Clean Link Best Practices for Reddit

Written By Engain io

Last updated 3 months ago

Using clean links reduces removals and filter hits. Reddit and many subreddits automatically flag certain link types.

1. Remove tracking parameters

Do not include:

utm_source, utm_medium, utm_campaign

  • ref, refid, via

  • Any affiliate or tracking tags

Bad:

https://example.com/product?utm_source=facebook&ref=abc123

Good:

https://example.com/product

2. Use direct URLs

Always use the main page URL.

Avoid:

  • Link shorteners (bit.ly, tinyurl, etc.)

  • Redirect links

If you must redirect, 301 only. Avoid 302.

Bad:

https://bit.ly/3abcxyz

Good:

https://example.com/article

3. Avoid affiliate or referral links

  • Many subreddits block them completely

  • Reddit detects them easily

  • They often get removed automatically

If you must use one, put it behind a 301 redirect or use a bridge page →.

Summary:

Clean links = fewer removals. Use direct URLs, strip tracking, and avoid affiliate links whenever possible.