12 Prompts for Writing Reddit Ad Copy

** Why Reddit Ad Copy Needs a Different Approach**

Reddit isn’t like other social platforms. You can’t just copy-paste your Facebook ad and expect it to work. In fact, most marketers who try that end up with crickets—or worse, downvotes. Why? Because Redditors have a sixth sense for detecting ads that feel fake, pushy, or out of touch.

Here’s the hard truth: Reddit users ignore (or actively hate) traditional marketing. A 2023 study found that 78% of Redditors skip ads that sound too corporate, and 62% have downvoted a post just because it felt like an ad. Even worse? Reddit’s ad review team rejects about 1 in 4 submissions for being “too promotional.” That’s a lot of wasted time and money.

The Uncanny Valley of Reddit Ads

Some brands try to fake it. They stuff their copy with slang like “based” or “L + ratio,” or they force a joke that falls flat. The result? A post that screams “I’m trying too hard to be cool.” Redditors see right through it.

Take this real example from a failed campaign:

“Hey guys! We’re a revolutionary SaaS tool that will 10X your productivity! Use code REDDIT20 for 20% off!”

The problem? It sounds like a robot wrote it. No Redditor talks like that. Compare it to an organic post that actually got upvotes:

“I built this tool to stop my own procrastination. It’s janky, but it works. Try it if you hate yourself as much as I do.”

See the difference? The second one feels human. It’s self-deprecating, honest, and even a little messy—just like real Reddit.

What Makes Reddit Ad Copy “Native”?

Good Reddit ads don’t look like ads. They blend in by:

• Being brutally honest (even about flaws)
• Using niche humor (inside jokes for specific subreddits)
• Avoiding hype (no “game-changing” or “revolutionary” claims)
• Talking like a real person (contractions, slang, typos—yes, typos)

A great example? A small VPN company ran an ad in r/privacy that said:

“Our VPN isn’t the fastest. But it’s open-source, and we don’t log your data. If that’s not your thing, here’s a list of alternatives.”

It got 500+ upvotes and a 12% CTR—way above the average for Reddit ads.

Who Is This Guide For?

If you’re a marketer, small business owner, or content creator struggling with Reddit ads, this guide is for you. Maybe you’ve tried running ads before and got ignored. Maybe you’re scared of wasting your budget. Or maybe you just don’t know where to start.

These 12 prompts will help you write copy that feels like it belongs on Reddit—not like an ad. You’ll save time, avoid rejections, and actually get clicks. Ready to stop guessing and start writing like a Redditor? Let’s dive in.

Understanding Reddit’s Culture: The Rules of Engagement

Reddit isn’t like other social media platforms. It’s not a place for polished ads or fake enthusiasm. If you try to sell here like you would on Instagram or Facebook, users will see right through it—and they won’t like it. Reddit is a community first, a business platform second. To write ads that work, you need to understand how Redditors think, what they value, and what they hate.

Why Redditors Distrust Ads (And How to Fix It)

Reddit users are skeptical of advertising. A 2022 survey found that 78% of Redditors trust user-generated content more than brand ads. Compare that to Facebook, where only 53% feel the same way. Why? Because Reddit is built on anonymity and real conversations. People come here to talk, not to be sold to.

Ads that feel too corporate or salesy get downvoted fast. For example, a recent ad for a productivity app used phrases like “Revolutionize your workflow today!” and got buried under negative comments. Redditors called it “cringe” and “obviously written by a marketer.” Meanwhile, an ad for a small coffee brand that said “We’re just a couple of friends trying to make decent coffee—try it if you want” got upvoted and even sparked a discussion.

The lesson? Redditors want honesty, not hype.

