Have you ever seen a post on Reddit and wondered how to crosspost on Reddit so it reaches the right audience?
That’s where crossposting comes in.
If you’re new to Reddit or social media marketing in general, crossposting might sound like a fancy term, but it’s really just a way to share content between different subreddits without spamming.
Done right, it can boost engagement, increase visibility, and drive traffic. Done wrong, though, it can harm your reputation on the platform.
Let’s walk through the what, why, and how of Reddit crossposting, keeping it simple and actionable.
What is Crossposting?
Crossposting on Reddit is when you share a post from one subreddit (Reddit’s version of communities) to another.
Instead of copy-pasting the content, you use Reddit’s built-in crosspost feature. This preserves the original post’s format and credits the original poster (OP).
Think of it as giving a nod to the source while sharing great content with a wider audience. It’s easy, effective, and Reddit-friendly – as long as you follow the rules.
For example, if someone shares a great recipe in r/food, and you think it’ll be a hit in r/recipes, you can crosspost it there. Simple as that.
Why Crosspost on Reddit?
Crossposting is more than just sharing content. It’s about building bridges between communities. Here are some key benefits:
Reach new audiences: Each subreddit has its own vibe and membership. Crossposting allows you to showcase content to new groups of people who might love it.
Drive engagement: By sharing relevant and valuable content, you’re likely to get upvotes and comments, and even win new Reddit followers.
Save time: Crossposting lets you share existing content efficiently instead of creating fresh posts for each subreddit.
Build authority: Sharing quality, community-specific content boosts your credibility on Reddit – especially if you’re consistent.
Stay respectful of Reddit etiquette: Spamming or reposting (copying the same content into multiple subreddits) can get you banned. Crossposting is the safe, approved method.
How to Crosspost on Reddit: Basic Reddit Crossposting Tips
Before diving in, here are some quick pointers:
Create a Reddit account: If you’re new, sign up for Reddit at reddit.com. Always choose a username that reflects your brand or personality.
Understand Subreddit rules: Each subreddit has its own set of rules, also called “posting guidelines,” which are usually listed on the sidebar or under the “About” section. Read them carefully before crossposting.
Engage first: Reddit is a community platform, not a billboard. Interact with posts, upvote, comment, and become an active member before you start sharing your own stuff.
Use the crosspost feature: Once on board, you can use the “Crosspost” button to cross-share valuable content. This ensures proper attribution to the original poster and avoids duplicate content.
How to Crosspost on Reddit; A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a detailed guide to help you crosspost on Reddit effectively:
Step 1: Find the original post
Locate the post you want to crosspost. It can be something you created or content from another Redditor. Make sure the post aligns with the interests of the subreddit where you plan to share it.
Step 2: Click the crosspost button
Once you’ve found a post and confirmed it’s allowed, click the three dots (…) under the post. In the menu that pops up, select “Crosspost.”
Step 3: Choose a target Subreddit
Reddit will prompt you to choose the subreddit where you want to share the post. Start typing the name of the subreddit, and it’ll pop up. Select the one you’re aiming for.
Step 4: Add a personal touch
Add a title or brief explanation to your crosspost. Why is this content relevant to the new subreddit? For example, if you’re sharing a tech review from r/technology to r/gadgets, you could say, “This deep-dive on the new smartwatch really nails the pros and cons.”
Step 5: Hit post
Review your post, make sure it follows the subreddit’s guidelines, and then click “Post.” That’s it! Your crosspost is live.
Pro Tips for Successful Crossposting
Crossposting is easy, but doing it well requires some finesse. Here are some industry best practices to consider;
1. Know Your Subreddits
Each subreddit has a unique culture. What works in r/memes might bomb in r/science. Spend time browsing and engaging before you post.
2. Time It Right
Posting when a subreddit’s most active – usually in the morning or early evening – boosts visibility. Reddit analytics tools like Later for Reddit can help determine the best posting times.
3. Be Selective
Don’t overdo it. Spamming the same content across multiple subreddits can annoy users. So, only pick the most relevant communities and limit your crossposting.
4. Add Value
Context matters, especially in tight-knit communities. Therefore, when crossposting, explain why the content is relevant to the new audience.
