Reddit, also known as the home page of the Internet, is one of the largest and most frequented sites on the Internet. Like all other user-generated content sites, it has its fair share of not-so-appropriate content. So what do you do when a nasty post gets upvoted and appears on your r/all list?
In the past, blocking subreddits that you didn’t like was a piece of cake. All you needed to do to remove an annoying subreddit from your feed was enter its name into the search box called filter subreddit, click the + icon, and you’re done. Today, Reddit users need to dig deeper to claim sovereignty over their r/all feeds.
However, in 2018, after more than 12 months of development and testing, Reddit launched the redesigned site. It was the first major visual review of the site in more than a decade. With the new design came sleeker graphics and a few other changes. The r/all page lost the filter subreddit search box.
How to block subreddits: Reddit Premium
With the filter subreddit search box gone from the feed, unfortunately there is virtually nothing a normal user can do to oust unwanted content that has been upvoted by the community. This is true for the desktop version of the site and for the native mobile apps.
But all is not lost for those who don’t want to use third-party apps and extensions: they can switch to Reddit Premium. The premium version of the site or app, depending on the platform you’re using, will allow you to block specific subreddits from the r/all feed.
To upgrade to a Premium membership:
- Click the downward-facing triangle next to your avatar (upper right corner of the browser window)
- Then click on the User settings option.
- Then click on the Subscriptions eyelash.
- Click on the Get Reddit Premium on the next page and select your payment option. Follow the rest of the instructions.
When you have completed the upgrade, go to the r/all page and start hitting the block with the hammer. The process is practically the same as in the previous version of Reddit.
Upgrade to Premium in native mobile applications
When it comes to blocking specific subreddits, mobile users are out of luck, just like their desktop or laptop comrades. There is no option to use a block hammer on either side. Android either iOS Reddit app version. What you can do is upgrade to Reddit Premium and use your computer’s browser to remove unwanted subreddits. To update via mobile:
- Download and install the Reddit app.
- Launch the app from your device’s home screen.
- Tap your avatar (it’s in the top left corner on Android)
- Play the Reddit Premium tab and follow the instructions.
In addition to the ability to block subreddits, a Premium membership will allow you to purchase Reddit Gold, the on-site currency that you can use when interacting with other users and their content. Eventually, Reddit will stop showing you ads. The monthly fee is $5.99, and once purchased, Reddit Premium will be available on every device you use.
Third party solutions
If you want your r/all feed back, but aren’t willing to pay Reddit your hard-earned money, you can use one of several browser extensions. Our favorite is the Reddit Improvement Suite. The application is available for Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Opera and Safari.
For the purposes of this article, we have used the Google Chrome version. The best thing about this extension is that there are plenty of tips and tutorials on how to use it on Reddit. Download and install the extension. Now, let’s look at how to hide a problematic subreddit from your r/all feed.
- Open your browser. Gonna https://www.reddit.com.
- Click on the RES extension button. A drop-down menu will appear. (If you’re in Chrome, you click the button that looks like a puzzle piece and then click the three dots icon next to the RES extension)
- Click on the Options. Depending on the version, you may see a gear icon. Click on it.
- The Reddit Enhancement Suite page will open. Click on the filterReddit tab in the menu on the left side below the Subreddits category.
- Toggle the filterReddit option In.
- Scroll down the page and check the +add filter button in the lower left corner of the box titled Subreddits.
- Go to the subreddit you don’t want to see.
If there are other subreddits you want to block, repeat steps 8 and 9. When you’re done, scroll up and click the Save Options button.
Defend your position
With the new design, Reddit decided to reclaim the r/all feed. However, users who are not willing to accept what is offered in the feed can still claim their independence from Reddit’s algorithm. Available options include paying for Premium membership and installing third-party apps.
What are your experiences with unpleasant content on Reddit? How do you do it? Do you report posts and posters, or block entire subreddits? Tell us more in the comments below.