What Reddit Hates in Ads (And How to Avoid It)

Reddit has its own language, and if you don’t speak it, your ad will stick out like a sore thumb. Here’s what to avoid:

• Overly polished language – Phrases like “unlock your potential” or “experience the difference” sound fake. Redditors prefer straightforward talk.
• Emoji spam – One or two emojis might work in a casual post, but a wall of 🔥🚀💯 looks like spam.
• Excessive punctuation – “Get 50% OFF NOW!!!” screams “ad.” “Get 50% off if you want” feels more natural.
• Fake enthusiasm – Redditors can spot forced excitement. If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it in an ad.

A great example of what not to do comes from a recent ad for a VPN service. The copy read: ”🚀 PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY TODAY!!! 🚀 The #1 VPN in the WORLD!!! 🔒🔥” It got downvoted into oblivion. Meanwhile, a competitor’s ad said: “We’re not the best VPN, but we’re pretty good. Try it if you’re curious.” That one got engagement.

What Reddit Loves (And How to Mimic It)

So, what does work on Reddit? A few key things:

• Self-aware humor – Redditors love ads that don’t take themselves too seriously. For example, a gaming chair ad that said “We’re not saying this chair will make you a pro gamer, but it might help you sit like one” got laughs and clicks.
• Niche references – If you’re advertising in r/Frugal, talk about saving money. If you’re in r/Gaming, reference memes or inside jokes. A fast-food ad in r/Frugal that said “We know you’re here to save money, but sometimes you deserve a $1 burger” performed well because it spoke the subreddit’s language.
• Transparency – Redditors respect honesty. A small business owner who posted “I make handmade candles—here’s a discount if you want to try one” got way more engagement than a big brand’s polished ad.

Subreddit-Specific Nuances: How to Tailor Your Approach

Not all subreddits are the same. What works in r/Entrepreneur won’t work in r/Frugal or r/Gaming. Here’s a quick guide:

Subreddit	What Works	What to Avoid
r/Entrepreneur	Data-driven insights, success stories	Overly salesy pitches, vague advice
r/Frugal	Practical tips, real cost breakdowns	Luxury products, “treat yourself” ads
r/Gaming	Memes, inside jokes, casual tone	Corporate jargon, forced hype

For example, an ad in r/Entrepreneur might say: “I grew my side hustle to $10K/month—here’s how I did it (and how you can too).” In r/Frugal, it could be: “I saved $200 on groceries this month—here’s my exact shopping list.” And in r/Gaming: “Our new game is out! (No, it’s not pay-to-win, we promise).”

The Bottom Line

Reddit isn’t a place for hard selling. It’s a place for real conversations, humor, and honesty. If you want your ads to work, you need to write like a Redditor—not a marketer. That means ditching the corporate speak, embracing self-awareness, and tailoring your message to each subreddit.

The good news? Once you get it right, Redditors can be some of the most engaged and loyal customers out there. So take the time to understand the culture, and your ads will stand out—for all the right reasons.

The 12 Prompts: How to Write Reddit Ads That Don’t Suck

Reddit users can smell a sales pitch from a mile away. They scroll past ads like they’re dodging spoilers for their favorite show—fast and without mercy. But here’s the thing: Reddit does work for ads. You just have to talk like a real person, not a corporate robot.

These 12 prompts will help you write ads that feel like they belong on Reddit. No emoji spam. No fake hype. Just honest, engaging copy that actually gets clicks. Let’s break them down.

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1. The “I’m Just a Person” Opener

Reddit is full of real people sharing real stories. So why should your ad sound like it was written by a committee? The best Reddit ads start with a human touch.

How to do it:

• Use first-person language: “I run a tiny Etsy shop and…”
• Share a relatable struggle: “I spent years trying to fix [problem] before I finally…”
• Keep it casual: “Look, I’m not a marketer—I’m just someone who…”

First-person vs. third-person?

• First-person feels more authentic (great for small brands or personal stories).
• Third-person works better for established companies (but still keep it conversational).

Example: ❌ “Our revolutionary product helps busy professionals save time!” ✅ “I built this because I was tired of wasting hours on [task]—here’s how it works.”

