Reddit

What Do Reddit Awards Do? - Everything You Need To Know

Updated on:
January 28, 2026
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You have seen Reddit badges, but don’t exactly know what reddit awards do. 

Reddit awards simply do three things:

Reddit awards simply do three things

  • Make Good Stuff Stand Out
  • Turn Karma Into Cash
  • Keep Things Fun

Reddit Awards have become a staple of community culture on the platform, allowing users to recognize valuable content while adding a touch of fun and encouragement. They let users go beyond upvotes to recognize posts or comments they find especially helpful, insightful, or entertaining. 

The Reddit Awards highlight quality content, boost its visibility, and reward creators with recognition and sometimes perks, such as Reddit Premium or monetary benefits. They serve as social proof within Reddit communities, demonstrating that a contribution is worthy of attention.

Today, we’ll look into Reddit Awards, what they are, the types available, how they work, their costs, and how they benefit both the givers and recipients. We’ll also discuss how awards impact a post’s reach and visibility, making them an essential tool if you’re looking to grow and engage within the Reddit community.

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What Are Reddit Awards?

Reddit Awards are virtual badges that you can give to Reddit posts or comments to show your appreciation for them, beyond just a regular upvote. Being one of Reddit’s strongest engagement signals, these awards play both a social and visibility-driven role on the platform.

But how do Reddit awards work?

Main Elements of Reddit Awards

Here’s what makes up the Reddit Awards system:

  • Awards (Badges) : Visual icons, such as Gold, Platinum, or community-specific awards, that appear next to a post or comment.
  • Reddit Coins: The virtual currency used to purchase awards.
  • Award Icons & Animations: Small symbols and effects that make awarded content stand out.
  • Perks (for some awards): Temporary Reddit Premium, extra coins, or profile recognition.

Awards visually elevate content and communicate value. They often do so more powerfully than karma alone.

Description (How They Appear on Reddit)

When a post or comment receives an award:

  • The award icon appears directly beneath the post title or comment.
  • Multiple awards stack side by side.
  • Hovering over an award (on desktop) shows its name and description.
  • High-awarded posts often attract more clicks and discussion.

This makes awards a form of social proof, especially in busy subreddits.

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The Purpose of Reddit Awards

The main purpose of Reddit Awards is to reward quality contributions and guide attention within a community.

Awards help:
  • Highlight valuable, funny, or insightful content
  • Encourage better posts and comments
  • Increase engagement and discussion
  • Strengthen subreddit culture and positivity

Unlike upvotes, awards involve intention and, often, money. It makes them feel more meaningful.

Do Reddit Awards Affect Karma?

No, Reddit Awards do not directly increase karma.

However, they influence karma indirectly:
  • Awarded posts attract more attention
  • More visibility leads to more upvotes
  • More upvotes result in higher karma

So while Reddit's award money or coins don’t convert into karma points, awards often trigger the activity that raises karma naturally.

In essence, awards don’t change the score, but they change how many people notice the content.

8 Types of Reddit Awards You Need to Know About

8 Types of Reddit Awards You Need to Know About

Reddit offers multiple types of awards, each serving a different purpose, from simple appreciation to premium recognition with real perks. Below is a clear breakdown of all major Reddit award types and how they’re used.

1. Basic/Free Awards

These are occasionally given by Reddit for free and allow users to reward content without spending coins.

Examples: Helpful, Wholesome, Silver-style badges

Features
  • No Reddit Premium or coin benefits
  • Purely symbolic but still boosts visibility
  • Commonly used in comment sections

A comment with a small “Wholesome” or “Helpful” badge under it in subreddits like r/AskReddit or r/NoStupidQuestions is an example of such rewards.

Consider buying Reddit Subscribers for a quick start on the award hunt.

Buying Reddit Subscribers

2. Gifting Awards

These are paid awards purchased using Reddit Coins and given to posts or comments.

Features
  • Includes the most popular awards
  • Costs vary based on the award tier
  • Some include perks for the recipient

This is where people often ask, “Do Reddit awards cost money?” 

The answer is yes, most do. As you purchase Reddit awards with “gold”, Most run between 15 and 50. 

