Reddit flair, or tags, serve important functions like enhancing content visibility, organizing posts, and building trust within a subreddit.
If you’re using Reddit for marketing, knowing how flair operates can help you stand out and avoid mistakes that could make posts appear amateurish or spammy.
Let’s break it all down.
Article Summary
TL;DR: Reddit Flair
Reddit flair is more than just a visual label; it’s a tool that helps your content reach the appropriate audience while adhering to subreddit rules. Whether you’re sharing a meme, seeking assistance, or promoting something valuable, using the right flair makes your post easier to find, trust, and engage with.
Remember:
- Post flair shows the topic or format of your content
- User flair gives you a visible identity within a subreddit
- Moderators control what flairs are available and how they work
- Using the right flair can improve engagement and avoid removals
If you’re engaged in Reddit marketing or trying to enhance your presence on the platform, mastering the use of flair can be a simple yet significant step. If you’re uncertain about which flair to select, refer to the community rules or examine the top posts in that subreddit for guidance. Try to emulate what is successful, but always remember to add your own unique value.
What Is Reddit Flair?
Reddit flair is a tag or label added to a post or username within a subreddit.
There are two types:
- Post flair appears next to a post title and shows the type of content (e.g. “Discussion”, “Guide”, “Meme”, “Help”).
- User flair appears next to a username within a subreddit and can show roles, status, or personal info (e.g. “Mod”, “Founder”, “Mac User”).
User Flair
Post Flair
Every subreddit has its own system for managing flairs. Moderators decide what flairs are available, whether users can customize them, and if they are mandatory.
Why it matters:
- Flair helps users quickly scan for the type of content they’re interested in.
- Some subreddits require flair to keep the community organized.
- Filtering by flair helps marketers analyze what kind of content performs best.
How to Add Post Flair on Reddit
Using flair for your post may be optional, but in many subreddits, it is a requirement. Whether mandatory or not, appropriate use enhances your post’s legitimacy and can help it reach the right audience more quickly.
Here’s how to do it:
When Posting a New Thread
- Start a post in a subreddit that supports flair.
- Look for a button labeled “Add Flair and Tag” near the post title field.
- Click it, and choose from the available options.
- Hit “Apply”, finish your post, and publish.
If you don’t see the option, the subreddit might not use flair or might auto-assign it based on your post format.
After Your Post Is Published
Forgot to add flair? No problem.
- Visit your post.
- Below the title, click the 3-dots icon.
- Select Edit Post Flair from the list.
- Choose the new Flair.
- Click Apply.
Some flairs are mod-only. If you can’t select anything, you’ll need to wait for a mod to assign one or check the subreddit rules.
How to Add User Flair
User flair appears next to your username in a specific subreddit.
It’s often used to show your role (e.g. “Mod”, “Expert”), interest (e.g. “Apple Fan”, “Beginner Coder”), or other custom info.
How to Set or Change Your User Flair
- Go to the subreddit where you want the flair.
- On desktop, look at the right-hand sidebar under “About Community.” You’ll see “User Flair.”
- Click the pencil icon next to your name.
- Choose a flair from the list, or type your own if the subreddit allows custom flair.
- Click Apply.
On mobile:
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top right of the subreddit.
- Look for “Change User Flair” or similar under “Community Info.”
Custom Flair Rules
- Some subreddits let you write your own flair.
- Others only allow pre-approved options.
- Some don’t allow user flair at all.
Mods control these settings, so check the subreddit rules if flair options are limited or locked.
Example
In r/pcmasterrace, many users set humorous or hardware-related flair like “RTX 4090 Owner” or “Still on Windows 7.” It’s part of the culture, and it makes it easier to spot who knows their PC setup.
If you’re building a reputation or branding yourself, a clear user flair adds credibility and familiarity.
Common Types of Post Flair (and How to Use Them)
Post flairs are useful for organizing content and setting expectations.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of flairs and examples of their correct usage for improved visibility and compliance within the subreddit.
1. Discussion
Use this flair when you’re inviting opinions, exploring a topic, or starting a thoughtful conversation.
Examples:
- Is upgrading from a 1080 Ti to a 4070 worth it in 2025?
- What’s your unpopular opinion about the latest Windows update?
- Are Reddit ads actually effective?
2. Help
Use the Help flair when you need assistance, are troubleshooting an issue, or have a how-to question.
Examples:
- My Reddit videos won’t play on mobile, any fix?
- Subreddit banned my post instantly—how can I appeal?
- Can’t log in with 2FA enabled, what should I do?
3. Guide / Tutorial / Advice
Use this flair when sharing detailed information, steps, or personal recommendations that others can learn from.
Examples:
- Step-by-step: How I grew my Reddit account to 10k karma in 30 days
- Guide: Setting up a second monitor on Linux
- Tips that helped me avoid being shadowbanned on r/AskReddit
4. News / Update
Use this flair when sharing current events, announcements, or subreddit changes.
Examples:
- Reddit is testing a new voting UI on mobile (screenshots inside)
- Moderator update: New posting rules now in effect
- Meta introduces keyword alerts for all users
5. Meme / Humor
Use this flair when the content is meant to be funny, sarcastic, or a cultural reference. Many subreddits require memes to follow formatting rules.
Examples:
- A flowchart titled: Should I comment on this post? (No)
- Picture: My internet after I call customer support
- When your post gets 1k upvotes but no one clicks the link
6. NSFW
This stands for Not Safe For Work. Use it for graphic, adult, or disturbing content. Misusing it (or failing to use it when necessary) can get your content removed.
Examples:
- Graphic image of a deep injury (in medical subs)
- Adult-themed meme in a humor sub
- Candid photo thread in an edgy subreddit
7. Other subreddit-specific flairs
Many subreddits have their own unique flair systems tailored to the community.
Examples:
- r/buildapc uses tags like Completed Build, Build Help, and Part List
- r/fantasy has Book Discussion, Recommendation Request, and Spoiler
- r/entrepreneur uses Case Study, Feedback Request, and AMA
Flair isn’t just about organization—it also shapes first impressions. Use it to show you’re posting with intention.
