Reddit has become a dominant force in the social media landscape, with over 450 million active users engaging in diverse conversations and content across thousands of communities.
As businesses and marketers look to tap into Reddit’s highly engaged audience, understanding the platform’s ad sizes and formats is crucial to achieving success.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about Reddit ad sizes for 2025—covering image ads, video ads, and carousel ads, as well as why adhering to the right specifications is vital for your campaigns.
What Are Reddit Ads?
Before diving into the specifics of ad sizes, let’s briefly explore what Reddit ads are and how they fit into the platform’s ecosystem. Reddit’s advertising system enables brands to connect with a diverse and engaged audience through Promoted Posts, Video Ads, and Carousel Ads.
These ads are seamlessly integrated into Reddit’s content feed, appearing alongside regular posts, which helps maintain a native feel for users. According to Search Engine Land, ensuring a non-intrusive user experience can significantly enhance ad performance.
Additionally, Reddit’s format allows advertisers to target specific communities (subreddits) based on shared interests, making it one of the most effective platforms for niche marketing. To fully capitalize on this opportunity, it’s essential to ensure that your ads meet the platform’s layout specifications and are optimized for both mobile and desktop browsing.
Reddit Image Ad Sizes
Standard Image Ad Specifications
One of the most popular types of ads on Reddit is the image ad. This format is simple, visually appealing, and effective at drawing user attention. Here are the specifications you need to follow for optimal results:
Ideal Image Size: 1200 x 628 px
File Types Supported: JPG, PNG, GIF
Max File Size: 30MB
Why Image Size Matters
Ensuring that your image ads are sized correctly is crucial for visibility. If your image is too small or large, it could appear distorted or pixelated, which may negatively affect your brand’s professionalism. The ideal size of 1200 x 628 px ensures that your ad will display clearly in users' feeds across various devices, including mobile.
Best Practices for Image Ads:
Keep the image content clear and focused. Avoid clutter by using simple and visually striking elements that convey your message without overwhelming the viewer. Consider using bold colors, minimal text, and high-quality graphics that align with your brand’s identity. According to Moz, ads that are visually clear and uncluttered tend to perform better in capturing user attention and driving engagement.
Use high-resolution images to ensure a crisp, professional appearance. High-quality visuals not only enhance the appeal of your ad but also help establish trust with your audience. According to Overdrive, professionally crafted visuals are crucial for grabbing user attention and improving ad performance. Ensure your images are sharp, well-lit, and free of distortions to maintain a polished and engaging presentation across all devices.
Make sure the text is readable, especially on mobile devices. This means using a legible font size (at least 14px), maintaining sufficient contrast between the text and background colors, and avoiding overly stylized or script fonts that may be difficult to read on smaller screens. Research by Yoast emphasizes the importance of mobile-first design for ensuring user engagement, particularly as mobile devices account for the majority of Reddit’s traffic. Test your ad’s readability across multiple devices to ensure a consistent and user-friendly experience.
Include your brand's logo or message clearly in the image to enhance recognition. This practice not only boosts brand visibility but also reinforces trust and credibility among viewers. According to insights from Search Engine Land, recognizable branding elements in ads can significantly enhance recall and engagement. Ensure that the logo or message is positioned strategically, without overshadowing the primary content of the ad, and that it remains legible on all devices.
Reddit Video Ad Sizes
Ideal Video Specifications
Video ads are a powerful way to capture users’ attention on Reddit, with the platform seeing an increase in video consumption in recent years. To ensure your video ad performs well, it’s crucial to adhere to these specs:
Resolution: 1280 x 720 px (16:9 aspect ratio)
File Types Supported: MP4, MOV
Max File Size: 1GB
Max Length: 30 seconds (recommended for optimal engagement)
Why Video Ad Size Matters
Reddit users are often browsing the platform on their mobile devices, where fast loading and high-quality visuals are essential. If your video doesn’t meet the required resolution or file size, it may load slowly, appear pixelated, or fail to play altogether. This can lead to poor engagement and a high bounce rate.
Best Practices for Video Ads:
Aim to grab attention within the first 3 seconds of the video. This initial moment is critical for capturing the interest of Reddit users, who are often scrolling quickly through their feeds. Use bold visuals, intriguing questions, or dynamic motion to immediately engage viewers. According to Overdrive, the first few seconds of an ad are essential for creating a lasting impression and encouraging further engagement. Additionally, make sure your brand logo or key message is prominently featured early in the video to maximize brand recall.
