Reddit is home to over 100,000 communities covering an endless range of topics. Among these active subreddits, you‘ll find a substantial number focused on mature content labeled NSFW (not safe for work).
However, Reddit restricts access to pornography, nudity, profanity, gore and other adult content by default. Users must opt in to view NSFW posts and communities.
In this comprehensive guide, you‘ll learn how to adjust your Reddit preferences to enable NSFW content across desktop and mobile, unlocking unfiltered access to adult subreddits and search results.
Here‘s what I‘ll cover:
- What Gets Tagged as NSFW on Reddit?
- Why Reddit Blocks NSFW Content by Default
- A Step-By-Step Guide to Enable NSFW Content
- Accessing NSFW Subreddits and Search Results
- Responsible Use Tips and Precautions
- FAQs and Troubleshooting Problems
Let‘s start by examining what kinds of content get marked as NSFW on Reddit.
What Gets Tagged as NSFW on Reddit?
Reddit uses the NSFW tag as a warning label for user-submitted content of a mature or adult nature. This includes:
- Pornography and nude images/videos
- Graphic sexual content and discussions
- Profanity and explicit language
- Violence, gore, and illegal content
- Recreational drug and alcohol discussions
A 2020 study published in the Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction found over 133,000 active NSFW subreddits, demonstrating the massive volume of adult-themed communities on Reddit covering a diverse range of sexual interests and fetishes.
Both individual posts and entire subreddits can be marked NSFW. Moderators have discretion to tag their communities as NSFW as they see fit, even if content is not pornographic.
For instance, the popular subreddit r/WTF contains graphic content but is not sexually explicit. Still, moderators have designated it as NSFW since content can be shocking or offensive.
Now let‘s examine why Reddit has opted to make adult content an opt-in experience.
Why Reddit Blocks NSFW Content by Default
Reddit blocks NSFW content by default for a few key reasons:
- Protect minors – Since users don‘t verify their age, restricting adult content helps prevent underage access.
- Avoid non-consensual exposure – Blocking NSFW content prevents exposing users to potentially offensive posts without their consent.
- Comply with regulations – Content moderation helps Reddit operate legally regarding sexual content and free speech laws.
- Accommodate public browsing – Users can comfortably access Reddit in public without worrying about NSFW posts appearing.
According to Reddit‘s 2020 transparency report, their voluntary content policies resulted in over 132,000 removals of child sexual abuse material. Restricting access demonstrates Reddit‘s commitment to ethical, lawful content moderation.
Reddit believes users should choose what level of mature content they are comfortable with once legally of age. Default filters balance open access with user protection.
Now let‘s walk through how to update your preferences to view NSFW posts.
Step-By-Step Guide to Enable NSFW Content on Reddit
To adjust your NSFW filters, you‘ll need to log into Reddit on a desktop browser. The content toggle is not available in the mobile apps.
Here are detailed steps to enable NSFW content across all devices:
1. Access Reddit on Desktop
- On a computer, open https://www.reddit.com in a browser like Chrome or Firefox.
- In the top right corner, click "Log In" if not already logged into your account.
- Enter your Reddit username and password and click "Log In".
2. Navigate to User Settings
- After logging in, click on your username in the top right dropdown menu.
- In the dropdown, click "User Settings" to access your account preferences.
3. Select the "Feed Settings" Tab
- In your User Settings page, select the "Feed Settings" tab.
4. Enable "I am over eighteen years old…"
- Under "Content Preferences", check the box: "I am over eighteen years old and willing to view adult content".
- Scroll down and click "Save Options" to update.
Once you save changes on desktop, NSFW content will be viewable across all platforms including mobile apps.
Now let‘s look at how you can access and view NSFW content with filters disabled.
Accessing NSFW Subreddits
With your preferences updated, you can now browse and engage with NSFW communities focused on porn, fetishes, gore, profanity, and more.
Here is what you should know when visiting NSFW subreddits:
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You‘ll need to confirm you are 18+ when accessing a NSFW subreddit for the first time.
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NSFW subreddits display a red "NSFW" tag on desktop or "18+" label in apps.
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Moderators can designate any subreddit as NSFW at their discretion.
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Popular NSFW subs include:
- r/gonewild – Exhibitionist & voyeur porn
- r/NSFW – Mixed adult content
- r/rule34 – Cartoon/anime porn
- r/NSFW_GIF – Adult GIFs and videos
- r/watchpeopledie – Violent/graphic content
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Exercise caution viewing NSFW subreddits in crowded public spaces.
To visit an NSFW subreddit:
- Search for the subreddit name or get a recommendation.
- Click the name to enter the community.
- Confirm you are 18+ if prompted.
- Content warnings and tags will now be disabled.
Individual posts can also be labeled NSFW, with blurred thumbnails requiring age confirmation to view.
Viewing Unfiltered NSFW Search Results
With your content filters disabled, searches on Reddit will also return unfiltered NSFW results where relevant.
For example:
- Searching "porn" returns many NSFW communities and posts.
- Searching profanity and slurs will show uncensored results.
- Meme searches may contain NSFW versions.
However, Reddit still aims to prevent illegal content from surfacing in public feed searches, even with filters off.
I advise caution when browsing Reddit in public after enabling NSFW results, as adult content can populate innocuous searches. Consider using anonymous browsing or a separate account if needed.
Responsible Use Tips and Precautions
When accessing adult content on Reddit, please keep these tips in mind:
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Use discretion when browsing in public – Be mindful of your surroundings if accessing Reddit after disabling NSFW filters.
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Avoid illegal content – Do not search for or share child pornography, revenge porn, or other illegal material. This remains strictly prohibited by law and Reddit policies.
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Consider using an alt account – Creating a secondary "throwaway" account just for NSFW content allows you to keep this activity separate from your main.
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Respect consent and privacy – Remember real people post adult content. Obtain permission before sharing sensitive media.
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Moderate consumption – Take breaks from NSFW content for a healthy balance.
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Get help if needed – Seek counseling if compulsive use becomes damaging.
While I believe people should have the choice to explore legal interests ethically, always consume mature content mindfully.
Troubleshooting Problems Accessing NSFW Content
If you are still unable to view NSFW content after updating settings, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Double check you properly saved changes to your preferences on desktop.
- Log out and back into Reddit to refresh your preferences.
- Attempt browsing in incognito/private mode or another browser.
- Clear your browser cookies and cache.
- Verify your Reddit account meets minimum age requirements.
- Check for regional restrictions placed on certain NSFW subreddits.
In rare cases where issues persist, you may need to reach out to Reddit support for individual help diagnosing and resolving the problem.
In Summary
I hope this guide has clearly outlined how to update your preferences on Reddit desktop to enable viewing mature NSFW content across all platforms. While adult content is restricted by default, Reddit ultimately empowers users to make informed decisions on what they are comfortable engaging with once legally of age.
As a social media pro, I‘m happy to answer any other questions about safely navigating and using Reddit. Don‘t hesitate to reach out!