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2. The Self-Deprecating Hook

Reddit loves humor, especially when it’s at the brand’s expense. Admitting flaws makes you more trustworthy.

Why it works:

• People respect honesty.
• It disarms skepticism.
• It makes your ad feel like a post, not an ad.

How to balance humor and credibility:

• Don’t overdo it—one funny line is enough.
• Follow up with a real benefit.
• Avoid sounding like you’re trying too hard.

Case study: A failed product launch turned into a viral ad when the founder posted: “We messed up. Here’s what went wrong—and how we fixed it.” The post got 10x more engagement than their usual ads.

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3. The “No BS” Value Proposition

Reddit hates hype. If your ad sounds like a late-night infomercial, it’s dead on arrival.

How to cut through the noise:

• Be direct: “This isn’t for everyone, but if you [specific need], it might help.”
• Compare before/after: “Most tools do X. Ours does Y.”
• Avoid superlatives: “Best ever!” → “Works for me—here’s why.”

Example: ❌ “The #1 solution for [problem]!” ✅ “It’s not perfect, but it’s the only thing that worked for me.”

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4. The Niche Reference

Reddit is made up of thousands of tiny communities. Drop a reference to a specific subreddit, and you’ll instantly connect with the right people.

How to do it:

• Mention a subreddit: “For the r/MechanicalKeyboards crowd…”
• Reference a meme or inside joke: “If you’ve ever rage-quit [task], this is for you.”
• Use Reddit search operators to find trending topics.

Tools to find niche references:

• Reddit’s search bar (try “site:reddit.com [keyword]” in Google).
• Subreddit analytics tools like SubredditStats.

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5. The “I Tried X So You Don’t Have To” Review

Reddit thrives on user-generated content. So why not make your ad sound like a review?

How to structure it:

1. Problem: “I wasted $200 on [bad solution] before I found this.”
2. Solution: “Here’s what actually worked.”
3. Honest take: “It’s not perfect, but it’s the best I’ve tried.”

Example: “I tested 5 different [products]—here’s the one I kept.”

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6. The “This Is for a Specific Type of Person” Filter

Exclusivity works. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, speak directly to your ideal customer.

How to do it:

• Use phrases like: “If you’re the kind of person who…”
• Call out a specific pain point: “Hate [common frustration]? This might help.”
• A/B test different angles to see what resonates.

Example: ❌ “Great for everyone!” ✅ “For people who hate [common problem]—this is for you.”

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7. The “Here’s What Happened When I Did Y” Story

Stories sell. People remember them. And on Reddit, they get upvoted.

How to tell a good story in an ad:

• Keep it short (3-4 sentences max).
• Focus on the transformation: “I went from [problem] to [solution].”
• End with a clear CTA: “Here’s how you can try it.”

Case study: A SaaS ad went viral with: “I used this tool for 30 days—here’s what happened.” The post got 5x more clicks than their usual ads.

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8. The “I Know This Sounds Weird, But…” Disclaimer

If your product is unconventional, acknowledge it upfront. Reddit respects honesty.

How to use this:

• Start with: “I know this sounds weird, but…”
• Explain the benefit: “…it actually works for [specific use case].”
• Give proof: “Here’s how it helped [real person].”

Example: “I sell socks with pockets—yes, really. Here’s why you might want them.”

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9. The “Ask Me Anything” CTA

Reddit loves conversations. Turn your ad into one.

How to do it:

• End with: “AMA about [topic].”
• Respond to comments (even the critical ones).
• Avoid sounding salesy—just be helpful.

Example: “We just launched [feature]. AMA about how it works!“

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10. The “This Is for People Who Hate [Common Thing]” Angle

Tap into subreddit frustrations. People love solutions to things they hate.

How to do it:

• Call out a common pain point: “If you hate [problem], this might help.”
• Offer a solution: “Here’s what we built instead.”
• Avoid backlash by keeping it constructive.

Example: “If you hate subscription services, here’s a one-time purchase option.”