Optimize your video for sound-off viewing by including captions or subtitles. Research indicates that nearly 85% of videos on social media are watched without sound, making captions essential for accessibility and engagement. By adding clear and well-timed subtitles, you not only cater to sound-off viewers but also improve comprehension and retention of your message. Platforms like Yoast emphasize that subtitles can increase video watch times and engagement, as they ensure your content resonates with a broader audience, including those with hearing impairments or in sound-sensitive environments.
Keep videos short (around 30 seconds) for maximum engagement. Short videos are more likely to retain viewer attention and drive meaningful interactions, especially on platforms like Reddit, where users often prefer concise and impactful content. According to Moz, brevity in video ads can significantly boost click-through rates and conversions, as users are more likely to engage with content that quickly delivers value or entertainment.
Test your videos on mobile devices to ensure they look good on smaller screens. Mobile optimization is crucial as the majority of Reddit users access the platform via smartphones. Check for clear visuals, legible text, and balanced layouts to avoid cropping or scaling issues. According to Search Engine Land, testing content on smaller screens can significantly enhance user experience and engagement by ensuring seamless presentation across devices. Additionally, verify load times to prevent delays that might deter viewers.
Reddit Carousel Ad Sizes
Ideal Carousel Ad Specifications
Carousel ads allow you to showcase multiple images within a single ad unit, making them ideal for promoting a range of products, services, or features. Here’s how to make your carousel ads effective:
Image Size: 1200 x 1200 px for each image
Max Image Count: 5 images per carousel
File Types Supported: JPG, PNG, GIF
Max File Size: 30MB per image
Why Carousel Ad Size Matters
Carousel ads provide a more dynamic way to engage users, as they allow you to present multiple items in a single ad unit. If your images are the wrong size, they might not display properly, leading to a poor user experience and low engagement. Properly sized images ensure that your carousel ads look great on both desktop and mobile devices.
Best Practices for Carousel Ads:
Ensure each image is high-quality and visually distinct. High-quality images are essential for catching users’ attention and making a lasting impression. Each image in your carousel should serve a specific purpose, whether it's showcasing a product, highlighting a feature, or telling a part of a story. To make your visuals stand out, incorporate vibrant colors, consistent branding, and clear focal points. As noted by Overdrive, strong visual storytelling in ads can significantly enhance engagement rates by providing a seamless and appealing user experience.
Use the carousel format to tell a story or showcase a range of products. Each image in the carousel can serve as a chapter in your narrative, guiding users through a cohesive journey that highlights your brand's value or product features. For example, the first slide can introduce the product, the next can showcase its benefits, and subsequent slides can demonstrate its usage or unique selling points. Incorporating a logical flow helps keep users engaged and encourages them to swipe through all the slides. As highlighted by Overdrive, storytelling in ad formats like carousels is a proven method to build deeper connections with audiences and boost engagement rates.
Keep your messaging concise but engaging, as users may only swipe through quickly. Focus on delivering value or intrigue in the first few words or visuals, as this will entice users to explore further. Use actionable language and compelling headlines to capture attention swiftly. Additionally, ensure that the images complement the messaging to create a cohesive and impactful narrative. As noted by Moz, crafting concise and visually aligned content is essential for maintaining user interest and increasing engagement in a competitive ad landscape.
Be mindful of the order of images, as users are more likely to engage with the first few. Place your most visually striking or compelling images at the beginning of the carousel to capture attention immediately. The first few images act as a hook, encouraging users to swipe through the rest of the carousel. Additionally, consider structuring your images to tell a progressive story or highlight your key offerings early on. According to Moz, strategically ordering your content can significantly impact user engagement and conversion rates.
Why Ad Sizes Matter for Reddit Campaigns
Impact on User Experience and Engagement
Ad sizes are critical not only for ensuring your content fits properly but also for improving user engagement. Properly formatted ads contribute to a better user experience, which in turn increases the likelihood of interactions such as clicks, comments, and shares. Ads that load quickly and appear correctly on all devices tend to attract more engagement, leading to better results for your campaigns.
The Importance of Ad Sizes:
Correct sizing helps your ad fit seamlessly into Reddit's user interface, making it less intrusive and more effective.
Improved load times ensure users stay on your ad rather than quickly skipping it due to technical issues.
