Reddit DMCA Takedown Guide (2026)
If you’re Googling “reddit dmca”, you’re probably dealing with one of two situations:
- Someone reposted your work (images, video, writing, code, etc.) on Reddit, and you want it removed.
- Your own post got removed for copyright, and you’re trying to understand your options.
This guide explains what the DMCA is on Reddit, what Reddit actually removes, how to file a copyright notice, what happens after, and the most common mistakes that get requests delayed or ignored. If you also want a broader “find links, track URLs, send notices” workflow beyond Reddit, start with Bruqi’s removals hub and the primer How does a DMCA takedown work?
What is the DMCA on Reddit?
The DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) is a U.S. law that gives platforms like Reddit a “notice-and-takedown” system: copyright owners can report infringing content, and platforms can remove it to maintain safe-harbor protections. Reddit’s User Agreement says you can notify their designated agent via the Copyright Report Form, and it warns against knowingly making false claims.
On Reddit, a DMCA notice is basically a formal report saying: “This specific Reddit URL is infringing my copyrighted work, and here’s the info required by the DMCA.” Reddit routes this through their copyright workflow (not the normal “report” button). If you want the bigger picture of what a typical takedown looks like from start to finish, see How does a DMCA takedown work?
Are Reddit posts copyright free?
No. Reddit posts are not “copyright free” by default.
In Reddit’s User Agreement, Reddit says: you retain ownership rights in the content you submit, but you grant Reddit a broad license to host and use it.
In practical terms, the person who created the post usually owns the copyright (unless it’s copied from someone else). Other users don’t automatically get the right to repost it elsewhere, but Reddit does have the right to display it on Reddit because of the license you grant them. If you’re unsure whether what you made is actually protected, this FAQ on whether your content is copyrighted can help you sanity-check before you file anything.
What does Reddit consider a copyright violation?
Reddit’s Copyright Help Center gives examples of violations, like reposting someone else’s photo without permission or sharing a download link to an unauthorized copy of a movie.
Reddit also points out that not everything is copyrightable (facts, ideas, short phrases) and that defenses like fair use can apply in some situations.
Does Reddit take DMCA reports seriously?
Yes, at least when they’re valid and complete.
Reddit says when they receive a valid copyright takedown notice, they will remove the content, notify the user who posted it, and confirm removal with the reporter.
They also note consequences for repeat issues: Reddit may ban repeat infringer accounts, and may ban subreddits after multiple removals or if a subreddit is clearly dedicated to sharing infringing content.
Can you DMCA a subreddit?
You can’t “DMCA a subreddit” as a single legal object in the way people phrase it, but you can file takedown notices against infringing content posted inside a subreddit (posts/comments/media). And if a subreddit racks up enough removals, or is built around infringement, Reddit says they may ban it.
So in practice: individual removals can add up to subreddit consequences if the infringement is chronic.
Before you file a DMCA takedown on Reddit (quick checklist)
To avoid delays, prep this stuff first:
- Direct Reddit URLs of the infringing content
Reddit’s form emphasizes it needs properly formatted Reddit URLs (post/comment URLs, etc.). - A link to your original work (or other proof)
This can be your website, a portfolio page, a paywalled platform link, or any “source” page that establishes ownership/date. - Decide who should file (you vs. an authorized agent)
If you don’t want to share your personal address with the uploader, using an authorized representative can reduce exposure. Reddit warns your report may be shared with affected parties. - Make sure DMCA is the right tool
DMCA is for copyright. If your issue is harassment, doxxing, or privacy, that’s usually a different reporting path. For related edge cases, read what can and can’t be removed with DMCA takedowns.
How to file a DMCA notice on Reddit (step-by-step)
Reddit’s main workflow is their Copyright Report Form.
Step 1: Open Reddit’s Copyright Report Form
Use the form Reddit references in their help articles and user agreement.
Step 2: Identify your copyrighted work
You’ll be asked what the copyrighted work is (title/description) and optionally registration info.
