Matthew Brunken Reddit Best Practices for Going Viral: Expert Strategies to Maximize Your Content's Reach
Going viral on Reddit isn't random luck—it's about understanding the platform's unique culture and following proven strategies. Matthew Brunken has shared valuable insights that can help content creators navigate Reddit's complex ecosystem more effectively. His customer discovery approach focuses on creating content that genuinely resonates with specific communities rather than simply aiming for mass appeal.
Reddit success comes from authentic engagement and valuable contributions. The platform rewards users who take time to understand subreddit rules, participate in conversations before promoting content, and craft posts that spark discussion. Brunken emphasizes timing as a critical factor, with data showing that posts published during peak activity hours for target communities perform significantly better.
Key Takeaways
Content that addresses specific community needs and questions is more likely to gain traction than generic promotional material.
Strategic timing and understanding subreddit rules dramatically increase chances of visibility and positive reception.
Building relationships with active community members before promoting content creates a foundation for sustainable Reddit success.
Understanding the Reddit Platform
Reddit's structure and dynamics are crucial for anyone looking to create viral content. The platform operates on unique principles that set it apart from other social media sites.
Reddit's Unique Culture and User Base
Reddit users value authenticity and genuineness above all else. The community actively rejects obvious self-promotion and marketing content that doesn't provide value.
Matthew Brunken's Reddit discussions demonstrate how engaging genuinely with topics resonates with many users. His approach shows the importance of understanding the audience before posting.
Users expect contributors to follow "reddiquette" – the unwritten rules that govern behavior on the platform. This includes reading a subreddit's rules before posting and participating in discussions before promoting content.
Demographics matter too. Reddit skews younger and more tech-savvy than many platforms, with a higher percentage of male users, though this varies significantly by subreddit.
Algorithm and Karma System
Reddit's voting system determines content visibility through upvotes and downvotes. Posts and comments with more upvotes rise to the top, while downvoted content becomes less visible.
Karma factors that influence visibility:
Initial upvote velocity
Upvote-to-downvote ratio
Total engagement (comments, awards)
Time sensitivity
The first hour after posting is critical. Content that receives quick upvotes often benefits from algorithmic amplification, creating a snowball effect.
Post timing matters significantly. Each subreddit has optimal posting times based on when its users are most active. Using Reddit's traffic statistics can help identify these windows.
Subreddits and Their Impact on Content Spread
Subreddits function as specialized communities with their own cultures, rules, and audience expectations. Successful content creators understand that each subreddit requires a tailored approach.
Content that performs well in one subreddit may flop in another due to different community standards. Researching a subreddit's top posts provides valuable insights into what resonates with that specific audience.
Cross-posting (sharing the same content to multiple relevant subreddits) can expand reach, but must be done thoughtfully to avoid appearing spammy. Many viral posts begin in smaller subreddits before being shared to larger ones.
Niche subreddits often have more engaged communities that can propel content to the front page if it strikes the right chord. Starting in these communities before targeting larger ones can build momentum.
Creating Shareable Reddit Content
Creating content that gets shared widely on Reddit requires understanding the platform's unique culture and mechanics. Success comes from identifying trends, crafting attention-grabbing titles, and using visual elements strategically.
Identifying Viral Trends and Topics
Reddit's viral content often connects to current events, emerging memes, or specific subreddit interests. Matthew Brunken engages in several subreddits focused on technology, gaming, and personal development, which helps him identify trending topics.
Effective trend spotting includes:
Monitoring rising posts on r/all and popular subreddits
Using tools like RedditList to track growing communities
Following seasonal trends and recurring themes
Users should spend 15-20 minutes daily browsing their target subreddits' top and rising sections. This helps identify patterns in what gains traction.
Timing matters significantly. Posts submitted between 6-8 AM EST on weekdays often receive more visibility as users check Reddit during morning commutes or before work.
Crafting Compelling Titles
Titles determine whether users stop scrolling to view content. The most successful Reddit posts have titles that create curiosity without using clickbait tactics.
Effective title techniques:
Use specific numbers when applicable (e.g., "5 Ways to...")
Include relevant keywords for searchability
Create intrigue through thoughtful questions
Add value proposition (what will the reader gain?)
Length matters too. Titles between 60-80 characters typically perform best as they provide enough information without overwhelming readers.
Promoting content in communities starts with understanding each subreddit's specific rules about titles. Some prohibit all-caps, emojis, or require specific formatting.
Visual Content and Its Virality
Visual elements dramatically increase engagement rates on Reddit. Posts with images or videos receive up to 94% more views than text-only submissions.
