How to cite a Reddit post: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
Reddit is a social news and discussion website where users can share and discuss topics of interest. While Reddit posts can be shared widely online, it’s essential to properly cite them to avoid plagiarism and show respect for the original author’s work. In this article, we’ll explore how to cite a Reddit post in a academic or scholarly context.
What are Reddit posts?
- Posts: Individual pieces of content, such as text, images, or videos, shared by users on the platform.
- Contributions: Posts that have been republished or re-shared by other users, often referred to as "threads" or "comment sections".
Citing Reddit posts: A guide
| Format | Style | Citation Guidelines |
|---|---|---|
| No citation | [text] | [text] |
| No citation | [text] |
[text] |
| Bibliography style | Works Cited | [text], [text], [text] |
| References list | List format | [text] |
Types of citations for Reddit posts
| Type | Example | Example in a bibliography |
|---|---|---|
| Author-date | "Smith, John. A New Theory. Reddit, 2022, [www.reddit.com/r/Science/"]." | [Smith, John. A New Theory. Reddit, 2022, www.reddit.com/r/Science/.] |
| No author | "Reddit: A New Post. Reddit, 2022, [www.reddit.com/r/Science/"]." | [Reddit: A New Post. Reddit, 2022, www.reddit.com/r/Science/.] |
| No author and date | "Reddit: A New Post. Reddit, 2022." | [Reddit: A New Post. Reddit, 2022] |
Citing shared Reddit posts
| Type | Example | Example in a bibliography |
|---|---|---|
| New post | "Reddit: A New Post. Reddit, 2022, [www.reddit.com/r/Science/"]." | [Reddit: A New Post. Reddit, 2022, www.reddit.com/r/Science/.] |
| Thread | "Reddit: A Thread. Reddit, 2022, [www.reddit.com/r/Politics/"]." | [Reddit: A Thread. Reddit, 2022, www.reddit.com/r/Politics/.] |
Citing Reddit users
| Type | Example | Example in a bibliography |
|---|---|---|
| Username | "Reddit: A New Post. Reddit, 2022, [www.reddit.com/r/Science/"]." | [Reddit: A New Post. Reddit, 2022, www.reddit.com/r/Science/.] |
| Username and link | "Reddit: A New Post. Reddit, 2022, www.reddit.com/r/Science/." | [Reddit: A New Post. Reddit, 2022, www.reddit.com/r/Science/ (http://www.reddit.com/r/Science/)]. |
Tips and variations
- Use a consistent citation style: Choose a single style, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago, and stick to it throughout your citations.
- Consider the source’s purpose: If the post is for entertainment or discussion purposes, you may use a "no citation" style.
- Use quotes or paraphrasing: When quoting or paraphrasing someone’s content, use quotation marks or italics to indicate the original text.
- Be mindful of plagiarism: Make sure you have permission to use someone’s content, or obtain their consent before sharing their work.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to properly cite Reddit posts and show respect for the original author’s work. Remember to stay organized, use a consistent citation style, and consider the source’s purpose when citing Reddit posts.