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11. The “I’m Not a Marketer, I’m a [Role]” Authenticity Play

Pretending to be a “regular user” can backfire. But being honest about your role? That works.

How to do it right:

• Be transparent: “I’m the founder, and here’s why I built this.”
• Share your real motivation: “I was frustrated with [problem], so I fixed it.”
• Avoid sounding like a shill.

Example: ❌ “As a satisfied customer…” ✅ “I’m the guy who made this—here’s why.”

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12. The “Here’s the Catch” Transparency Hook

Admitting limitations builds trust. Reddit users appreciate honesty.

How to frame downsides as upsides:

• Start with: “It’s not perfect, but…”
• Explain the trade-off: “…it’s the only thing that does [key benefit].”
• Give proof: “Here’s how it worked for [real person].”

Example: “It’s ugly, but it works. Here’s why 1,000+ people use it.”

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Final Tip: Test, Tweak, Repeat

Reddit ads aren’t set-and-forget. Try one prompt, see how it performs, then adjust. The best ads feel like they were written by a real person—because they were.

Which prompt will you try first?

How to Test and Refine Your Reddit Ad Copy

You wrote what you thought was perfect Reddit ad copy. It’s funny, it’s honest, it doesn’t scream “AD!”—but the clicks aren’t coming. What now? Testing and refining isn’t just about tweaking a word here or there. It’s about figuring out what Redditors actually respond to, not what you think they’ll like.

The truth? Even the best copywriters don’t get it right on the first try. The difference is they test, learn, and adjust fast. Here’s how to do it without wasting time or money.

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Start with the Biggest Levers: What to Test First

Not all changes are equal. Some tweaks move the needle; others barely register. Focus on these three things first—they’re the ones that usually make the biggest difference:

1. Headlines – This is the first (and sometimes only) thing people see. A good headline stops the scroll. A bad one gets ignored.

   • Example: Instead of “Try Our New Product!” try “I tried this for a week—here’s why I’m never going back.”
   • Test different angles: curiosity, humor, pain points, or social proof.

2. Call-to-Action (CTA) – Redditors hate feeling sold to. A pushy CTA (“BUY NOW!”) will get downvoted into oblivion.

   • Better options:
     • “I’m curious—does this work for you too?”
     • “Anyone else deal with [problem]? Here’s what helped me.”
     • “Not sure if this is for you? Try it risk-free.”

3. Tone – Too corporate? Too try-hard funny? Too vague? Redditors can spot inauthenticity from a mile away.

   • Test variations:
     • Self-deprecating (“I’m bad at [thing], so I made this”)
     • Direct (“This isn’t for everyone—just people who [specific need]”)
     • Story-driven (“How I went from [problem] to [solution] in 3 days”)

Pro tip: Run A/B tests on one element at a time. If you change the headline and the CTA, you won’t know which one worked.

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How to Track What’s Working (Without Guessing)

Reddit’s Ads Manager gives you basic metrics—clicks, impressions, CTR—but it won’t tell you why an ad flopped. Here’s how to dig deeper:

• Reddit Ads Manager – Check:

  • CTR (Click-Through Rate) – If it’s below 0.5%, your ad isn’t grabbing attention.
  • Engagement rate – Are people upvoting, commenting, or just scrolling past?
  • Conversion rate – If people click but don’t buy, your landing page might be the problem.

• Third-party tools – If you’re running ads on multiple platforms, tools like Google Analytics or Hotjar can show:

  • Where people drop off after clicking.
  • How long they stay on your site.
  • Whether they actually convert.

• Reddit comments – This is gold. If people are calling your ad “spam” or “cringe,” you’ll know fast. If they’re asking questions or sharing their own experiences, you’re on the right track.

Common mistake: Only looking at clicks. A high CTR with zero conversions means your ad is misleading—or your offer isn’t compelling enough.