Creating shareable visuals requires:
High-quality, original images that stand out
Infographics that present complex information simply
Screenshots with highlighted key points
Animated GIFs for demonstrating processes
Reddit-specific image formats work best when they load quickly and display properly on mobile devices. Over 70% of Reddit traffic comes from mobile users.
Creating shareable images should focus on authenticity rather than overly produced content. Reddit users value genuine, helpful visual content that adds context to the discussion.
Engagement Strategies
Creating viral content on Reddit requires strategic engagement methods. These techniques help posts gain traction through interactive elements, smart comment strategies, and optimal posting schedules.
Interactive Post Elements
Reddit posts with interactive elements tend to perform better in the algorithm. Matthew Brunken's Reddit discussions demonstrate how engaging content can resonate with many users.
Polls and questions encourage participation and boost comment counts. Users are more likely to engage when asked for their opinion or expertise on a topic.
Images and videos typically receive 2-3 times more engagement than text-only posts. Visual content is more easily consumable and shareable.
Call-to-action phrases like "What would you do?" or "Share your experience" invite users to participate rather than just observe.
Top Interactive Elements:
Polls/surveys
Open-ended questions
Before/after comparisons
"Choose your favorite" options
Thought experiments
Effective Use of Comments
Comments are crucial for maintaining post momentum. Successful Reddit users understand that the comment section can determine whether a post goes viral.
Respond quickly to early commenters to build conversation momentum. The first hour after posting is critical for comment engagement.
High-quality content deserves equally thoughtful comments. Add value by providing additional information or asking follow-up questions that extend the conversation.
Using comments to link related content can increase overall engagement. However, avoid self-promotion that feels forced or irrelevant.
Comment formatting matters - use bullet points, bold text, and paragraph breaks for readability. Long walls of text are typically ignored.
Timing and Frequency of Posts
Post timing significantly impacts visibility and engagement potential. Most subreddits have peak activity windows when content receives maximum exposure.
Weekdays between 8-10 AM EST work well for professional subreddits. Weekend mornings are effective for hobby and entertainment communities.
Implementing smart strategies for timing posts can significantly increase traffic and engagement. Reddit's analytics can help identify optimal posting times.
Posting frequency matters too. Quality always trumps quantity, but maintaining a consistent presence helps build recognition.
Optimal Posting Schedule:
2-3 high-quality posts weekly
Space posts at least 24 hours apart
Avoid posting during major news events
Test different times to find your audience's peak activity
Networking with Redditors
Connecting with other users on Reddit creates valuable opportunities for content visibility and community engagement. Effective networking strategies can significantly boost post performance and help establish a respected presence on the platform.
Building Relationships with Other Users
Matthew Brunken's Reddit strategy emphasizes genuine interaction with community members. Successful networking begins with active participation in discussions before promoting personal content. This establishes credibility within subreddits.
When commenting on others' posts, provide thoughtful responses that add value. Simple reactions rarely foster connections, while detailed insights demonstrate expertise and attention.
Follow users who create content in your niche. Reddit's follow feature keeps you updated on their posts, creating opportunities for meaningful interactions. Many Redditors check who's following them and may reciprocate.
Remember to acknowledge comments on your own posts promptly. This shows respect for others' input and encourages continued engagement on future content.
Leveraging Reddit Collaborations
Collaborative efforts often lead to wider content reach than solo posting. Identifying potential collaborators in your interest areas can unlock new audience segments.
Consider these collaboration approaches:
Joint AMAs (Ask Me Anything) sessions with complementary content creators
Cross-promotion of quality posts within relevant communities
Coordinated content series addressing topics from multiple perspectives
Matthew Brunken's presence across technology and gaming subreddits demonstrates how specialized knowledge can build collaborative relationships. When reaching out for collaborations, be specific about mutual benefits rather than focusing solely on personal gain.
Track which collaborative efforts generate the most engagement. This data helps refine future networking strategies and identify the most productive relationships worth nurturing for long-term Reddit success.
Optimizing Post Performance
Post performance on Reddit involves careful analysis of metrics and ongoing experimentation with different content approaches. These strategies help creators identify what resonates with specific communities and maximize engagement potential.
Analyzing Post Metrics
Reddit provides several key metrics that can inform your content strategy. Upvote ratio serves as a critical indicator of how well your content resonates with a community. A ratio above 80% generally signals strong reception.
Traffic patterns matter significantly. Posts typically perform best when published during weekdays between 6 AM and 9 AM EST, when many users check Reddit before work. However, specific subreddits may have unique peak times.
Comment engagement often proves more valuable than simple upvotes. Posts generating 10+ comments within the first hour typically continue gaining traction. This early momentum often correlates with higher visibility in subreddit feeds.
