Can I post a job listing or a classified ad here?
No, the rule "No classifieds" says those posts belong in r/houstonclassifieds, and job postings belong in r/houstonjobs.
Subreddit guides
r/houston rules, stats, and what to post
A source-backed Rankhog guide to r/houston: public rules, community context, posting fit, and startup-promotion risk before you publish.
By Anthony Riera, founder and operator of Rankhog.
Subreddit guides combine public Reddit source URLs, captured rules, visible verification dates, and Rankhog's account-safety workflow.
Current public stats
- Members
- 572,994
- Verified
- September 18, 2026
- Category
- Local community and city subreddits
Rules can change, so Rankhog keeps verification dates and the original public Reddit sources visible.
Rule summary
- Please search first: /r/Houston is not your personal google. When asking questions please check if it's already been covered. This includes questions about which power company to use, or which telecommunications provider to use, or where to live. Good information can also be found in /r/HoustonFood and /r/AskHouston.
- No classifieds: Anything that would be found in a "classifieds" section of a newspaper should be posted to /r/houstonclassifieds. This includes posts about lost, found, or surplus pets. Do not ask about where to sell things either. Job postings or job seekers should be be in /r/houstonjobs. Event posters/flyers belong in /r/houstonevents
- No memes / image macros / AI generated content: While discouraged, memes are allowed in comments. Posting a meme-like "viral" image is grounds for an immediate ban with no warning. Do not use AI to generate your posts either.
- No affiliate or gofundme links: Anything that is asking for fundraising, even for charity, is prohibited.
- No repetitive or low-quality posts: e.g. cell phone skyline shots, swangas/"elbows"/84s, license plates (vanity/paper), public shaming (bad parking jobs, bad driving, etc), vehicle sightings, reddit stickers, billboards/signs, stock photos, screenshots, things like "Only in Houston", asking where to live or what to do when visiting. With current events, we usually retain just one post on the topic; if you want to add to it, write a comment under the main post rather than creating a new post.
- Posts must be specific to the Houston area: All posts should have a specific connection to the Houston metropolitan area; if not, a different subreddit would be more appropriate. If something is a statewide topic, it belongs in /r/Texas.
- Direct info on criminals/missing persons to police: Direct people with information to verifiable law enforcement phone numbers or contact information only. Any missing person posts that show contact information other than law enforcement will be removed. Do not ask for witnesses/videos of car accidents or post requests about lost or stolen items or videos of criminal activity.
- Limited self promotion: Accounts with established histories of contributing to /r/houston are allowed limited [self promotion](https://www.reddit.com/wiki/selfpromotion). Otherwise, you should use [Reddit's advertising system](https://www.reddit.com/advertising). It is acceptable for journalists to post links to their own stories, but paywall-avoiding links are preferred. You must also not post pictures of things you have made/designed that might lead to people asking how to buy it in the comments.
- Please follow reddiquette and the user agreement: These rules are in addition to [reddiquette](https://www.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/205926439) and the [user agreement](https://www.reddit.com/help/useragreement). Accordingly, posting personal information, harassment, and other breaches are strictly forbidden. This includes personal attacks and hate speech; spirited debates are great, but if you have to resort to personal attacks you've already lost. Name-calling can result in bans from the subreddit.
- Poor headlines prohibited: While post titles don't have to match the linked page, they should not be misleading. They must also not be too vague to immediately know what the topic is about, such as "Hey Houston", "So true", or "I have a question". Headlines in all capital letters are also prohibited. Do not use clickbait terms like "this" or "these" -- spell out what you are talking about.
Works well
- A Houston-based journalist sharing a link to their own local news story, using a paywall-avoiding link and a clear, specific headline.
- A long-time contributor sharing a useful Houston-specific resource or news update that has not been posted before, with a descriptive title.
- A community member starting a discussion about a local Houston issue, with a title that clearly states the topic and no clickbait.
Avoid
- Do not post classifieds, lost or found pets, items for sale, or job listings in the main subreddit.
- Do not post memes, image macros, or AI generated content, as viral meme images can trigger an immediate ban.
- Do not include affiliate links or gofundme links, even for charitable fundraising.
- Do not post repetitive or low-quality content like cell phone skyline shots, license plates, or stock photos.
- Do not use vague or clickbait headlines, and never use all capital letters in your post titles.
- Do not post statewide Texas topics, as those belong in r/Texas.
What r/houston Is For
This community is for everyone in the Houston metro area, covering the nine-county region on the Gulf Coast of Texas. People post to keep up with news and discuss topics specific to Houston. The rules make clear that it is not a place for classifieds, common questions, memes, or low-effort content. There are sister subreddits for food, questions, classifieds, jobs, and events, so the main subreddit stays focused on Houston news and discussion.
Rules That Matter Before Posting
The rule called "Limited self promotion" is the one that decides whether your marketing post survives. It says accounts with established histories of contributing to r/houston are allowed limited self promotion, and otherwise you should use Reddit's advertising system. The rule called "No affiliate or gofundme links" will also kill any post that asks for fundraising. The rule called "Posts must be specific to the Houston area" means your post must have a clear connection to the Houston metropolitan area, or it belongs somewhere else. The rule called "Poor headlines prohibited" means your title must be clear and specific, not vague or clickbait, and never in all capital letters. The rule called "No repetitive or low-quality posts" will catch things like cell phone skyline shots and stock photos.
What To Post
A good post here is specific to the Houston metropolitan area and offers something the community values, like local news, a thoughtful discussion topic, or useful information that has not been covered before. If you are a journalist, you can post links to your own stories, and paywall-avoiding links are preferred. If you want to promote something, you need an established history of contributing to r/houston first, and even then your self promotion must be limited. A good approach is to become a real participant first, then share something Houston-specific that genuinely helps people. Make sure your headline is clear, specific, and honest, so people know exactly what the post is about.
What To Avoid
Avoid posting anything that belongs in a classifieds section, including lost or found pets, items for sale, job postings, and event flyers, as the rule "No classifieds" sends those to dedicated subreddits. Do not post memes, image macros, or AI generated content, because the rule "No memes / image macros / AI generated content" says a viral meme image can get you banned immediately with no warning. Do not include affiliate or gofundme links, as the rule "No affiliate or gofundme links" bans all fundraising. Avoid repetitive or low-quality posts like cell phone skyline shots, swangas, license plates, public shaming, vehicle sightings, reddit stickers, billboards, stock photos, screenshots, and posts asking where to live or what to do when visiting. Do not post statewide Texas topics, because the rule "Posts must be specific to the Houston area" says those belong in r/Texas. Do not direct people to contact information other than law enforcement for criminals or missing persons, as the rule "Direct info on criminals/missing persons to police" requires verifiable law enforcement contact info only. Do not use vague or clickbait headlines, and never use all capital letters, because the rule "Poor headlines prohibited" forbids them.
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Common questions about r/houston
Can I share a gofundme link for a local charity?
No, the rule "No affiliate or gofundme links" prohibits any fundraising, even for charity.
Can I use AI to generate a post for this subreddit?
No, the rule "No memes / image macros / AI generated content" says do not use AI to generate your posts.
Can I promote my Houston-based business here?
Under "Limited self promotion," accounts with established histories of contributing to r/houston are allowed limited self promotion, but others should use Reddit's advertising system.
Can I ask where to live in Houston?
No, the rule "No repetitive or low-quality posts" lists asking where to live as something to avoid, and suggests searching first.
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