Important: you don’t need U.S. registration to submit a DMCA notice, but registration can matter if things escalate legally.
Step 3: Paste the exact Reddit URLs that infringe
This is where most people slip up. Reddit wants the exact location on Reddit (and notes incorrectly formatted URLs may not be processed).
Step 4: Add context (optional but smart)
Reddit’s form includes a box for additional information (like your original link).
If your work is paywalled, explain that clearly (e.g., “This image is from my subscriber page; repost is unauthorized.”).
Step 5: Complete the required DMCA statements + signature
DMCA notices require specific sworn statements. Reddit’s form includes “good faith belief” and “under penalty of perjury” language, plus an electronic signature requirement.
Step 6: Understand what information may be shared
Reddit warns that the info you provide may be provided to affected parties, and suggests using a business address/professional email—or authorizing a representative, if you don’t want personal info shared.
This matters for anyone dealing with stalking/harassment, or creators trying to protect their identity. If anonymity is a concern, is this anonymous? goes deeper on what information can be exposed in takedown workflows (and what you can do to reduce risk). If you’re comparing DIY vs. using help, why use a DMCA takedown service is a useful companion read.
What happens after a Reddit DMCA takedown is submitted?
If Reddit accepts the notice as valid, they say they will remove the content, notify the poster, and confirm removal with you.
Can the uploader counter it?
Reddit allows challenges. If your content is removed and you believe it was a mistake, Reddit says you can submit an appeal within six months, and their User Agreement also references a counter-notification process and form.
If someone counter-notices, that’s where some disputes move from “platform process” into “talk to a lawyer” territory.
Common mistakes that get DMCA reports on Reddit delayed (or rejected)
1) Reporting a subreddit instead of specific URLs
You need the exact post/comment/media URLs.
2) Using DMCA for non-copyright issues
DMCA is not a magic “remove anything about me” tool. If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, what can and can’t be removed with DMCA takedowns can save you time.
3) Not understanding “fair use” arguments
Reddit references fair use as a concept; if the post is criticism/commentary with limited excerpts, it may be more complicated than “stolen = removed.”
4) Sending a claim you can’t stand behind
False DMCA claims can create legal risk. The U.S. Copyright Office also warns about liability for material misrepresentations.
If your content keeps getting reposted (the part nobody tells you)
If you’re dealing with repeat leaks (common for subscription creators on platforms like OnlyFans), manual Reddit notices can become a second job, especially when the same content gets mirrored and reshared.
Option A: DIY it, but systematize it. Use a repeatable template, track URLs, and do routine checks. Start with the Bruqi removals guide, and keep expectations realistic by reading how long DMCA takedowns take. If you’re deciding whether to focus on removals at the source vs. search delisting, this explanation of delisting vs. removing at source helps.
Option B: Use the DMCA service Bruqi if it’s ongoing. Bruqi focuses on finding reposts, sending notices, and working on delisting so the same links don’t keep resurfacing. You can review pricing.
If you publish original work and want to make it obvious you enforce your rights, you can also look at DMCA badges (they won’t stop every repost, but they can reduce casual theft).
Reddit DMCA FAQ (2026)
What is the DMCA on Reddit?
It’s Reddit’s process for handling copyright infringement claims under U.S. law, typically through their Copyright Report Form and related workflow.
Can you DMCA a subreddit?
You can submit notices for infringing content posted in a subreddit (specific URLs). Reddit also says subreddits can be banned after multiple removals or if dedicated to infringement.
Are Reddit posts copyright free?
No. Users typically retain ownership rights in what they post, while granting Reddit a broad license to host and use it.
Does Reddit take reports seriously?
For valid copyright notices, Reddit says they remove the reported content, notify the poster, and confirm removal with the reporter.
Can a subreddit be sued?
A subreddit isn’t usually a legal “person” by itself, but people and companies can be sued (the uploader, a site operator, sometimes the platform depending on the claim). If you’re at the point of lawsuits/subpoenas, talk to an attorney; DMCA is the admin pathway and court is the escalation path.