But, are Reddit awards worth money? Absolutely. You are grabbing the reputation, while the gold units have their credits.

3. Gold Award

One of the most recognizable Reddit awards.

Features
  • Costs Reddit Coins
  • Gives the recipient 1 week of Reddit Premium
  • Includes ad-free browsing and lounge access
  • No direct Reddit award money payout, but real platform perks

4. Platinum Award

A higher-tier premium award.

Features
  • More expensive than Gold
  • Gives 1 month of Reddit Premium
  • Comes with bonus Reddit Coins
  • Often used for high-effort or viral content

5. Argentinum Award

An elite-level award meant for exceptional contributions.

Features
  • Very high coin cost
  • Includes 3 months of Reddit Premium
  • Grants a large amount of Reddit Coins

When it comes to these awards, users frequently ask questions about whether Reddit awards are worth money. Well, they aren’t exactly cash, but the perks are valuable.

6. Ternion Award

The highest-value Reddit award available on the platform.

These awards:
  • Extremely expensive
  • Grant 6 months of Reddit Premium
  • Come with a massive coin bonus
  • Symbolize top-tier appreciation, not Reddit award money in cash form

7. Community Awards

Custom awards created by individual subreddits.

Features
  • Unique to each subreddit
  • Reflect the subreddit culture or inside jokes
  • Coins often support the subreddit itself
  • Strengthen community identity

8. Golden Upvote

A newer and premium-style engagement feature on Reddit.

Features
  • A paid version of a standard upvote
  • Makes the upvote visually stand out
  • Combines appreciation with visibility

They are often confused with Reddit award money, but still a cosmetic/engagement tool.

Here is a Quick Summary

  • Free awards = symbolic appreciation
  • Paid awards = visibility + perks
  • Premium awards = Reddit Premium, coins, and status
  • No award converts to real cash, but Reddit award money translates into platform benefits and influence

Together, these awards explain clearly how Reddit awards work and why users continue to use them to elevate quality content.

Check out how a SaaS Founder Used Reddit Upvotes and Awards to Go Viral

How Reddit Awards Impact Content Visibility

Receiving an award does much more than just make a user feel appreciated. It can significantly enhance a post’s reach and credibility. Here’s how awards influence content visibility:

Increased Engagement and Reach

Awards act as a form of social proof, telling other users that a post or comment is worth reading and engaging with. Posts with multiple awards often see a boost in engagement, as more users are likely to comment, upvote, and share the content. An awarded post can also gain more traction, potentially reaching the front page of a subreddit or even trending on Reddit’s main page.

Awards as a Sign Of Quality

Awards help posts stand out by vouching for quality, insight, or creativity to other users. When a user sees that a post has multiple awards, they’re more likely to trust the content and interact with it. Awards, in a sense, serve as a "seal of approval," attracting attention and encouraging more views.

Benefits for Award Recipients and Givers

Reddit Awards aren’t just decorative badges. They actually create real value for both the person receiving the award and the one giving it. Here’s how each side benefits-

Benefits for Recipients

Receiving Reddit Awards can positively impact visibility, credibility, and overall experience on the platform.

  • 1. Increased visibility: Awarded posts and comments attract more attention and engagement.
  • 2. Social proof: Awards signal quality, making others more likely to read and upvote.
  • 3. Reddit Premium access: Gold, Platinum, Argentium, and Ternion awards unlock Premium for a limited time.
  • 4. Bonus Reddit Coins: Some premium awards grant coins that can be reused.
  • 5. Higher trust factor: Awarded users are often taken more seriously in discussions.
  • 6. Motivation to contribute: Recognition encourages continued high-quality posting.
  • 7. Profile enhancement: Awards remain visible, strengthening long-term reputation.

Benefits for Givers

Giving awards is also rewarding. It plays a key role in shaping Reddit communities.

  • 1. Express appreciation beyond upvotes: Awards show stronger support for meaningful content.
  • 2. Influence content visibility: Awarded posts often gain more reach and discussion.
  • 3. Support quality creators: Giving awards to quality creators encourages thoughtful, helpful, or entertaining contributions.
  • 4. Earn giver badges: Some awards add profile indicators showing generosity.
  • 5. Strengthen community culture: Rewards reinforce subreddit values and norms.
  • 6. More meaningful engagement: Awards encourage positive interactions and replies.
  • 7. Purposeful spending: Reddit Coins are used to highlight content that truly matters.

