To automate hiding read Reddit posts, enable a built-in automation feature in a browser extension designed for Reddit, such as Reddit Enhancement Suite (RES), and configure it to automatically hide items you’ve marked as read. This provides a hands-off workflow on desktop, with limited/no automation available on mobile.
Overview of automation options
- Desktop: Use Reddit Enhancement Suite (RES) to auto-hide read posts and keep your feed clean.
- Mobile: Automation is limited. Rely on app features like “Hide read” where available, or use a reader app with filtering options.
- API-based automation: Direct hiding via Reddit API is not officially supported for automation by most clients; official automation is typically limited to browser extensions and user scripts.
Desktop automation with Reddit Enhancement Suite (RES)
Install and enable RES
- Open your browser’s extension store and install Reddit Enhancement Suite.
- Reload Reddit to activate RES.
- Open RES options from the browser toolbar or Reddit’s user menu.
Enable “Hide read posts” and related features
- Navigate to RES Settings > Browsing (or similar, depending on version).
- Turn on Hide read posts or Archive/Hide read posts.
- Set a delay or frequency for auto-hiding, if available (e.g., hide posts after you scroll past them or after marking as read).
- Enable Auto-hide age if you want to hide posts after they’re marked as read for a certain time period.
How it works in practice
- Read or skip a post as you browse.
- RES marks it as read and hides it from your feed automatically.
- Your Reddit front page remains focused on new, unseen content.
Tips and best practices
- Test with a small set of subreddits first to avoid unintended hiding.
- Combine with a custom filter to exclude subreddits you want to keep visible.
- Periodically review hidden posts if you need to reference older content.
Mobile considerations for hiding read posts
Native app features
- Some Reddit apps offer a manual “Hide” or “Hide read posts” toggle in settings.
- Look for Feed preferences or Content controls related to read posts.
Alternative: third-party reader apps
- Use a Reddit client that supports content filtering and read-state handling.
- Configure a rule to hide content after it’s marked as read.
Pitfalls on mobile
- Automation reliability varies by app and version.
- Some apps may require manual confirmation to hide posts.
- Mobile automation may not sync perfectly with desktop RES rules.
Scripting and advanced automation (limited)
Personal scripts (where supported)
- Write a browser userscript that detects read posts and hides them via DOM manipulation.
- Use keyboard shortcuts or timers to trigger the script.
- Test in a staging profile to avoid data loss or UI breakage.
Important limitations
- Reddit’s API and official clients may not expose a “hide post” action for automation.
- Scripts can break with Reddit UI updates.
- Always back up your preferences before applying script-based automation.
Common workflows, examples, and pitfalls
Example workflows
- On desktop, read new posts in a subreddit and let RES hide already-read items automatically.
- Use RES to hide posts older than a chosen date if you only want fresh content visible.
- Pair RES with a custom filter to keep promoted posts or specific subreddits visible.
Practical pitfalls
- Accidentally hiding posts you wanted to revisit.
- Disabling automation temporarily during an important content binge.
- Relying solely on automation may reduce visibility of relevant discussions.
Troubleshooting quick checks
- Ensure RES is enabled and updated to the latest version.
- Verify the “Hide read posts” toggle is active in RES settings.
- Clear cache or reload Reddit if changes don’t take effect.
- Test with a single subreddit to confirm behavior before scaling up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does hiding read posts mean on Reddit?
Hiding read posts removes posts you have already viewed from your feed, so new content remains visible.
Can I automate hiding read Reddit posts on desktop?
Yes, by using Reddit Enhancement Suite (RES) and enabling the Hide read posts option in its settings.
Is there an official Reddit API method to hide posts automatically?
No, the official API does not provide a straightforward method to auto-hide posts; automation relies on client-side extensions or scripts.
Does RES work on mobile to hide read posts?
RES is a desktop browser extension; mobile automation depends on the mobile app features or alternative reader apps.
What should I do first to automate hiding read posts?
Install RES on your desktop browser, enable Hide read posts in the settings, then test with a small number of subreddits.
Can I customize how quickly posts are hidden after reading them?
Yes, if the extension offers delay or age-based hiding options, you can configure timing in the settings.
What are common pitfalls when automating hiding read posts?
Avoid hiding content you want to reference later; test settings first; keep backups of preferences; watch for UI updates breaking scripts.
Are there alternatives besides RES for automation?
Yes, some third-party apps or scripts can offer content filtering, but support and reliability vary by platform and version.