How to Check for a Reddit Shadowban (and Avoid It)

A Reddit shadowban hides your posts from everyone but you. You can still post and comment, but no one else sees it unless a moderator approves. It’s like being invisible, and most users don’t even know it’s happening.

This guide explains how shadowbans work, how to check your status, and how to avoid getting banned in the first place.

What Is a Reddit Shadowban?

A shadowban is Reddit’s quiet way of limiting an account without notifying the user. Unlike a suspension (which locks your account), a shadowban lets you keep posting.

The catch? Your posts go straight to the spam filter.

Key traits of a Reddit shadowban:

• You can post and comment, but no one sees it
• Your user profile appears broken or missing to others
• You don’t receive any upvotes, downvotes, or replies

This isn’t the same as being banned from a specific subreddit. Shadowbans affect your entire Reddit presence.

How to Check If You’re Shadowbanned

Reddit doesn’t notify you if you’re shadowbanned.

But there are three simple ways to find out.

1. Use a Shadowban Checker Tool

The fastest method is to use a Reddit shadowban tester. Tools like Reddit Shadowban Tester we provided on top of this page or others checkers let you input your username and instantly see if you’re shadowbanned.

If the tool says your account isn’t visible or doesn’t exist, you’re likely shadowbanned.

2. Open Your Profile in Incognito Mode

• Log out or use a private/incognito browser window
• Visit your Reddit profile URL: https://reddit.com/user/yourusername
• If the page shows “user not found,” you’re shadowbanned
• You can also check individual post links to see if they appear when not logged in

3. Try r/ShadowBan (No Longer Active)

Previously, users could post in r/ShadowBan and get a reply from a bot confirming their status.

As of 2025, this subreddit is inactive, and the bot is no longer working. There are still users posting on this subreddit and asking the others to see if they are banned. But this method is just too complicated and taking so much time.

Why Reddit Shadowbans Accounts (and How to Avoid It)

Reddit doesn’t always explain why accounts get shadowbanned. But based on user reports and moderator practices, here are the most common triggers, and how to stay safe.

Behaviors That Can Trigger a Shadowban

Most Reddit shadowbans are triggered automatically by Reddit’s spam filters or reported behavior.

The Reddit admins don’t publicly list every trigger, but over time, the we have compiled a detailed set of actions that often result in bans.

Here’s the most complete, community-driven list of what not to do:

• Spamming links: Posting too many external links, especially to the same domain, triggers Reddit’s spam filters
• Self-promotion: Only sharing your own blog, YouTube, store, or product content without meaningful community interaction
• Using a VPN for account creation: Creating an account from a known VPN or datacenter IP is a red flag for ban evasion and spam
• Automated behavior: Using bots or scripts to comment, vote, or message without admin permission can lead to bans
• Mass downvoting: Targeting individual users or groups with excessive downvotes is flagged as harassment or vote manipulation
• Harassment: Following users across threads to provoke or insult them, even without threats, is a violation
• Mass private messages: Sending bulk DMs or unsolicited promos (especially with links) is treated as spam
• Vote manipulation: Asking for votes, using multiple accounts to upvote yourself, or coordinating votes is strictly forbidden. Only use trusted sellers like redditupvote.net.
• Inappropriate content: Includes death threats, hate speech, non-consensual sexual content, or anything involving minors
• Returning after a ban: Making a new account to bypass a subreddit or sitewide ban is grounds for immediate suspension
• Doxxing: Sharing private or identifying information (even links to other social media) without consent
• Impersonation: Creating usernames that mimic other users to mislead or confuse (e.g., using capital ‘I’ to mimic lowercase ‘l’)
• Being underage: Reddit requires users to be 13+. Accounts found under this age will be banned
• Repetitive posting: Harping on the same topic across subreddits, threads, or comments is seen as low-quality behavior
• Brigading: Joining vote campaigns or targeting another subreddit through coordinated activity is against Reddit rules
• Award manipulation: Giving yourself Reddit awards using another account is a form of karma gaming
• Mod invite abuse: Accepting moderator roles in questionable subreddits may associate you with bad actors
• Thread hijacking: Entering threads from modmail, meta subs, or external links and posting disruptive comments
• Fake activity indicators: Using CSS or misleading layouts in subreddits to trick users into subscribing or voting
• Using weak throwaway emails: Accounts registered with temporary or suspicious email domains may be flagged
• Not verifying email: Accounts created without verifying an email address can be auto-flagged by Reddit’s spam system

Best Practices to Avoid a Shadowban

• Post a mix of content: Link to various sources, not just your own
• Warm up new accounts slowly: Don’t post or comment immediately
• Join subreddits gradually: Avoid mass-subscribing
• Don’t use throwaway accounts to bypass bans
• Respect subreddit rules: Each subreddit has its own guidelines
• Avoid voting rings or karma farming schemes
• When in doubt, read Reddiquette and Reddit’s Content Policy

How to Get Un-Shadowbanned on Reddit

Getting un-shadowbanned isn’t easy, but it’s possible—especially if the ban was a mistake. Here’s a step-by-step approach that users have used to successfully appeal.

Step 1: Confirm the Shadowban

Use a shadowban checker or test in incognito mode. Make sure you’re truly shadowbanned before reaching out.

Step 2: Contact Reddit Admins

• Visit reddit.com/contact
• Select the “Appeals” or “My account has been suspended or shadowbanned” option
• Write a respectful message explaining your situation
• Include your Reddit username and any relevant post URLs

Here’s a message template you can customize:

Subject: Shadowban Appeal for [YourUsername]

Dear Reddit Admin,

I’ve recently discovered that my account appears to be shadowbanned. I’ve always aimed to follow Reddit’s rules and contribute positively.

If I’ve broken a rule, I’d appreciate the opportunity to understand what happened and make it right.

Please review my account and let me know what steps I can take to resolve this issue.

Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]

Step 3: Provide Proof If Needed

If the ban was a false positive, gather screenshots or post links to show that your activity was normal. Avoid sending multiple tickets in a short time. Once a week is enough.

Step 4: Be Patient

Reddit’s admin team is small, and responses can take days or even weeks. Persistence matters—but so does politeness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reddit Shadowbans

Is a Reddit Shadowban Permanent?

Yes, unless you appeal. A shadowban doesn’t expire on its own. You must contact Reddit admins to request removal.

How Long Does It Take to Get Un-Shadowbanned?

There’s no set timeline. Some users get a response within hours, others wait weeks. If you’re polite, patient, and explain your case well, your chances improve.

Can I Just Make a New Account?

You can, but if Reddit detects you creating a new account to bypass a shadowban, it may ban that one too—especially if you’re using the same IP, device, or behavior patterns.

What’s the Difference Between a Shadowban and Suspension?

• Shadowban: You can still use Reddit, but your content is hidden
• Suspension: Your account is locked, and your profile shows a ban notice

Are There Any Tools That Help Avoid a Shadowban?

• Use a Reddit account warming tool to simulate human activity
• Avoid posting links too quickly or frequently
• Buy aged Reddit accounts from reliable sources if you’re doing marketing

Conclusion

Reddit shadowbans are quiet but powerful. They don’t lock your account, they just make it invisible. That’s why many users don’t realize they’ve been banned until it’s too late.

Here’s the bottom line:

• Use a checker or incognito mode to test if you’re shadowbanned
• Avoid spammy behavior, link overuse, or automated tools without caution
• Contact Reddit admins respectfully if you believe you were banned in error
• Patience and clarity matter when appealing

If you rely on Reddit for outreach or marketing, prevention is your best tool. Warm up your accounts properly, post like a real user, and always follow subreddit rules.