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When to Pivot (And When to Kill an Ad)

Not every ad is salvageable. Here’s how to know when to fix it—and when to walk away:

✅ Quick fixes (try these first):

• The headline is boring → Make it more specific or add curiosity.
• The CTA is too salesy → Soften it or make it a question.
• The tone feels off → Adjust to match the subreddit’s vibe.

❌ Signs it’s time to kill the ad:

• Low engagement (few upvotes, no comments) – Redditors are ignoring it.
• Downvotes or “spam” comments – They see it as an ad, not a post.
• High clicks, no conversions – The ad works, but the offer doesn’t.
• It’s been running for 3+ days with no improvement – If tweaks aren’t helping, it’s time to try something new.

Pro tip: If an ad isn’t working, don’t just tweak it—rewrite it from scratch. Sometimes a fresh angle is all it takes.

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The Biggest Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

1. Over-optimizing for humor – Redditors love humor, but if it doesn’t fit your brand, it’ll feel forced.
   • Fix: Only use

4. Case Studies: Reddit Ads That Worked (And Why)

Reddit ads don’t work like Facebook or Instagram ads. You can’t just slap on a flashy image and a “BUY NOW” button. Redditors see right through that. They want honesty, humor, and something that feels like it was written by a real person—not a corporate robot.

So what actually works? Let’s look at four real examples where brands got it right. These aren’t just random success stories—they show exactly how to use Reddit’s culture to your advantage.

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Case Study 1: The “I’m a Small Business Owner” Ad

A handmade jewelry brand was struggling to stand out on Facebook. Their ads were getting lost in the noise, and their conversion rates were stuck at 1.2%. Then they tried Reddit.

Instead of a polished ad, they used Prompt 1 (“I’m just a [your role] trying to [solve X problem]”) and wrote something like this:

“Hey r/ShopSmall, I’m Sarah, and I make jewelry in my garage. I’m not a big brand—I just love making things people actually wear. My bestseller is this minimalist bracelet, and I’m running a 20% off sale this week. No fancy marketing, just good stuff at a fair price. If you’re into that, check it out.”

The results?

• 3X higher conversions (from 1.2% to 3.7%)
• Lower cost per click (Redditors clicked because it felt real)
• More engagement (people asked questions in the comments, which boosted visibility)

Key takeaways:

• Tone matters. Redditors trust small businesses more than big brands. If you’re a solopreneur or small team, lean into that.
• CTA should be low-pressure. Instead of “BUY NOW,” try “If you’re into this, check it out.” It feels less salesy.
• Target the right subreddits. This ad worked because it ran in r/ShopSmall and r/Fashion. If they’d posted in r/Tech, it would’ve flopped.

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Case Study 2: The Self-Deprecating SaaS Ad

A productivity tool was burning through ad budget on LinkedIn. Their ads were professional but boring—no one clicked. Then they tried Reddit with Prompt 2 (“We built this because [funny/relatable reason]”).

Their ad copy looked like this:

“We made this app because we’re the kind of people who forget to drink water. (Yes, really.) It’s a simple tool to remind you to take breaks, stretch, and not turn into a zombie at your desk. No corporate jargon, just a nudge when you need it. Try it if you’re as forgetful as we are.”

The results?

• 40% lower customer acquisition cost (CAC) compared to LinkedIn
• Higher engagement (Redditors upvoted and shared their own forgetfulness stories)
• Better retention (users who came from Reddit stuck around longer)

Lessons learned:

• Humor works—but don’t force it. If your brand isn’t naturally funny, don’t try to be. This ad worked because the self-deprecation felt genuine.
• Balance professionalism with personality. The ad still explained the product’s value, but in a way that felt human.
• Reddit users love relatability. If you can make them laugh and solve a problem, you’re golden.

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Case Study 3: The “No BS” E-Commerce Ad

A direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand was tired of Facebook’s algorithm changes. Their ads were getting expensive, and the audience was tired of flashy claims. So they tried Reddit with Prompt 3 (“Here’s the truth about [product]”).

