Changing a subreddit's sidebar on Reddit is a function exclusively available to moderators and must be performed on the desktop version of the website. It's important to note that regular users cannot customize the sidebar of a community, and while the sidebar content is viewable on mobile devices, it cannot be edited there.
The sidebar serves as a crucial information hub for a community, allowing moderators to share rules, important links, FAQs, and other relevant details with members.
Who Can Change the Sidebar?
Only moderators with appropriate permissions for a specific subreddit can modify its sidebar.
Where to Change Your Sidebar (Desktop Only)
To modify your community's sidebar:
- Access Mod Tools: Navigate to your subreddit on the desktop version of Reddit. Look for the "Mod Tools" link, typically found in the sidebar or at the top of the page (depending on Reddit's UI).
- Go to Community Appearance/Widgets: Within the Mod Tools, locate the "Community appearance" or "Widgets" section. This is where you manage the visual elements and content of your subreddit, including the sidebar.
- Edit Sidebar Widgets: In this section, you will find options to add, edit, remove, and reorder various "widgets" that make up your sidebar.
What Can You Change in the Sidebar?
Reddit's sidebar is composed of various widgets that moderators can configure. Here’s what you can typically do:
- Add New Widgets: You can add different types of widgets to provide specific information. Common widget types include:
- Text Widgets: For general announcements, FAQs, or detailed information. You can use Markdown for formatting.
- Image Widgets: To display images, banners, or logos.
- Button Widgets: For linking to external sites, related subreddits, or specific posts.
- Rules Widgets: To display your community's rules directly in the sidebar.
- Post Flair Widgets: To allow users to filter posts by flair.
- Community List Widgets: To showcase related or partnered subreddits.
- Edit Existing Widgets: You can modify the content, title, and settings of any custom widget you've added.
- Reorder Widgets: You can drag and drop widgets to change their display order within the sidebar.
Fixed Sidebar Components
It's important to be aware of the elements that cannot be changed or removed:
- Community Description Widget: Every community automatically includes a description widget at the top of its sidebar. This widget displays the community's description and cannot be reordered or removed.
- Moderators Widget: A list of the community's moderators is always displayed at the bottom of the sidebar. This widget also cannot be reordered or removed.
Mobile Viewing of the Sidebar
While you cannot edit the sidebar on a mobile device, users can view its content. To do so:
- Open the Reddit app or mobile website for the specific community.
- Tap on "See community info" (usually located near the top of the community page).
- Navigate to the "About" section, where you will find the community description, rules, and all other custom sidebar widgets.
Tips for an Effective Sidebar
An effective sidebar enhances the user experience and helps maintain community standards. Consider these tips:
- Be Concise: While you can include a lot of information, aim for clarity and brevity to prevent overwhelming users.
- Prioritize Important Information: Place essential rules, guidelines, or frequently asked questions near the top of your custom widgets.
- Use Clear Headings: Break down information into digestible sections with clear, descriptive headings for easy navigation.
- Provide Essential Links: Include links to your community's full rules, FAQs, Discord servers, social media, or related communities.
- Regularly Update: Keep your sidebar content current, removing outdated information and adding new relevant details as your community evolves.
By leveraging these tools, moderators can create a well-organized and informative sidebar that greatly benefits their community members.
