How to change a subreddit from private to public

The administrative controls for subreddits are surprisingly simple once you know where they are.  The below steps walk you through all of the modifications you can make to your subreddit.  Feel free to skip any steps that do not interest you at this time.

Prerequisites: Be a moderator for a subreddit and log in to your account.

To access all of your controls, navigate to your subreddit’s page (www.reddit/com/r/RedditName).  On the bottom of the right sidebar, there will be a box labeled “ADMIN BOX” which will contain links for  community settings, moderator mail, editing moderators, editing submitters, viewing traffic statistics, viewing reported links, reviewing the spam filter, and banning users.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to join a private subreddit on Reddit, what is it about, and why are some communities not set to public.

  • What is a private subreddit?
  • Why are some subreddits private?
  • How to join a private subreddit

What is a private subreddit?

How to change a subreddit from private to public

A private subreddit is a closed group on Reddit that cannot be accessed by the public.

You will require a moderator to accept your request before you can access the content.

This is usually the case if the content is “not safe for work” or NSFW, political, highly speculative, or sensitive. 

Otherwise, the community only caters to a specific group of people.

Why are some subreddits private?

There are many reasons a subreddit/community can be private.

Some of the most common ones include:

  1. The content is sensitive and therefore not appropriate for the public to see.
  2. The subreddit has been covered in the media and is experiencing a huge influx of users. This is common with the making money subreddits such as r/wallstreetbets and r/antiwork.
  3. The quality of the subreddit is declining and the moderators need to manage it.

A subreddit may also be private to deter trolls and spam.

If a subreddit is invite-only, heavy moderation may not be required.

How to join a private subreddit

To join a private subreddit, you need to navigate to it and select “Message Mods”.

After you’ve selected “Message Mods”, you need to explain why you want to join the subreddit and why you’re a good fit for it.

Step 1: Go to Reddit.com and signup or login 

How to change a subreddit from private to public

Step 2: Type in the name of the subreddit in the search bar and click the correct result

How to change a subreddit from private to public

Step 3: Click on “Message Mods”

How to change a subreddit from private to public

Note: This may look different for various subreddits since Reddit is always changing and moderators have the freedom to customize this page.

Step 4: Enter the Subreddit name in the “to” field

How to change a subreddit from private to public

Step 5: Craft the subject line and message

There’s no perfect approach to this.

However, I would make the subject line “Can I please access r/subredditname”.

When it comes to the message a basic two-sentence message that shows you’re a real person interested in adding value and following the rules is key. 

For example, if you’re trying to access a business subreddit you might have the following message.

  • To: r/sidehustles
  • Subject: Can I please join the side hustle community?
  • Message: Hey! I’m interested in learning more about side hustles on Reddit. I’ll be sure to read the wiki and rules before engaging. Thanks!

After you’ve sent the message, you need to wait for the moderator’s response.

If you’re successful, you’ll be added to the subreddit.

In summary

It’s hard to know which Subreddits are private since they always change.

When a subreddit becomes private there’s usually a good reason and it could take some time to get approved.

The best thing to do is submit a friendly request to the moderators. 

Make sure to personalize your message and explain why you’re a good fit to increase your chances of getting accepted.

Can you change a Reddit community from private to public?

In redesign - Go to mod tools at the top of your sidebar. Then select community settings in the mod tools list. Under community type, select whichever you want.

How do I change my Subreddit visibility?

Step 2: Tap “My profile.” Note: You can also tap your profile picture to go to your profile. Step 3: Tap “Edit.” Step 4: Tap the toggle to the right of “Content visibility” if you want to stop posts to your profile from appearing in r/all, and/or you want to hide your profile from /users.

How do I make a public Subreddit?

How to create your own Reddit community.
Step 1: Log in and click on Create Community..
Step 2: Come up with a unique name for your subreddit..
Step 3: Fill out the form and click Create Community..
Step 4: Promote your new subreddit..
Step 5: Don't forget your Modmail..

Why are subreddits going private?

Reddit moderators of more than 70 subreddits with millions of collective subscribers went private on Monday in a coordinated effort to protest the coronavirus disinformation they say runs rampant on the platform, as well as Reddit's refusal to delete subreddits dedicated to undermining the severity of the pandemic.