Their ad said:

“Most [product] ads lie. They say it’ll change your life, but it’s just overpriced junk. Ours is different. It’s not magic—it’s just well-made, affordable, and does what it says. If you want something that actually works, here’s the link. If not, no hard feelings.”

The results?

• Outperformed Facebook ads (2X higher conversion rate)
• Lower bounce rate (people who clicked stayed on the site longer)
• More word-of-mouth (Redditors shared the ad in other threads)

Why it worked:

• Honesty beats hype. Redditors hate exaggerated claims. This ad stood out because it was refreshingly blunt.
• No emojis, no fluff. Just straight talk. That’s what Reddit respects.
• The audience was primed for it. They ran this in r/BuyItForLife, where people care about quality over marketing gimmicks.

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Case Study 4: The Niche Reference Ad

A gaming peripheral company wanted to target mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. They could’ve run a generic ad, but instead, they used Prompt 4 (“For [specific group], this is the [product] you’ve been waiting for”).

Their ad copy:

“r/MechanicalKeyboards, we see you. You’ve tried every switch, modded every case, and still haven’t found the perfect board. This one’s for you. Hot-swappable, gasket-mounted, and under $150. No RGB overload, just a clean, satisfying typing experience. If you’re tired of overpriced ‘gamer’ keyboards, give this a shot.”

The results?

• Dominated the subreddit (top post for a week)
• Sold out in 48 hours (limited stock + high demand)
• Organic shares (users posted their own reviews, which boosted credibility)

The role of community engagement:

• They knew their audience. The ad used insider terms (“hot-swappable,” “gasket-mounted”) that resonated with the community.
• They didn’t just advertise—they contributed. Before running the ad, they engaged in the subreddit, answering questions and sharing tips. That built trust.
• They let the product speak for itself. No flashy claims, just a straightforward pitch to a niche audience.

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What These Case Studies Teach Us

These brands didn’t just throw money at Reddit and hope for the best. They understood the platform and wrote ads that felt native. Here’s what you can steal from them:

✅ Be human. Redditors can spot a corporate ad from a mile away. Write like a real person, not a marketing team. ✅ Solve a problem, don’t sell a product. The best ads focus on the user’s pain point, not the brand’s features. ✅ Target the right subreddits. A great ad in the wrong place is still a bad ad. ✅ Engage before you advertise. If you want Redditors to trust you, show up in the community first.

Reddit ads aren’t about being the loudest in the room. They’re about being the most real. And when you get that right, the results speak for themselves.

5. Advanced Tactics: Taking Your Reddit Ads to the Next Level

You’ve got the basics down—your ads sound like they belong on Reddit, not like a corporate robot wrote them. But now what? How do you make them really work? How do you scale without losing that authentic feel? This is where things get interesting.

Reddit users can smell a fake ad from a mile away. But they also love content that feels real, helpful, or just plain funny. The trick isn’t to trick them—it’s to join them. That means going beyond the obvious and using Reddit’s own culture to your advantage.

Steal Like a Redditor: Using User-Generated Content in Ads

Redditors trust other Redditors more than they trust brands. So why not let them do the talking for you? User-generated content (UGC) is gold for Reddit ads because it’s already in the right voice.

Here’s how to do it right:

• Find the best comments. Use Reddit’s search function (or tools like Brandwatch or Hootsuite) to find real conversations about your product or niche. Look for comments that are funny, honest, or solve a problem.
• Get permission. If you want to use a comment in an ad, message the user first. Most will say yes if you ask nicely. (Pro tip: Offer a small incentive, like a discount code, as a thank-you.)
• Keep it real. Don’t edit the comment too much—just clean it up a little if needed. If the original says, “This product saved my sanity,” don’t change it to “This product is revolutionary.” The rawness is the point.

Example: A skincare brand could turn this comment into an ad:

“I’ve tried everything for my acne, and this is the only thing that didn’t make me look like a greasy tomato. 10/10 would cry less in the mirror again.”

That’s way more convincing than “Our dermatologist-approved formula reduces breakouts!”

