Reddit ads - specs, format and cost
A Complete Guide to Reddit Ad Types: Formats, Specs & When to Use Them
1. Reddit ads specs
A Complete Guide to Reddit Ad Types: Formats, Specs & When to Use Them
Introduction
Reddit is one of the fastest-growing advertising channels, especially among brands that value community-driven engagement. With 91 million daily active users in 2024 — a 51.6% YoY increase — Reddit has transitioned from niche forum network to a global media ecosystem
In Q3 2024, Reddit generated $315.1M in ad revenue (+56% YoY) — contributing to ~$1.3B revenue in 2024
Reddit’s community dynamic means trust = currency:
- 90% of Reddit users say the platform helps them learn about brands
- Users are 46% more likely to trust brands that advertise on Reddit
- Advertisers see an average 12% uplift in brand favorability
With a minimum daily budget of ~$5/day and CPCs starting from $0.10–$0.20, Reddit remains one of the most cost-efficient channels for performance and community-led brands.
1. Why Ad Format Matters on Reddit
Redditors reward authenticity — ads must feel like part of the conversation, not a corporate billboard.
Correct format = better:
- CTR & CPC/CPM efficiency
- User trust & perception
- Mobile vs desktop clarity
- Subreddit-fit (key for scale)
Benchmarks:
| Metric | Benchmark |
|---|---|
| CTR | 0.2–0.3% typical, up to 1%+ strong creative |
| CPC | $0.10–$0.80 consumer, $0.50–$2 B2B |
| CPM | $2–$6 (can range $0.50–$15+) |
2. Reddit Ad Formats & Specs
Image Ads
Specs
- JPG/PNG/GIF
- Max ~3MB
- Ratios: 1:1, 4:5, 4:3, 16:9
- Thumbnail 400×300px (~500KB)
Good for: fast creative testing, brand awareness, native feed positioning
| Focus | Best Formats |
|---|---|
| Mobile-first | 1:1 or 4:5 |
| Desktop emphasis | 4:3 or 16:9 |
Tip: test at least two aspect ratios — Reddit audiences vary widely by device + subreddit.
Video Ads
Specs
- MP4/MOV
- Up to 1GB
- 5–30 seconds recommended
- 30fps max
- Ratios: 1:1, 4:5, 4:3, 16:9
Good for: demos, product stories, app marketing
Carousel Ads
Specs
- 2–6 cards (image/video)
- ~20MB per card
- Ratios: 1:1 or 16:9
- Headline 300 chars
- Subtext ~50 chars/card
Good for: multiple features, product showcase, app features, comparisons
Free-Form Ads
Specs
- Up to ~40,000 characters
- 20 images + 5 videos
Good for: long-form community storytelling, brand thought-leadership, technical education
4. Reddit Performance Benchmarks (2025)
| Metric | Average |
|---|---|
| CTR | 0.2%–0.3% (up to 1%+ with strong hooks) |
| CPC | $0.10–$0.80, $0.50–$2 B2B |
| CPM | $2–$6 |
| Min. daily spend | $5/day |
| YoY revenue growth | +56% |
| DAUs | 91M (+51.6%) |
| Brand trust lift | +46% |
5. Choosing the Right Format
| Goal | Best Format |
|---|---|
| Cheapest testing | Image Ads |
| Feature showcase | Carousel |
| Brand education | Video / Free-Form |
| Community trust | Free-Form |
| High-impact awareness | Video + premium placement |
6. Reddit Advertising Costs (Deep Dive)
Cost Breakdown
| Cost Type | Range |
|---|---|
| CPC | $0.10–$0.80 |
| B2B CPC | $0.50–$2.00 |
| CPM | $2–$6 |
| CTR | 0.2–0.3% avg |
| Budget minimum | $5/day |
Cost Drivers
- Subreddit competition
- Auction density
- Creative authenticity (major factor)
- Time of year (Q1 cheapest, Q4 spike)
Best tactic: Keyword + Interests → Subreddit specialization
Sources:
- Reddit for Business — User Trust & Ad Types
- Sprout Social — Reddit Statistics & Trust Data
- Business of Apps — Reddit Usage & Revenue 2024/2025
- AdBacklog — Reddit Ads Benchmarks 2025
- WordStream — Reddit Ad Costs
- Gupta Media — Reddit Advertising Guide 2025
Other relavant posts: 2. Meta advertising specs