In short, awards create a win–win system. Recipients gain recognition and perks, while givers shape content quality and community standards actively.

Find out how you can get awards on Reddit here.

Understanding Reddit Gold and Costs

Reddit Awards are powered by Reddit Coins (often still casually called Reddit Gold). Here’s how buying works, what awards cost, and whether there’s any real money involved.

How to Buy Reddit Gold (Reddit Coins)

You cannot buy the Reddit coins at this point. The process got discontinued, and the award system is kind of doing the same thing. However, you can avail a lot of features with the premium. 

Coins are stored in your account and can be used anytime to give awards.

Costs of Various Awards (Approximate)

Costs of Various Awards (Approximate)

Here’s a general breakdown of common award costs in Reddit Coins:

  • Free / Basic awards: 0 coins (occasionally granted by Reddit)
  • Gold Award: ~500 coins
  • Platinum Award: ~1,800 coins
  • Community Awards: Typically 300–40,000 coins (set by each subreddit)
  • Argentium Award: ~20,000 coins
  • Ternion All-Powerful Award: ~50,000 coins
  • Golden Upvote: Variable cost (scales based on upvote multiplier)

For reference, 500 coins usually cost around USD $1.99–$2.49, depending on bundle size and region.

Can You Make Money From Reddit Awards?

Short answer: Not directly. But indirectly, yes.

Awards do not convert straight into cash. However, through Reddit’s Contributor Program, you can earn real money if you are eligible for it.

Earnings are based on:
  • Karma earned
  • Gold and awards received
  • Account eligibility and location

So Reddit award money may not be a direct payout per award, but high-quality, award-winning content can translate into real earnings over time.

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Tips for Using Reddit Awards Effectively

Awards are most powerful when you use them intentionally, not randomly.

When to Give Awards?

Use awards when content genuinely adds value:
  • Insightful answers that solve real problems
  • High-effort posts (guides, breakdowns, original research)
  • Helpful comments in support threads
  • Thoughtful opinions that improve discussion quality
  • Creative or original content that stands out
  • Posts that align strongly with a subreddit’s culture
  • New contributors making meaningful first posts

Giving awards thoughtfully strengthens communities, boosts quality content, and makes your coins count.

How to Make the Most of Awards as a Recipient?

If you receive an award, engage with those who awarded you by responding to their comments or thanking them in your post. This small interaction helps build meaningful bonds and strengthens the community. Additionally, consider paying it forward by using any extra Reddit gold to award other users, which can spread positivity and keep the cycle of recognition going.

Engaging with Award Givers

A simple thank-you can go a long way toward building a positive presence on Reddit. Engage with those who give you awards by replying to their comments, which can lead to further conversations and deepen community connections.

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When and Why to Use Reddit Awards Thoughtfully

Using awards thoughtfully can create meaningful interactions. Here are some tips for using awards responsibly-

  • Recognize Effort and Quality: Give awards to users who have clearly put thought and effort into their posts or comments. This can help encourage more users to contribute quality content.
  • Support New Contributors: Recognize and support new contributors by giving awards to users who are new to a subreddit or to Reddit in general.
  • Create Positivity: Awards are a great way to create positivity and uplift users within a community, especially if the post or comment aligns with subreddit rules and culture.

The Evolution of Reddit Awards Over Time

Reddit’s award system has gradually evolved from a simple premium badge into a complex engagement and monetization tool.

Timeline of Reddit Awards

Timeline of Reddit Awards

Year / Period What Changed Impact
Pre-2010 Only upvotes & downvotes Engagement was purely vote-based
2010 Reddit Gold introduced First paid way to reward content
2018 Silver, Gold, Platinum added More granular appreciation options
2019 Community Awards launched Subreddits gained custom awards
2020–2021 Seasonal & themed awards Awards tied to events and trends
2023 Contributor Program expanded Awards linked to real earnings
2024–2025 Golden Upvotes, monetization tweaks Awards affect visibility & creator incentives

From Simple Upvotes to Complex Awards

Initially, Reddit relied entirely on upvotes and downvotes to rank content. As communities grew, this system couldn’t fully capture nuance; funny, helpful, and generous posts all looked the same. 