Reddit Ad Targeting: How to Find the Right Subreddits (Without Wasting Money)

Reddit’s ad platform lets you target by subreddit or by interest. Both work, but they’re not the same.

• Subreddit targeting is best when you know exactly where your audience hangs out. For example, if you’re selling gaming headsets, r/gaming or r/pcmasterrace are obvious choices. But don’t stop there—look for smaller, niche subreddits too. A sub like r/lowendgaming might have fewer users, but they’re exactly your audience.
• Interest targeting is better when you’re not sure where to start. Reddit’s algorithm will show your ad to people who’ve engaged with similar content, even if they don’t visit the subreddits you picked. This is great for broader products (like fitness gear or productivity tools).

Pro tip: Use Reddit’s “Audience Insights” tool to see which subreddits your target audience visits. You might find hidden gems you’d never think of.

Scaling Without Losing Authenticity

The more ads you run, the harder it is to keep them feeling real. Here’s how to scale without sounding like a robot:

• Create templates, not scripts. Instead of writing the same ad 10 times, make a few versions of the same prompt. For example:

  • “For people who [hate X problem]—this is for you.”
  • “If you’ve ever [struggled with Y], you’ll love this.”
  • “We made this because [Z frustration] was driving us crazy too.”

  Swap out X, Y, and Z for different products, and you’ve got a fresh ad every time.

• Hire a Reddit-savvy copywriter. If you’re running a lot of ads, it might be worth bringing in someone who lives on Reddit. Look for freelancers on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, but ask for samples of their Reddit-style writing. A good Reddit copywriter should be able to write like a user, not a marketer.

• Test, then double down. Run a few ads, see which ones get the best engagement, and put more money behind those. Reddit’s ad platform makes this easy—just check the metrics and adjust.

When to Use Each Tactic

Not every advanced tactic will work for every product. Here’s a quick guide:

Tactic	Best For	Avoid If
UGC in ads	Products with passionate users	Boring or highly technical products
Subreddit targeting	Niche products with clear audiences	Broad products (e.g., “water bottles”)
Interest targeting	Products with wide appeal	Hyper-specific products
Templatized prompts	Scaling multiple ad variations	One-off campaigns

Final Thought: Reddit Ads Are a Conversation, Not a Sales Pitch

The best Reddit ads don’t feel like ads at all. They feel like a helpful comment from a friend, or a funny post from someone who gets it. The more you can make your ads feel like they belong on Reddit, the better they’ll perform.

So go ahead—steal a comment, target a weird subreddit, or write an ad that sounds like it came from a real person. Just don’t make it too polished. Redditors can spot a fake from a mile away.

6. Tools and Resources for Writing Better Reddit Ads

Writing Reddit ads that actually work isn’t just about being funny or clever. You need the right tools to find what resonates with Redditors, track performance, and scale your efforts. The good news? You don’t need a big budget to get started. Here’s what you should be using—whether you’re a solo marketer or part of a team.

Free Tools to Research and Improve Your Reddit Ads

Before you write a single word, you need to know what works in your niche. Reddit’s built-in search is powerful, but most people don’t use it right. Try these search operators to find hidden gems:

• site:reddit.com "your keyword" + "best" – Finds threads where people ask for recommendations.
• site:reddit.com "your keyword" + "worst" – Shows pain points and complaints (great for ad angles).
• site:reddit.com "your keyword" + "I need help" – Reveals real problems your product can solve.

For deeper insights, Subreddit Stats (subredditstats.com) shows which posts perform best in any subreddit. Look at the top posts from the last month—what made them go viral? Was it the headline? The tone? The offer? Copy those patterns, not the exact words.

If you want to track trends over time, Later for Reddit (a free tool) lets you monitor keywords and see how discussions evolve. This is gold for spotting rising topics before they blow up.

