2.1M members · Founders & startups
Can you self-promote in r/startups?
Sometimes, in the right context.
Promotion is tolerated when it genuinely answers a question or adds to a discussion, not as a standalone ad. Mention your product naturally, keep it occasional, and use any designated promo thread.
The rule
No direct sales, advertisements, or promotion
“No direct sales, advertisements, or promotional posts of any kind. We have designated places that are an exception to this rule and they will always be stickied at the top of /r/startups.”
Source: subreddit rules, last checked 2026-07-13. Read the full rules on Reddit →
Before you post
- Promotion allowed only in a designated weekly thread
The highest-intent moment
The safest way into r/startups is not a post, it is a well-timed reply. Watch for: Resource / tool recommendation requests, GTM threads. Answer it genuinely first, then mention your product only if it directly helps.
From OneUp Today
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OneUp watches r/startups for those high-intent moments and drafts a personalized reply or DM in your voice. You review and send, no spam, no rule-breaking.
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<a href="https://oneup.today/tools/reddit-self-promotion-checker/startups" style="display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:6px;font:600 13px/1.4 -apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,Segoe UI,Roboto,sans-serif;color:#16231A;background:#F4F8F2;border:1px solid #B7D5B9;border-radius:8px;padding:6px 10px;text-decoration:none">r/startups self-promotion: Case-by-case · via OneUp Today</a>FAQ
Can I promote my product in r/startups?
Sometimes, in context. Promotion is tolerated when it genuinely answers a question or adds to a discussion, not as a standalone ad. Mention your product naturally, keep it occasional, and use any designated promo thread.
What is r/startups's self-promotion rule?
Per r/startups's rules ("No direct sales, advertisements, or promotion"): "No direct sales, advertisements, or promotional posts of any kind. We have designated places that are an exception to this rule and they will always be stickied at the top of /r/startups."
How do I get customers in r/startups without breaking the rules?
Instead of posting ads, reply to people already asking for a product like yours. In r/startups the highest-intent moment is: Resource / tool recommendation requests, GTM threads. Lead with a genuine, specific answer and mention your product only when it directly helps.