5. Engage in Conversations
Once your crosspost is live, stick around. Reply to comments, answer questions, and keep the conversation going. This shows you’re invested in the community.
Examples of Good Crossposting
Let’s look at a few hypothetical examples of cross-posting done right:
Scenario 1: A stunning photo of the Grand Canyon originally shared in r/EarthPorn gets cross-posted to r/Travel with the caption: “Planning a trip to the Grand Canyon? Here’s some inspiration!”
Scenario 2: A detailed guide on personal finance from r/Frugal gets cross-posted to r/PersonalFinance with the note: “Great tips for saving money on everyday expenses!”
Scenario 3: A funny meme from r/funny gets cross-posted to r/wholesomememes with the title: “Wholesome version of a classic joke.”
Mistakes to Avoid When Cross-posting on Reddit
Even experienced marketers make mistakes. Beware of the following Reddit cross-posting pitfalls;
Ignoring Subreddit Rules: Always read the subreddit rules. If crossposting isn’t allowed, don’t do it.
Overloading Subreddits: Sharing too many posts in a short period can come off as spammy.
Skipping Engagement: Redditors value interaction. So, take time to respond. Don’t just post and ghost.
Misjudging the Audience: Content that’s a hit in one subreddit might flop in another if it’s off-topic.
Not Crediting Creators: Always use the built-in crosspost feature to ensure proper attribution.
Advanced Cross-Posting Strategies for Social Media Marketers
For those using Reddit as part of a greater digital marketing strategy, here are some advanced cross-posting tips:
Use Reddit Analytics Tools: Tools like Reddit Insight or KarmaLab can help track the performance of your crossposts.
Experiment with Titles: A slight tweak in your title can make a big difference in engagement. Test what resonates with different communities.
Leverage AMA’s (Ask Me Anything): If your brand has expertise in a certain area, consider hosting an AMA in relevant subreddits and crossposting highlights to others.
Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with Redditors who have high karma and a strong presence in your target communities to crosspost your content.
Monitor Metrics: Track upvotes, comments, and traffic from Reddit to gauge what works and refine your approach.
How the Psychology of Reddit Communities Impacts Cross-Posting
Unfortunately, Reddit is not just another social media platform. It’s a unique ecosystem where communities are formed around shared interests, values, and goals.
Understanding the psychology of Reddit communities can take your cross-posting efforts to the next level.
Consider the following tips;
1. Reciprocity Matters
Reddit thrives on the principle of reciprocity. Before expecting upvotes or engagement, you need to give back. This can mean contributing meaningful comments, sharing helpful links, or simply participating in discussions.
2. Authenticity is Key
Reddit users are quick to spot and call out anything that feels disingenuous or overly promotional. Be genuine in your interactions, and make sure your posts don’t come off as “salesy.”
3. Embrace Subreddit Humor and Culture
Each subreddit has its own humor and language. For example, r/ProgrammerHumor might appreciate a joke about debugging code, but that same joke might confuse users in r/Startups. Learn the culture and tone before posting.
Case Study: How a Crosspost Went Viral
Last year, a Reddit user shared a time-lapse video of a butterfly emerging from its cocoon in r/NatureIsF***ingLit. The post gained moderate traction.
Recognizing its broader appeal, the user cross-posted it to r/WholesomeGifs with the caption: “Nature’s magic in action – wholesome and incredible.”
Within hours, the post exploded, gaining thousands of upvotes and comments. Why? Because it resonated perfectly with the target subreddit’s audience.
It was relevant, visually engaging, and aligned with the community’s interests.
How to Crosspost on Reddit: Final Thoughts
Crossposting on Reddit can be a game-changer for social media marketers and casual users alike. It’s an efficient way to share valuable content, grow your presence, and engage with diverse communities.
By following the steps and tips outlined above, you can maximize your impact while staying true to Reddit’s community-first culture.
Remember: The key to successful cross-posting is value. How does your content benefit the new subreddit’s audience? If you approach crossposting with respect and thoughtfulness, you’ll not only avoid the pitfalls but also build trust and authority on the platform. Happy posting!