# How to validate a post before publishing with the DunSocial CLI

> dun posts validate runs the same character-limit & platform-metadata checks as schedule or publish, creates nothing, & reports valid plus issues. Reddit accounts get an additional live flair & rules check afterwards.

Updated: 2026-10-05.

## What validation does

`dun posts validate` is a dry run. It calls the same endpoint the API uses for validation & applies the same character-limit & platform-metadata checks as scheduling or publishing, but writes nothing & queues nothing.

## The command

```bash
dun posts validate \
  --text "Shipping something small today." \
  --accounts ACCOUNT_ID \
  --json
```

It takes the same flags you'd use to schedule, minus the time. That means a post that validates can be sent unchanged to `schedule` or `publish`.

## Reading the result

The output includes `valid` & a list of `issues`. Each issue names the account, the platform, a code & a message, such as a post that exceeds X's 280-character limit by three characters.

Fix what the message says, then run it again. In a script, exit code 4 signals a validation failure.

## Platform options with --meta

When the accounts include Reddit, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Discord or Slack, pass the required options as JSON:

```bash
dun posts validate \
  --accounts INSTAGRAM_ACCOUNT_ID \
  --media ASSET_ID \
  --meta '{"instagram":{"format":"carousel"}}' \
  --json
```

Instagram needs a `format`: `feed_image`, `carousel`, `reel` or `story`. There's no default, so a missing format is reported rather than guessed. Discord needs a `channelId` from `dun discord channels`, & Slack needs one from `dun slack channels`.

DunSocial's validation names the platform & the missing option, so you know which block to complete.

## The extra Reddit check

For Reddit accounts, validation does two things. First it runs the API's character & metadata checks. Then it checks the live subreddit rules & flair requirements.

That second step is why validating before a Reddit post is worth the few seconds: a subreddit that requires flair will reject a post without it.

DunSocial adds this step only for Reddit accounts, so validation for other platforms stays quick.

## Use it in a script

```bash
dun posts validate --accounts ACCOUNT_ID --text "$TEXT" --json \
  && dun posts schedule --accounts ACCOUNT_ID --text "$TEXT" --in 1h
```

If validation fails, the command exits non-zero & the schedule step never runs. That's the whole point: failures show up before anything is queued.

DunSocial's exit code 4 makes the `&&` chain stop cleanly on a validation failure.

## What it can't catch

Validation checks rules, not quality. It can't tell you the post is accurate, on-brand or well timed. DunSocial's calendar is where a person reviews those before the post goes out.

## Related guides

- [How to schedule a post with the DunSocial CLI](https://www.dunsocial.com/hub/dunsocial-cli-guides/how-to-schedule-a-post-with-the-dunsocial-cli.md)
- [How to post to Reddit from the command line](https://www.dunsocial.com/hub/dunsocial-cli-guides/how-to-post-to-reddit-from-the-command-line.md)
- [How to validate a social post before scheduling it with the API](https://www.dunsocial.com/hub/dunsocial-api-and-sdk-guides/how-to-validate-a-social-post-before-scheduling-it-with-the-api.md)
- [What happens if a scheduled post fails?](https://www.dunsocial.com/hub/social-media-scheduler/what-happens-if-a-scheduled-post-fails.md)

## About this document

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## Company

- Product: DunSocial, https://www.dunsocial.com
- Legal entity: THISUX PRIVATE LIMITED, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Support: support@dunsocial.com
- Open the app: https://app.dunsocial.com/login