Mobile optimization is essential since the majority of Reddit’s users access the platform via mobile devices.
Expert Insight: “The right ad specs can drastically improve engagement on Reddit. By ensuring that your ads are sized correctly, you’re providing users with a seamless experience, which leads to higher conversions and better performance overall.” — Source: Yoast
Reddit Ad Size Best Practices
To truly excel with Reddit ads in 2025, you need more than technical precision—you need psychological insight and a focus on creating entertaining, engaging content. Here are advanced strategies for optimizing your ads:
Optimize for Mobile: Since most Reddit users browse on mobile, ensure your ads load quickly and appear seamlessly on smaller screens. Consider using subtle animations or dynamic visuals to grab attention in mobile feeds without overwhelming the user.
Leverage the Psychology of Curiosity: Craft headlines and visuals that pique curiosity. Questions or partial information can entice users to click or engage to satisfy their desire for closure, a concept rooted in the “Zeigarnik Effect.” For example, "You won’t believe how we transformed this ordinary product…" invites users to explore further.
Use High-Resolution Images and Videos: High-quality visuals signal professionalism and trustworthiness, which are critical in a platform like Reddit where authenticity is key. Incorporate storytelling elements—like before-and-after shots—to evoke an emotional response.
Inject Entertainment Value: Reddit users are drawn to humor, wit, and novelty. Ads that use clever memes, relatable humor, or engaging narratives are more likely to resonate. Tap into current trends or subreddit-specific memes to make your ads feel native to the platform.
Test Different Sizes and Formats: Experiment with A/B testing to refine not just ad sizes but also the tone and design. Use different visuals or messages tailored to specific subreddit audiences to determine what resonates best.
Tap Into Community Values: Reddit’s communities value authenticity and relevance. Ensure your ads reflect these values by using language and imagery that aligns with the culture of your target subreddits. Ads that acknowledge and respect subreddit norms are more likely to succeed.
Stay Updated: Reddit may update its ad specifications. Keep an eye on the latest guidelines to ensure your campaigns remain compliant and effective. Following platforms like Search Engine Land can help you stay informed about the latest best practices in digital advertising.
Optimize for Mobile: Always check how your ads appear on mobile devices, as most Reddit users browse on mobile.
Use High-Resolution Images and Videos: Low-quality visuals can reduce user engagement.
Test Different Sizes: A/B test your ads to see which sizes and formats perform best.
Stay Updated: Reddit may update its ad specifications, so always check the latest guidelines on the Reddit Ads page.
Conclusion
Reddit’s advertising platform is a powerful tool for reaching highly engaged users, but to get the most out of your campaigns, it’s crucial to understand and follow the correct Reddit ad sizes. Whether you’re running image ads, video ads, or carousel ads, ensuring that your content is properly formatted will help you achieve better engagement, higher CTR, and ultimately, improved campaign performance.
By adhering to the ad specs in this guide, you can optimize your Reddit ads for success in 2025 and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What size should my Reddit image ads be?
The ideal size for Reddit image ads is 1200 x 628 px.
What is the best resolution for Reddit video ads?
Reddit video ads should be at least 1280 x 720 px with a 16:9 aspect ratio.
How many images can I use in a Reddit carousel ad?
You can include up to 5 images in a Reddit carousel ad, with each image sized at 1200 x 1200 px.
Can I use GIFs in Reddit ads?
Yes, Reddit supports GIFs for image ads, but the file size should be optimized.
How long can my Reddit video ad be?
Reddit recommends keeping video ads to a maximum of 30 seconds for optimal performance.
Why do ad sizes matter on Reddit?
Proper ad sizes ensure that your content appears professional, loads quickly, and integrates well with Reddit’s platform, enhancing user experience and engagement.
Are there different ad sizes for mobile and desktop?
Reddit’s ad specifications are designed to be mobile-first, but it's important to check how your ads appear on both mobile and desktop for optimal results.
Can I adjust the size of my Reddit ads after posting?
It’s best to ensure your ads are the correct size before posting, as changing them later might disrupt their appearance and engagement.
How do I optimize my Reddit ads for better performance?
Ensure they meet the correct specs, use high-quality visuals, and consider A/B testing for best results.
Where can I find the latest Reddit ad specifications?
Reddit regularly updates its advertising guidelines, and you can find the latest specs on the official Reddit Ads page.
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