How to Send Messages & Chats on Reddit

Anyone with a Reddit account can send private messages (PMs), which are text-only, or chats, which are faster and more casual. This guide covers both desktop and mobile websites and the Reddit app.

Sending Private Messages on Reddit

On the Reddit Website:

1. Go to Reddit.com and log in.

2. Click the notification bell on the top navigation bar.

   

3. Select the Messages tab.

   

4. Click Send a Private Message.

   

5.  

   Fill in the fields: choose the sending account, enter the recipient’s username, add a subject and message, then click Send.

   • To message subreddit moderators, type /r/subredditname in the “to” field.

     

6. Shortcut: Go directly to reddit.com/message/compose.

On the Reddit App:

1. Open the Reddit app and log in.
2. Tap the notification bell at the bottom.
3. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮), then select New Message.
4. Enter the recipient’s username (use u/username), add a subject and message, then tap Send.

Sending a Message via a User Profile

1. Open the user’s profile.
2. Tap the three-dot menu (•••) near the top.
3. Select Send a Message.
4. Fill out the message fields and press Send.
5. Note: On the website, you can choose the sending account. On the app, you send from the currently logged-in account.

Sending Chats

On Reddit Website:

1. Click the chat bubble icon on the top navigation bar.
2. Click the chat bubble with a + to start a new chat.
3. Enter the recipient’s username and select the correct match.
4. Click Start Chat.
5. Type your message and send using the arrow icon.
   • You can also attach images, GIFs, or emojis.

On Reddit Mobile App:

• The chat icon is at the bottom of the screen.
• You can also open a user profile and tap the chat bubble to start a chat.

Tips

• Reddit does not allow attachments in private messages. You can share images via links from sites like Imgur.

Summary

• Messages = formal, email-like communication.
• Chats = quick, casual communication.
• Accessible on desktop, mobile website, and app.
• Messages can be sent from a specific account on the website; chats always use your logged-in account.

This version removes repeated information, organizes steps clearly, and keeps the focus on actionable instructions.