Automate and manage Reddit content filters with built-in moderation tools and AutoModerator rules. These enable you to filter posts, comments, and user activity based on keywords, domains, flairs, and more, all from the sub’s Moderation Tools. Combined with browser enhancements like Reddit Toolbox or Reddit Enhancement Suite, you can extend filtering capabilities and workflow.
- Core tools for filtering on Reddit
- Reddit Moderation Tools (built-in)
- AutoModerator (auto-moderation rules)
- Reddit Toolbox (browser extension, optional)
- Reddit Enhancement Suite (RES) (browser extension, optional)
- How to set up content filters with AutoModerator
- Access and create a rule
- Common rule patterns
- Example rule snippets (conceptual)
- Best practices for effective filtering
- Define clear, high-signal keywords
- Combine multiple conditions
- Regularly review and update rules
- Test rules before enforcement
- Document policies for the mod team
- Pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Use cases and concrete scenarios
- Troubleshooting checklist
- Accessibility and compliance
Core tools for filtering on Reddit
Reddit Moderation Tools (built-in)
- Access via the Subreddit Moderation menu.
- Key features: post and comment approvals, keyword bans, user bans, flair-based filters.
- Use cases: block posts containing prohibited words, automatically remove low-quality links, require approval for new users.
AutoModerator (auto-moderation rules)
- A dedicated rule engine in Reddit Moderation Tools.
- Supports: keyword filtering, domain filters, user-based rules, flair conditions, and time-based actions.
- Use cases: automatically remove posts containing offensive terms, auto-approve trusted domains, auto-remove low-effort memes during specific hours.
Reddit Toolbox (browser extension, optional)
- Adds convenience for moderators.
- Features: batch operations, enhanced filtering views, quick access to common actions.
- Use cases: speed up mass moderation tasks, apply filters to multiple posts faster.
Reddit Enhancement Suite (RES) (browser extension, optional)
- Improves navigation and personal filtering.
- Features: custom filters in your feed, persistent keyword blocks in your own view.
- Use cases: tailor your personal Reddit experience, complement sub filters with client-side blocks.
How to set up content filters with AutoModerator
Access and create a rule
- Open the Subreddit Moderation Tools.
- Navigate to AutoModerator configuration.
- Create a new rule block with triggers (keywords, domains, authors, flairs).
Common rule patterns
- Remove posts containing banned words:
- Trigger: title or body contains specific terms.
- Action: remove, report to moderators, or rename.
- Filter by domain or link type:
- Trigger: links from disallowed domains or certain URL patterns.
- Action: remove or quarantine.
- Authority-based rules:
- Trigger: post by new accounts or users with low karma.
- Action: require approval or remove.
Example rule snippets (conceptual)
- If body contains "spamword" or "phishing", remove and notify.
- If domain is "examplebad.com", remove.
- If author is new and score is below threshold, flag for review.
Best practices for effective filtering
Define clear, high-signal keywords
- Use precise terms relevant to your community.
- Maintain a shared ban list to avoid over-filtering.
Combine multiple conditions
- Use AND/OR logic to reduce false positives.
- Example: remove posts that contain a banned term AND are from low-reputation users.
Regularly review and update rules
- Schedule quarterly audits of AutoModerator rules.
- Remove outdated terms and adjust thresholds.
Test rules before enforcement
- Use a test mode or a staging view to verify actions.
- Validate expected vs. unexpected removals.
Document policies for the mod team
- Keep a living guide of all rules and their intents.
- Assign owners for rule maintenance.
Pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Over-filtering: blocks legitimate content. Mitigation: start with soft actions (remove but notify) and monitor.
- Under-filtering: misses bad content. Mitigation: expand keyword sets and review flagged items.
- Rule conflicts: multiple rules triggering contradictory actions. Mitigation: test with edge cases and prioritize rules.
- Change management: untracked updates cause drift. Mitigation: maintain a versioned ruleset.
Use cases and concrete scenarios
- Community safety: automatically remove posts containing harassment terms.
- Spam prevention: block link farms and repeat-offender domains.
- Content curation: auto-approve posts from trusted domains or users.
- Flair-driven filtering: hide posts without required flair or with incorrect flair.
Troubleshooting checklist
- Check AutoModerator syntax validity.
- Verify that the correct subreddit permissions are in place.
- Review mod log for actions taken by filters.
- Confirm that user and domain lists are up to date.
- Test with representative sample content.
Accessibility and compliance
- Ensure filters align with platform policies and subreddit rules.
- Provide clear appeals for users who feel filtered content was wrongly removed.
- Maintain transparency by sharing filter criteria in mod guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What software helps manage Reddit content filters?
Reddit’s built‑in Moderation Tools and AutoModerator are the primary software for managing content filters.
What is AutoModerator and how does it help?
AutoModerator is a rule engine within Reddit Moderation Tools that filters posts and comments based on keywords, domains, authors, flairs, and more.
Can I use browser extensions to assist filtering on Reddit?
Yes. Browser extensions like Reddit Toolbox and Reddit Enhancement Suite provide convenience features that speed up filtering and offer client-side views.
How should I structure filtering rules to avoid false positives?
Define precise keywords, combine multiple conditions with AND/OR logic, and start with non-destructive actions to test rules first.
What are common filter use cases for subreddits?
Harassment and spam removal, domain-based link filtering, flair-based content control, and user reputation-based gating.
What are common pitfalls in content filtering?
Over-filtering, under-filtering, conflicting rules, and untracked rule changes.
How do I test AutoModerator rules safely?
Use a test mode or staging view, review sample content, and validate actions before applying to real content.
How can I document and maintain filtering rules?
Maintain a shared mod guide with rule intents, owners, and versioned updates for accountability and consistency.