You cannot rename a subreddit once it has been created. The name you choose when you initially set up a community on Reddit is permanent and cannot be changed.
Subreddit names serve as unique identifiers and are an integral part of their web address (URL). This immutability ensures consistent access and prevents broken links or confusion for users.
Why Subreddit Names Are Permanent
Reddit's system is designed so that each community's name is fixed from its inception. This policy maintains stability across the platform:
- Unique Identity: Every subreddit name is a unique identifier, similar to a username.
- Persistent URLs: The name forms the basis of the subreddit's URL (e.g.,
reddit.com/r/YourSubredditName), and changing it would break all existing links. - Community Recognition: A consistent name helps members easily find and refer to communities.
What Are Your Options If You Want a Different Name?
Since renaming is not possible, your primary solution if you desire a new name for your community is to create an entirely new subreddit.
1. Create a New Subreddit
This is the most common approach for moderators who wish to change their community's name.
Naming Your New Subreddit
When creating a new community, keep the following rules in mind for its name:
- Length: The name must be between three and 21 characters in length.
- Characters Allowed: The only special character permitted is the underscore (_). Other special characters, spaces, or symbols are not allowed.
- Availability: The name must be unique and not already in use by another community.
- Relevance: Choose a name that clearly reflects the topic or purpose of your community for better discoverability.
How to Create a New Community
- Log in to Reddit: Ensure you are logged into the account you wish to be the moderator of the new community.
- Navigate to the Creation Page: Visit the create a new community page.
- Enter Your Desired Name: Type the new, permanent name for your subreddit into the "Name" field.
- Choose Community Type: Select whether your community will be Public, Restricted, or Private.
- Click "Create Community": Confirm your choices.
2. Enhance Your Existing Subreddit's Branding
If the issue isn't the core name but how your community is perceived, you can modify its visual identity and description without creating a new subreddit.
- Update Community Description: Clearly define your subreddit's purpose and scope.
- Customize Appearance: Change the icon, banner, and theme to better reflect your community's identity.
- Add a Display Name: While the URL name remains, you can set a more user-friendly "display name" that appears prominently on the subreddit page. This can include spaces and a broader range of characters.
- Sidebar Information: Utilize the sidebar to provide context, rules, and additional information.
Considerations When Creating a New Subreddit
Moving to a new subreddit name comes with several implications you should consider:
| Feature | Keeping Current Subreddit | Creating a New Subreddit |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Stays the same, cannot be changed. | New, permanent name (3-21 characters, _ allowed). |
| URL | Remains constant. | New URL, old links will break. |
| Subscribers | Retains existing subscribers. | Starts with zero subscribers. |
| Content | All existing posts and comments remain. | Starts empty; content must be reposted or linked. |
| Moderation Log | Full history accessible. | New log begins from creation date. |
| SEO Impact | Established search engine visibility. | Needs to build new search visibility from scratch. |
| Member Migration | No action needed for members. | Requires active communication to move members. |
Practical Insights:
- Announce the Change: If you do create a new subreddit, make sure to heavily promote the new community on your old one. Pin a post, update the sidebar, and provide clear instructions for members to join the new community.
- Cross-Link: You can link from the old subreddit to the new one and vice-versa, perhaps even setting the old subreddit to "restricted" to encourage migration while preserving old content.
- Content Strategy: Decide which content is essential to migrate. You might only move popular posts or create a new content strategy for the fresh start.
Best Practices for Choosing a Subreddit Name
When selecting a name for any new community:
- Be Clear and Concise: A straightforward name helps users understand what your community is about.
- Reflect Content Accurately: The name should align well with the topics discussed within the subreddit.
- Check for Availability: Always ensure your desired name hasn't already been taken.
- Consider Future Growth: Choose a name that is broad enough to accommodate potential expansion of your community's scope.
- Avoid Typos or Obscure Spellings: Simple, easy-to-remember names are generally more successful.