Paid Tools for Scaling Reddit Ads (When You’re Ready)

Once you’ve tested a few ads manually, paid tools can save you time and money. AdEspresso (by Hootsuite) is great for A/B testing different ad variations. You can test headlines, images, and even audience targeting—all without guessing. The downside? It’s not cheap, and Reddit ads aren’t its main focus, so some features feel clunky.

For automation, Revealbot is a favorite among Reddit advertisers. It lets you set rules like:

• Pause ads with low CTR after 24 hours.
• Increase budgets for ads with high engagement.
• Schedule ads to run during peak Reddit hours (evenings and weekends).

The catch? You need some data first. If you’re just starting, manual testing is better. Automation works best when you already know what converts.

Where to Find Reddit Ad Examples (And How to Steal Them)

The best way to write great Reddit ads? Steal from the best. But don’t copy—adapt. Here’s where to find winning examples:

• r/Advertising – People post their own ads for feedback. Look for ones with high upvotes.
• r/Entrepreneur – Many founders share their ad campaigns (and results).
• Reddit’s own ad gallery – Some brands showcase their best-performing ads.

Create a swipe file (a folder of screenshots) of ads that catch your eye. Ask yourself:

• Why did this work? (Humor? Honesty? A bold claim?)
• What’s the hook? (First 2-3 words matter most.)
• How can I make this fit my brand?

Pro tip: Save both good and bad examples. Knowing what doesn’t work is just as valuable.

Templates and Swipe Files: Your Secret Weapon

If you’re stuck, templates can help—but don’t rely on them too much. Redditors hate generic copy. Here’s a simple framework to start with:

1. Hook – Grab attention fast. Example: “I tried [product] for a week. Here’s what happened.”
2. Problem – What pain point does your product solve? Example: “I was tired of [common issue].”
3. Solution – Introduce your product naturally. Example: “Then I found [product], and now [result].”
4. Call to action – Keep it casual. Example: “Worth a try? Check it out here.”

The key? Make it sound like a real person wrote it—not a marketer. If it feels too polished, it’ll flop.

Final Thought: Tools Are Useless Without the Right Mindset

No tool will save a bad ad. The best Reddit ads feel like they belong on the platform—honest, a little messy, and not trying too hard. Use these tools to find what works, but always ask: Would a real Redditor actually say this? If the answer is no, go back to the drawing board. The best ads don’t look like ads at all.

Conclusion: Your Reddit Ad Copy Checklist

You made it! Now you have 12 prompts to write Reddit ads that don’t feel like ads. But how do you remember them all? Here’s a quick table to keep handy:

Prompt Type	Example Use Case
Self-deprecating	”We’re not the best, but we try hard”
Honest & direct	”This product isn’t for everyone”
Story-driven	”How I fixed my problem with this”
Question-based	”Why does no one talk about this?”
Comparison	”This vs. that—what’s really better?”
Data-backed	”Here’s the proof (with numbers)“
Humblebrag	”We messed up, but here’s how we fixed it"
"Too real"	"Let’s be honest—this is overpriced”
Meme-style	”When you realize you’ve been doing it wrong"
"I tried it so you don’t have to"	"Spoiler: It’s not magic"
"This is why we can’t have nice things"	"The dark truth about [industry]"
"Reddit, am I the jerk?"	"Should I return this? Be honest”

The 80/20 Rule: Tone > Everything Else

Most Reddit ads fail because they sound like ads. The fix? Focus on tone first. If your ad sounds like something a real Redditor would post (or upvote), you’re 80% of the way there. The other 20%? Testing.

Start small. Run two versions of the same ad—one with your best prompt, one with a tweak. See which gets more upvotes or clicks. Reddit’s audience is brutally honest, so you’ll know fast what works.

Your Next Step

Pick one prompt from the list and write a test ad today. Not sure where to start? Grab our free Reddit ad template to make it even easier.

Then, come back and tell us how it went. Did it get more engagement? Did someone call you out? (That’s a good sign—it means they read it.) Drop your results in the comments. Let’s learn together.