Are you trying to view NSFW (Not Safe For Work) content on Reddit but encountering a message saying the results are hidden? Maybe you‘re curious about the massive world of adult-oriented communities and discussions on the platform but unsure how to access them. You‘re not alone.
By default, Reddit restricts access to NSFW subreddits and search results for logged-out users and accounts that haven‘t opted into viewing adult content. It‘s part of the platform‘s efforts to maintain a family-friendly front page while still allowing more provocative material in designated areas.
The good news is, enabling access to see NSFW posts and communities on Reddit is a straightforward process once you know where to look. In this expert guide, we‘ll walk you through exactly how to turn on NSFW content on both the Reddit website and official mobile apps for Android and iOS as of 2024.
But we‘ll also dive deeper into the societal implications of adult content on mainstream social platforms and how to consume it mindfully. With links to academic research and insights from veteran Redditors, this article aims to be your ultimate resource for understanding and navigating Reddit‘s NSFW side. Let‘s get started.
Why is NSFW Content Hidden on Reddit By Default?
As the 19th most visited website in the world with over 430 million monthly active users, Reddit has come a long way from its early days as a niche link-sharing forum. Today, its users include people of all ages and backgrounds, and the platform has a responsibility to maintain a baseline of appropriateness on its main pages.
That‘s why Reddit automatically hides any subreddits, posts, and search results flagged as "Not Safe For Work" from its front page, r/all feed, and search results unless your account specifically allows it. This includes communities centered around pornography, erotica, violence, and other adult topics.
While this material is allowed on Reddit (with some key exceptions like illegal content and involuntary pornography), the NSFW tag gives users control over whether they see it and keeps the main feeds and search results "clean." Logged out users and those with the NSFW filter on will see a warning like this when trying to access NSFW subreddits:
[Screenshot of Reddit‘s "You must be 18+ to view this community" warning]For advertisers, the NSFW filter also ensures their promotions don‘t appear alongside potentially objectionable content. A 2021 study by the Brand Safety Institute found 85% of consumers would boycott a brand if its ads ran next to extreme or inappropriate digital content. By sequestering NSFW subreddits, Reddit can assure advertisers their campaigns will only run in designated "safe" communities.
The Massive Popularity of NSFW Content on Reddit
However, for consenting adult Reddit users, enabling NSFW access opens up a huge additional world of communities and discussions on the platform. Just how big is Reddit‘s NSFW universe? While the company doesn‘t regularly share traffic data for individual subreddits, some metrics suggest it‘s massive:
- According to a 2022 analysis by FrontPageMetrics.com, 7 of the top 20 most popular subreddits are NSFW, including r/gonewild with over 3 million subscribers
- A 2020 study published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior found that 43% of participants used Reddit for pornography and the average user viewed NSFW subreddits 5 times per week
- Reddit‘s own 2021 Year in Review blog post noted that the phrase "NSFW" was the 7th most used term in subreddit names created that year
So while NSFW content may be hidden by default, it‘s clearly a major draw for a large portion of Reddit‘s user base. Whether for adult entertainment, education, or discussion of sensitive topics shielded by anonymity, NSFW communities are thriving.
But how can curious users access them in a way that‘s safe, consensual, and consistent with their values? The first step is learning how to enable the NSFW filter in your Reddit account settings.
How to Enable NSFW Content on Reddit on a Web Browser
Viewing NSFW subreddits and posts on Reddit requires opting-in via the website, even if you primarily browse on mobile. The setting syncs to the official iOS and Android apps. Here‘s how to turn it on using any device with a web browser:
- Open reddit.com in a web browser and log in if prompted
- Click your avatar in the top right and select "User Settings"
- On the settings page, click the "Feed Settings" tab in the left sidebar
- Under "Adult Content," toggle the "Adult content" switch to the ON position
- Choose whether to blur NSFW media by default with the "Blur NSFW images" toggle
- Scroll down and click "Save Changes" to confirm
That‘s it! Your account will now show NSFW results when searching and let you enter quarantined communities focused on adult topics. The process is the same whether you‘re using Old Reddit or the redesigned site.
It‘s important to note that only you can see your NSFW preferences – they aren‘t displayed on your profile. However, if you regularly post or comment in NSFW subreddits, keep in mind that your activity there will be visible on your profile page to anyone who looks.
How to Enable NSFW Content on the Reddit Mobile Apps
If you use Reddit‘s official apps for iOS or Android, you‘ll need to turn on NSFW access in the in-app settings in addition to the website. The process is straightforward but slightly different on each platform.
Reddit App for Android
- Tap your avatar in the top left to open the menu
- Tap "Settings" at the bottom of the navigation drawer
- Under "View Options," toggle on "Show NSFW content (I‘m over 18)"
- If desired, set "Blur NSFW Images" on or off
Reddit App for iOS
- Open your device settings and scroll down to the list of installed apps
- Tap "Reddit" in the list to view the app settings
- Under "Reddit Settings" toggle the "Show NSFW Content (18+)" button on
- Optionally, choose whether to "Blur NSFW Images" using the toggle below
Once enabled, your Reddit apps will mirror the NSFW preferences set on the website. You can now freely browse 18+ communities and see unfiltered results in your home feed and searches.