Awards added emotional context, allowing users to express why something mattered, not just that it did. This shift made recognition more expressive and community-driven.

Recent Award Updates and Changes

Recent updates focus on:
  • Creator monetization through the Contributor Program
  • Golden Upvotes that amplify visibility
  • Dynamic award pricing and limited-time awards
  • Stronger links between awards, karma, and earnings

These changes position Reddit Awards as more than decoration; they now influence discovery, reputation, and potential income.

Reddit Awards and Their Role in Reddit’s Business Model

Reddit Awards are not only a tool for user engagement but also a vital part of Reddit’s business model. Understanding this aspect of awards provides information on how they support the platform’s sustainability and growth.

How Awards Generate Revenue for Reddit

When users purchase Reddit Gold to give awards, they directly support the platform financially. Reddit gold is bought in bundles, allowing users to select awards within their budget. For Reddit, this creates a revenue stream that aligns with user-driven engagement, as more active users are likely to buy gold to support their favourite content and creators.

Awards and Reddit Premium

Awards like Platinum often come with Reddit Premium access, encouraging users to try Reddit’s subscription service. Reddit Premium includes perks like ad-free browsing, premium lounge access, and custom avatars, which add value to the user experience. Premium awards, therefore, act as an incentive for users to explore Reddit’s paid features, which can increase long-term subscriptions and sustain Reddit’s operations.

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Conclusion

Reddit Awards are a valuable tool for recognizing and celebrating quality content, fostering a supportive and engaging atmosphere on the platform. Awards encourage users to create valuable content, help boost visibility, and can even offer perks for recipients. By using awards thoughtfully, Redditors can show appreciation for content that truly adds value and helps build stronger, more interactive communities.

For those looking to expand their Reddit presence even further, Social Plug offers resources to boost visibility and engagement on platforms like Reddit. While Reddit Awards are a powerful way to highlight quality content, authentic community engagement remains the foundation of any successful Reddit experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Reddit Awards cost money?

Yes. Most Reddit Awards are bought using Reddit Gold, which is purchased with real money, though free awards are given occasionally.

Do Reddit Awards affect post visibility?

Indirectly, yes. Awards act as social proof, often increasing engagement, which can help a post gain more visibility.

Can you make money from Reddit Awards?

Yes, in some cases. Through Reddit’s Contributor Program, certain awards and upvotes can translate into real earnings.

What is the most valuable Reddit Award?

Ternion and Argentinum are among the highest-value awards, offering the most perks and recognition.

How do Reddit Awards work?

Users spend Reddit Gold to give awards to posts or comments they appreciate. Some awards also give perks like Reddit Premium time to recipients.

Do Reddit Awards increase karma?

No. Awards themselves don’t add karma, but the extra attention they bring can lead to more upvotes.

Can you remove or hide Reddit Awards?

No. Once an award is given, it remains visible on the post or comment.

Tasnim Abedeen Raju

About The Author

Tasnim Abedeen Raju

Tasnim is a content and digital marketer born in Dhaka, Bangladesh. For over thirteen years, Tasnim has worked as a freelancer for several social media marketing companies. He has acquired skill sets in copywriting, content marketing, SEO & social media marketing. He’s one of the founding members of SEOSkit, a very exciting search engine marketing startup. In his free time he likes to travel, read, and make failed attempts at music.

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Jack Bellingham

Great tips! I never realized how much engagement impacts growth more than just posting frequently. I've been focusing only on content, but now I see how interacting with my audience can make a difference. Time to step up my strategy!

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Nicholas Feyenoord

Super helpful article! I always thought Facebook Groups were just for discussions and never really considered them as a tool for growing followers. The idea of actively engaging and sharing valuable content in relevant groups makes so much sense. I'll definitely start participating more and see how it impacts my page. Thanks for the great advice!

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