Track which types of content perform best. Text posts, images, videos, and links each have different engagement patterns across different communities.
A/B Testing Posts
Systematic testing helps identify winning formulas for your Reddit content. Try posting similar content with different titles in appropriate subreddits. Titles with numbers, questions, or that create curiosity gaps often outperform straightforward descriptions.
Experiment with posting times by scheduling identical content at different hours. Use Reddit's insights to determine when your target audience is most active and responsive.
Test various content formats within the same community. Some subreddits respond better to image posts, while others prefer text discussions or links to external content.
Track results in a simple spreadsheet with columns for post type, title approach, posting time, upvotes, comments, and awards. This organized approach helps identify patterns that can inform your future posting strategy.
Amplifying Reach Beyond Reddit
Matthew Brunken's success extends beyond Reddit through strategic cross-platform promotion and integration of social media signals. His ability to connect with people creates discussions that naturally flow to other platforms.
Cross-Platform Sharing
Creating shareable content on Reddit is just the beginning. Brunken repurposes viral Reddit content for platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok with platform-specific modifications.
For Twitter, he condenses lengthy Reddit discussions into thread format, using screenshots of popular comments with proper attribution. This approach maintains the original context while fitting Twitter's format.
On Instagram, Brunken transforms text-based Reddit content into visually appealing carousel posts or short video clips. He overlays key quotes on engaging backgrounds and includes the Reddit thread link in his bio.
For TikTok, he creates 15-60 second videos discussing interesting Reddit threads or reactions. This video format often reaches younger audiences who might not regularly use Reddit but become interested in the platform through his content.
Incorporating Social Media Signals
Brunken strategically uses signals from other platforms to strengthen his Reddit presence. He monitors trending topics across platforms to identify potential content themes before they peak on Reddit.
He sparks conversations that spill over to other social media spaces by asking questions on Reddit that reference current social media trends. This creates a feedback loop where discussions move between platforms.
Brunken also incorporates hashtag research from Instagram and Twitter to better understand what terminology resonates with specific audiences. This informs his Reddit post titles and vocabulary.
By mentioning his cross-platform presence in his Reddit profile, he builds a cohesive personal brand. This encourages followers to connect with him across multiple platforms, amplifying his reach and influence beyond Reddit alone.
Matthew Brunken's Specific Advice on Virality
Matthew Brunken offers practical insights for creating viral content on Reddit. His approach focuses on understanding audience needs and creating valuable discussions rather than just chasing upvotes.
One of Brunken's key recommendations is to focus on customer discovery questions that generate meaningful engagement. He believes that posts addressing specific pain points tend to gain more traction.
Brunken suggests timing posts strategically during peak Reddit traffic hours. This increases the chance of early upvotes, which helps content reach the "rising" section.
Content Formatting Tips:
Use clear, descriptive titles
Break text into short paragraphs
Include bulleted lists for easy scanning
Incorporate relevant images when appropriate
He also recommends actively engaging in technology and gaming subreddits where he has found success. Responding promptly to comments helps keep posts in the algorithm's favor.
Brunken emphasizes authenticity in all posts. He advises against using clickbait tactics that might initially attract views but ultimately damage credibility.
Interestingly, Brunken has voiced concerns about AI training on Reddit content, suggesting creators should maintain a distinct human voice in their posts to stand out.
A consistent posting schedule helps build a following. Brunken recommends creating a content calendar that aligns with subreddit activity patterns.
Case Studies of Viral Reddit Posts
Matthew Brunken has studied several Reddit posts that gained significant traction. His analysis reveals common elements that contributed to their viral status.
One notable case involved a detailed coding guide that reached the front page of r/programming. The post combined practical value with clear instructions, making complex concepts accessible to beginners.
Another successful example was a gaming strategy post that received over 15,000 upvotes. This post featured:
Step-by-step instructions
Screenshots for visual guidance
Responses to common questions in the comments
Regular updates based on community feedback
The timing of posts also plays a crucial role in virality. Posts published between 6-8 AM EST on weekdays typically gained more initial momentum, according to Brunken's observations.
Content presentation matters significantly. Posts with these elements performed better:
Element Impact on Engagement Clear formatting 43% higher retention Bulleted lists 37% more comments Images/diagrams 65% more shares Intriguing title 82% higher click rate
Brunken notes that posts addressing current trends or solving common problems consistently outperformed general content. For example, a post explaining a workaround for a recent game bug received 22,000 upvotes in less than 24 hours.
