Modmail
Also called: mod mail, message the mods, modmail appeal
Definition
Modmail is the shared inbox moderators use to talk to each other and to members of their subreddit. Messages sent to a community's mods go to modmail, where every mod on the team can read and answer them, including ban appeals.
Reddit's help center defines mod mail as the shared messaging system mods use to talk to each other and handle requests from community members. When you message a subreddit's mods, you are not writing to one person. You are writing to the whole team.
How it works
- Sending: from a subreddit, use the option to message the mods. The conversation lands in that community's modmail.
- Folders: modmail sorts conversations into folders. When a mod bans someone and the user replies to the ban message, the reply appears in the Ban Appeals folder.
- Filtered folder: mods can switch on a Filtered folder that catches inbound messages from suspected ban evaders and messages likely to contain harassment. Those skip the inbox.
- Muting: mods can mute a user from modmail for 3, 7 or 28 days, or permanently.
Mods can also send messages out through modmail, for example a removal reason or a warning. Those arrive as a message from the subreddit rather than from a single mod.
Why it matters for marketers
Modmail is the legitimate way to ask a community what it allows. Many subreddit rules on self-promotion are vague: "no spam," "use the weekly thread," "contributors only." A short, specific question settles it:
Hi, I run a small invoicing tool. If someone asks for tool recommendations, is it OK to mention it with a disclosure, or should I keep that to the weekly thread?
Mods remember the people who ask first. They also remember the people who post a link, get removed, and then send three angry messages.
Modmail is also where appeals go. If you think a removal or subreddit ban was a mistake, reply to the ban message once, politely, with a link to the content. Do not open a new account to keep posting. That is ban evasion, and Reddit can suspend every account involved.
Example
A B2B founder's comment is removed from a marketing subreddit with no explanation. Instead of reposting, they send modmail: "My comment on the 'CRM for agencies' thread was removed. Was it the link? Happy to repost without it." A mod replies that links to the poster's own product are removed automatically, and that naming the product without a link is fine. The founder reposts without the link and the comment stays up.
Common mistakes
- Messaging an individual mod instead of the team. Use modmail so the whole team sees it.
- Sending several messages in a row. Repeated messages can get you muted.
- Asking mods to approve something they already removed for a clear rule break.
Frequently asked questions
Can moderators see who sent a modmail?
Yes. Modmail shows your username to every moderator on the team. It is not anonymous.
How long are you muted in modmail?
Moderators can mute a user from modmail for 3, 7 or 28 days, or permanently. While muted, you cannot send new messages to that community's mods.