Reddit backlinks can be some of the most powerful links you can earn for free.
When done right, Reddit not only gives your site high-authority dofollow backlinks, it also sends real traffic from engaged users.
Here’s how to get those backlinks properly, without spam or guesswork.
TL;DR: How to earn Reddit Do-follow Backlinks
Most Reddit links start out as nofollow. But if your post gets enough upvotes or engagement, the nofollow tag is removed, turning your link into a dofollow backlink. These links pass real SEO value (“link juice”) from Reddit’s massive domain authority, and can drive traffic too.
There are two main methods: text post backlinks (with engagement) and gallery posts (image-based) that allow anchor-text links by default.

Types of Reddit Backlinks
Reddit has two link types: nofollow and dofollow.
By default, every link you post is marked nofollow. That means it won’t pass SEO value. This is Reddit’s way of protecting itself from spam.
However, under the right conditions, a nofollow link can convert into a dofollow link.
Here’s how each works:
- Nofollow: These links include
rel="nofollow"
in the HTML. They don’t pass link juice and don’t help with SEO directly. You’ll see this on most new posts, especially those without engagement. - Dofollow: Once your post or comment gets enough upvotes or discussion, Reddit removes the
nofollow
tag from your link. This makes it a standarddofollow
link, capable of influencing your site’s SEO and rankings.

How to Check Link Type
To see if your Reddit link is dofollow:
- Open your post in a browser
- Right-click the link and select “Inspect”
- In the HTML code, look for the
rel
attribute
If you see:
rel="noopener nofollow ugc"
→ It’s still nofollow- No
nofollow
present → It’s now dofollow

How to Create Dofollow Links on Reddit
There are two proven methods to get dofollow links on Reddit: the normal text post method and the gallery post method. Both work, but serve different purposes.
1. The Text Post Method (With Upvotes)
This is the traditional approach.
- Find a relevant subreddit for your niche
- Create a text post and naturally include your link in the body
- Write something useful, informative, or interesting to avoid removal
- Once posted, upvote the post manually or use a service like redditupvote.net to push it past Reddit’s trust threshold (around 50 upvotes often works)
After enough upvotes:
- Your link becomes dofollow immediately.
- The post may also rank in Google and drive long-term traffic
Pro tip: You can use high-karma Reddit accounts to reduce the chance of your post getting filtered or flagged.
2. The Reddit Gallery (Image Post) Method
Reddit’s image gallery feature lets you upload multiple images, and with it comes a hidden link placement trick.
How it works:
- Create a post using the Image or Gallery post type
- Upload at least 2 images. 1 image does not work.
- Press Edit Image.
- In the image captions, you’ll see an option to insert text and links (with anchor text)

Why it’s powerful:
- These links are immediately dofollow
- They appear clean, contextual, and embedded in user-visible text
- They work across most subreddits that allow image posts
As long as the post isn’t deleted by moderators, your link remains dofollow and can drive targeted traffic.

Why Reddit Backlinks Are So Valuable
Reddit backlinks are different from the usual comment spam or low-tier directory links.
Here’s why they stand out:
- Massive Domain Authority: Reddit’s domain (reddit.com) has one of the highest authority scores on the web. When you earn a dofollow link from Reddit, you’re tapping into that trust and passing it to your site.
- Real Traffic: Unlike other platforms where backlinks sit idle, Reddit users actively click links. A well-placed link in the right subreddit can send thousands of visits-even if the SEO value wasn’t your goal.
- Trust: Reddit posts often appear on the first page of Google. That means links within those posts can continue to pass value and traffic for months or years.
- Free and Scalable: You don’t need a budget to get started. With smart subreddit targeting and quality content, anyone can post and earn links. And once you’ve figured out what works, you can repeat the process at scale.
Final Tips for Success
Reddit rewards real contributors, not spammy link drops.
To get consistent dofollow backlinks and real traffic, follow these best practices:
- Use Aged Accounts: Avoid using brand-new accounts. High-karma or aged Reddit accounts are less likely to get flagged or filtered.
- Match the Subreddit’s Tone: Read subreddit rules and study top posts. Make sure your content fits the community’s style and interests.
- Limit Your Links: Post one link per post. Keep it natural and helpful. Multiple links in a post can trigger spam filters.
- Choose Natural Anchor Text: If you’re using a Reddit Gallery post, add links with anchor text that feels organic. Don’t force exact-match keywords. It’s better to just use your raw domain name as the source.
- Avoid Overposting: Spread your posts out. Don’t post in many subreddits at once. That’s a red flag for Reddit’s spam detection.
- Track Performance
Monitor which subreddits and content types get you traffic or dofollow status. Use this to refine and repeat your most effective strategies. - Respect Moderators: Every subreddit is moderated independently. Avoid getting banned by following each community’s specific posting rules.