Community engagement after posting is equally important. Posts where the author actively participated in the comments section maintained longer visibility on hot pages.
Advanced Strategies and Tools
Matthew Brunken has developed several high-level approaches for maximizing Reddit visibility. These strategies go beyond basics and leverage deeper platform mechanics.
Timing Analysis Tools
RedditMetrics - Identifies peak engagement hours
LaterForReddit - Schedules posts for optimal visibility
SnoopSnoo - Analyzes community activity patterns
Content format matters significantly on Reddit. Posts with visuals typically generate 43% more engagement than text-only submissions, according to Brunken's research.
Brunken recommends using sentiment analysis to gauge community receptiveness before posting. This helps predict how content might be received in specific subreddits.
Cross-posting Strategy Matrix:
Original Subreddit Secondary Subreddits Timing Gap r/dataisbeautiful r/science, r/futurology 3-4 hours r/askreddit r/bestof, r/defaultgems 12+ hours r/tifu r/bestofTLDR 6-8 hours
"The algorithm rewards authentic engagement more than posting frequency," Brunken explains. He suggests using Reddit's API tools to track comment velocity in the first 30 minutes.
Comment threading techniques can dramatically increase visibility. Brunken suggests preparing 3-5 thoughtful responses to potential questions before posting.
Advanced users should consider exploring reaction pathways within communities - starting with smaller, niche subreddits before expanding to larger ones with proven content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reddit success requires specific strategies, community understanding, and proper timing. These questions address the most common concerns about creating viral content on this platform.
What are the key elements of content that tends to go viral on Reddit?
Viral Reddit content typically contains elements of novelty, emotional appeal, and relevance to current trends. Matthew Brunken often shares insights in technology and gaming subreddits that resonate with users because they address specific interests.
Content that tells a compelling story or solves a common problem tends to gain more traction. Visual appeal matters significantly, with high-quality images and well-formatted text making posts more digestible.
Authenticity remains crucial for Reddit users who quickly detect and downvote promotional or disingenuous content. Successful posts often contain a personal perspective or unique take that feels genuine rather than manufactured.
How can one effectively engage with the Reddit community to increase post visibility?
Active participation in comments sections helps build credibility and increases a post's visibility through algorithm boosts. Responding thoughtfully to questions shows commitment to the community and encourages further engagement.
Matthew Brunken's approach includes offering tips grounded in experience or research, particularly in advice-driven subreddits. This establishes expertise and trustworthiness.
Understanding each subreddit's specific culture before posting helps avoid downvotes from misaligned content. Lurking before posting allows users to learn community norms, inside jokes, and preferred content formats.
What are the most effective timing strategies for posting on Reddit to maximize reach?
Posting during peak hours for your target subreddit dramatically increases visibility potential. For U.S.-focused content, weekdays between 8-10 AM EST often provide optimal exposure as users check Reddit during morning commutes or coffee breaks.
Different subreddits have unique optimal posting times based on their user demographics. Using tools like RedditMetis or analyzing successful posts can help identify these patterns.
Avoiding posting during major news events or holidays helps prevent content from being buried in feeds. Weekend posting works better for entertainment and hobby-related subreddits when users have more leisure time.
What role does multimedia play in enhancing the virality of a Reddit post?
High-quality images, videos, and GIFs significantly increase engagement rates compared to text-only posts. Visual content catches attention while scrolling and communicates information efficiently.
Infographics and data visualizations perform exceptionally well in educational and informational subreddits. These formats make complex information accessible and shareable.
Custom-created content generally outperforms shared content from other sources. Original artwork, photographs, or video demonstrates effort and uniqueness that Reddit users appreciate and reward with upvotes.
How can Reddit's various subreddits be leveraged for wider content distribution?
Cross-posting strategically to relevant subreddits expands reach without appearing spammy. Content should be tailored slightly for each community rather than identical across all subreddits.
Niche subreddits often provide more engaged audiences despite smaller user counts. Building reputation in specialized communities creates loyal followers who may help promote content elsewhere.
Understanding the relationship between broader and more specific subreddits creates pathways for content to reach wider audiences. Starting in smaller communities before moving to larger ones builds momentum gradually.
What are some common pitfalls to avoid when attempting to create viral content on Reddit?
Obvious self-promotion receives swift negative reactions from Reddit users. Content should provide value first, with any promotional elements being subtle and secondary.
Misunderstanding subreddit rules or culture leads to removed posts and potential bans. Each community has specific guidelines that must be thoroughly reviewed before posting.
Using clickbait titles or misleading content backfires dramatically on Reddit. The platform's voting system quickly punishes deceptive practices, damaging credibility and limiting future success potential.