Exploring NSFW Subreddits and Posts Mindfully
With adult content access enabled, a vast landscape of additional communities and discussions are now visible in your Reddit experience. According to a list compiled by OnlineSchoolsReport.com, some of the most popular NSFW subreddits as of 2024 include:
| Subreddit | # of Subscribers |
|---|---|
| r/gonewild | 3.2 million |
| r/nsfw | 2.9 million |
| r/BustyPetite | 1.3 million |
| r/holdthemoan | 1.3 million |
| r/AsiansGoneWild | 1.1 million |
However, venturing into NSFW territory on Reddit (or anywhere online) is not without risks and serious considerations. Clinical psychologist and sex therapist Dr. David Ley stresses the importance of consuming adult content consciously:
"Many people use pornography and erotica as a form of entertainment or for sexual stimulation, and there‘s nothing inherently wrong with that. But it‘s crucial to be mindful of how it affects your mental health, relationships, and expectations. Seeking out extreme or niche content obsessively or comparing yourself and your partners to adult performers is a slippery slope."
Dr. Ley recommends setting personal boundaries around the type and amount of NSFW content you consume and being disciplined about when and where you access it. Getting carried away could lead to awkward or costly consequences:
- Opening NSFW posts in public or in a workplace could make others extremely uncomfortable and even constitute sexual harassment in some contexts
- Failing to lock your phone or computer could expose young children to content they don‘t have the maturity to process
- Interacting with adult posts on a shared device or account could impact future recommendations and even legal risks for unsuspecting users
Responsible NSFW Redditors take precautions like keeping their activities confined to personal devices, using anonymous alternate accounts, and religiously checking which subreddit a post is in before clicking. They also understand that the content they‘re viewing is produced by entertainers, not a reflection of reality.
Additionally, be extremely wary of clicking external links in NSFW subreddits, especially to adult sites you don‘t recognize. A 2022 study by anti-virus provider Kaspersky found that over 30% of porn site viewers were exposed to malware and scams.
Curating Your Reddit Feed and Filtering NSFW Content
Even with the NSFW filter off, Reddit gives you granular control over which communities and types of posts appear in your feeds. If you find yourself wanting to limit or block specific kinds of NSFW content, you have several options:
Filter individual subreddits: Reddit allows you to block up to 100 subreddits from appearing in your Home feed, r/all, and search results. On the web, go to the "Communities" tab in your User Settings and type in subreddit names under "Community Content Filters." On mobile, tap the "…" menu on a post from the subreddit you want to block, then select "Filter posts from this community."
Filter keywords from post titles: In the Reddit mobile app‘s "Settings" tab, you can add words or phrases under "Keyword Filters" to hide any posts containing them. Separate keywords with commas. This is useful for screening specific fetishes, acts, or topics you‘d rather not encounter.
Use the r/all filter: When browsing r/all, which aggregates the top posts from all public subreddits, click the "Filter r/all" entry field at the top of the page to enter subreddits you want to exclude. You can add up to 100 filters this way.
Taking advantage of these features lets you fine-tune your Reddit experience and take control over the types of content served to you. Combine them with NSFW filters for a highly customized feed aligned with your interests and comfort zone.
Respecting Reddit‘s NSFW Communities and Site Rules
Last but definitely not least, diving into Reddit‘s NSFW side comes with an obligation to respect the rules and norms of the communities you participate in. While each subreddit has its own specific codes of conduct, some common guidelines include:
- Absolutely no content involving or adjacent to minors whatsoever
- No posting sexual content or personal information without the subject‘s explicit consent
- No harassing, threatening, or bullying other users for any reason
- Follow all Reddit‘s site-wide rules which prohibit things like illegal content, involuntary pornography, and impersonating others
Breaking these rules could get you banned by subreddit moderators or suspended from Reddit entirely. More importantly, violating consent and privacy in NSFW spaces can inflict serious trauma on victims. A study by the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative found that 93% of people report significant emotional distress and 51% have suicidal thoughts after having their intimate images shared online without permission.
The anonymous nature of Reddit isn‘t an excuse to abandon basic human decency and empathy. Behind every naked picture and erotic story is a real person deserving of dignity. Treat them how you‘d want to be treated.
Resources for Using Reddit‘s NSFW Settings and Content
Want to dive deeper into the nuts and bolts of accessing and managing adult content on Reddit? These resources from the Reddit team and third-party experts offer additional insights and tips:
- Reddit Help Center guide to enabling NSFW content
- Community guidelines for adult content on Reddit
- r/help megathread on using NSFW filters and tags
- r/NSFW411 wiki listing popular NSFW subreddits by category
- Psychologytoday.com guide to watching pornography mindfully
Remember, no matter how experienced a Redditor you are, there‘s always more to learn about optimizing your experience and avoiding potential pitfalls. When in doubt, listen to your gut and don‘t hesitate to ask for help from moderators or the r/help community.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has given you both the technical know-how and food for thought to make informed decisions about accessing and viewing adult content on Reddit. While often hidden from the spotlight, NSFW communities are a major part of what makes the platform vibrant, diverse, and valuable to millions.
At the same time, venturing into the world of Reddit After Dark requires a mature mindset, a commitment to the well-being of yourself and others, and a healthy dose of discretion. By taking advantage of Reddit‘s built-in NSFW filters and practicing digital consent, you can unlock new avenues of entertainment and education while keeping your experience positive.
So go forth and explore the wild world of Reddit‘s NSFW side – just remember to always fap responsibly. Have fun, stay safe, and happy Redditing!
