Throwaway account
Also called: throwaway, throwaway reddit account, burner account
Definition
A throwaway account is a secondary Reddit account created for one sensitive post or a short period, so the post is not tied to the user's main account. Reddit allows multiple accounts, but not for voting together, ban evasion or misleading others.
A throwaway is an account made to be thrown away: created for one post, often personal (a work conflict, a health question, a relationship problem), then abandoned. People frequently name them "throwaway" plus some numbers, or start the post with "Using a throwaway for obvious reasons."
Is it allowed?
Yes, within limits. Reddit's help center says you are "more than welcome to create multiple Reddit accounts." The limits are where most people get in trouble:
- No voting together. Reddit says not to use any of your accounts to vote on the same posts or comments: "This is considered vote manipulation."
- No ban evasion. Using another account to keep participating in a community that banned you is ban evasion, which Reddit says can lead to a sitewide suspension.
- No deception. Rule 5 of the Reddit Rules: "do not intentionally mislead others or impersonate an individual or entity in a deceptive manner."
Practical limits
Throwaways are brand-new accounts with no karma, so they run straight into account age requirements and karma requirements. Some communities that expect sensitive posts allow throwaways or have special rules for them; others filter them entirely. Read the subreddit's rules first.
Why it matters for marketers
For a business, there is almost no legitimate use. Where throwaways show up in marketing, it is usually the problem case:
- Fake customer posts. "Throwaway, but has anyone tried [product]? I've heard great things." Written by the company. That is astroturfing and breaks the "be authentic" rule.
- Fake "independent" replies backing up the company's main account in the same thread. That is sockpuppetry.
- Burner accounts to dodge a subreddit ban after being removed for self-promotion. That is ban evasion.
Redditors spot these patterns quickly because the account histories are empty, and moderators and Reddit's safety systems look for exactly this.
The honest version is simpler: one clearly identified account (personal or brand) that says who it is when it matters.
Example
A founder sees a competitor's thread getting traction and considers posting from a throwaway to ask "is [competitor] really worth it, or is [my product] better?" Two replies in, someone checks the account: created today, one comment. The thread turns into a discussion of the founder's company astroturfing. One honest comment from their real account would have been better.
Frequently asked questions
Is using a throwaway account against Reddit's rules?
No, creating extra accounts is allowed. Using them to vote on the same content, evade bans or mislead people is not.
Why do people use throwaway accounts?
Mostly privacy: to ask about something personal without it being linked to their main account's history.
Can a throwaway post in any subreddit?
Not always. New accounts often fail karma and account age filters. Some communities that expect sensitive posts make allowances; check the rules.