have open conversations: Talk to your child regularly about their online experiences—what communities they visit, who they interact with, and how they handle anything upsetting they see.
• Use parental control tools: Consider third-party apps to block Reddit entirely or restrict access to harmful websites linked through Reddit. These tools often offer more reliable control than Reddit’s built-in settings.
• Stay involved: Depending on your child’s age, it may be appropriate to check their Reddit activity from time to time. Balance supervision with trust to keep communication open.
• Educate your family about online risks: Make sure everyone understands the risks of sharing personal information online and the importance of respectful digital behavior.

Keep in mind: each Reddit community has its own rules and tone. One group might feel totally safe, while a similar one could be full of harmful content. Don’t assume consistency—check each community your child joins.

It’s also a smart idea to follow general Reddit safety tips to further reduce risks for the whole household.

Is Reddit safe for privacy?

We’ve covered kids’ security, but is Reddit safe for adults? The platform offers a certain level of anonymity—but that’s not the same as privacy. You can post, comment, and message others without using your real name, and you’re not required to share personal details when signing up.

That said, Reddit is a very public platform. Unless you actively manage your settings and what you share, your posts and interactions can be seen by anyone.

Even though Reddit doesn’t demand personal info, anything you voluntarily reveal—whether in a post, comment, or profile—can be picked up by other users or indexed by search engines. And beyond what you share, Reddit collects data in the background to serve personalized content and ads.

Reddit’s licensing of user content to AI companies has also raised privacy concerns among more security-conscious users.

What data does Reddit collect?

Reddit collects two main types of data: the info you give it and the info it gathers automatically:

• User-provided data includes things like your username, email address, and anything you post—comments, messages, media, etc.
• Automatically collected data includes your IP address, device details, browser type, operating system, and behavioral data like what pages you visit, what you click on, and how you interact with the platform.
• Cookies and tracking tools are also used to monitor usage and tailor content and ads to your interests.

Reddit says it doesn’t sell your personal information, but it does share certain data with advertisers, partners, and AI companies through licensing deals. In general, if you don’t want something associated with you long-term, it’s best not to post it—even under an anonymous username.

How to stay safe on Reddit

Now that you know the risks, let’s look at how you can stay safe while using Reddit.

1. Follow essential safety tips

• Stick to reputable subreddits: Larger, well-moderated groups are generally safer. Avoid sketchy or unmoderated spaces where scams, harassment, or misinformation are more likely.
• Check user profiles before engaging: Be cautious when dealing with accounts that have very low karma, no post history, or were created recently. Scammers often use throwaways or impersonate public figures.
• Avoid clicking unknown links: Malicious links can redirect you to phishing pages or malware downloads. Hover to preview URLs before clicking, especially in unfamiliar or unmoderated posts.
• Don’t post personal information: Avoid sharing any personal information on Reddit. Even casually mentioning your location, workplace, or routine creates a trail that can be pieced together to identify you. It’s a good idea to keep multiple online identities separate.
• Report abusive content and scams: Use Reddit’s built-in tools to report scams, harassment, or harmful posts. If something feels off, flag it for moderators or admins.
• Limit third-party app use: Avoid logging into Reddit via unofficial apps or browser extensions. Even though many of these third-party apps are safe, using one greatly increases your chances of having your data or credentials stolen.
• Recognize Reddit culture: Each community has its own tone and rules. Some encourage sarcasm or trolling, while others are strictly on-topic. Lurk before posting to get a feel for the space—and steer clear if it seems toxic.

2. Protect your account

To ensure account safety, it’s important to follow good password practices and use Reddit’s built-in security features:

• Use a strong, unique password: Avoid reusing passwords across sites. A password manager like ExpressVPN Keys can help you create and store credentials safely. For generating strong passwords, you can also use the ExpressVPN password generator, which creates secure, random passwords directly on your device. Never share your login credentials, even with someone claiming to be Reddit staff.
• Enable two-factor authentication: Turn on 2FA in your Reddit account settings to add an extra layer of protection against unauthorized logins.
• Review active sessions: Check for unfamiliar devices in your Reddit settings under account activity. If something looks off, log out and change your password.
• Limit third-party permissions: Review which services have access to your Reddit account under “Connected Accounts” and revoke anything that you aren’t familiar or okay with.
• Always log out after sessions, especially on shared devices: If you’re using a public or shared computer, be sure to log out fully when you’re done. This helps prevent session hijacking, where someone could use your still-active login session to access your account without needing your password.

3. Use a VPN

Using a virtual private network (VPN) is one of the best ways to protect your identity on Reddit. A trusted VPN like ExpressVPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, making it harder for Reddit, advertisers, and bad actors to track you. It blocks third-party tracking tools that may follow your activity across Reddit and other sites. A VPN is especially useful if you post sensitive material and use public Wi-Fi.

Besides, a reliable VPN lets you safely access Reddit from anywhere—even on restrictive networks that might block access to certain social media sites.