To edit a post or comment on Reddit, navigate to your content, find the overflow menu (usually represented by three dots), click or tap it, and then select "Edit Post" or "Edit Comment" to make and save your desired changes.
Understanding Reddit Edits
Reddit allows users to modify the content of their posts and comments after they've been published. This feature is incredibly useful for correcting typos, adding more information, or clarifying statements without needing to delete and repost. When you edit a post or comment, Reddit usually indicates that it has been edited, often by displaying an "edited" timestamp next to it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Editing a Reddit Post or Comment
The process for editing both posts and comments is straightforward and consistent across Reddit's web and mobile platforms.
- Locate Your Post or Comment: First, find the specific post or comment you wish to edit. You can typically find your past contributions by visiting your profile page.
- Access the Overflow Menu: On your post or comment, look for the overflow menu icon. This is generally represented by three dots (⋯), located near the bottom of your post or comment, often alongside options like "Reply," "Share," or "Report."
- Select 'Edit': Click or tap on the overflow menu icon. A drop-down or pop-up menu will appear. From this menu, choose "Edit Post" for a main submission or "Edit Comment" for a comment.
- Make Your Edits: The content of your post or comment will become editable. You can now type, delete, or modify the text as needed.
- Save Your Changes: After you've finished making your edits, look for a "Save" or "Update" button. Click or tap this button to apply your changes. Your updated content will now be visible to others.
What You Can and Cannot Edit
While Reddit provides flexibility in editing, there are specific limitations to be aware of:
| Editable Content | Non-Editable Content |
|---|---|
| Post Body/Self-Text | Post Title |
| Comment Body | Poll Options |
| Links within text | Images/Videos attached to posts |
| Formatting (bold, italics, lists) | Post Type (e.g., text to link post) |
Important Note: Once a post title is set, it cannot be changed. If you need to correct a title, your only option is to delete the post and create a new one.
Important Considerations for Editing
- Edited Timestamp: For most posts and comments, Reddit will add an "edited" tag or timestamp next to the content if it's edited after a few minutes of its initial posting. This transparency helps users understand if the content has been altered since they last viewed it.
- Visibility of Edits: Your edits are immediately visible to anyone viewing your post or comment.
- No Version History: Reddit does not typically maintain a public version history of edits, meaning you cannot revert to a previous version of your post or comment.
- Deletion vs. Editing: If the content is significantly wrong or you wish to remove it entirely, deleting the post or comment might be a more suitable option than editing.
Troubleshooting Common Editing Issues
If you're unable to edit a post or comment, consider the following:
- It's Not Your Content: You can only edit posts and comments that you personally created. You cannot edit content posted by other users.
- Post is Too Old: While generally not an issue for most users, extremely old or archived posts might have editing restrictions, though this is rare.
- Technical Glitch: Occasionally, a temporary bug or internet connectivity issue might prevent edits from saving. Try refreshing the page or checking your internet connection.
For more detailed information, you can always refer to the official Reddit Help Center.
