How to Cite a Reddit or Forum Post in CSE (8th edition)
Learn how to cite Reddit threads, AMAs, and online forum or discussion-board posts in CSE format (8th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
CSE Reference List Format
Here is the standard CSE format for citing a Reddit post in your reference list:
Username. Year. Title of the post [Internet]. Reddit; [accessed Year Mon Day]. https://www.reddit.com/r/subreddit/comments/xxxxx.
CSE Example for a Reddit or Forum Post
A complete CSE reference for a Reddit post, formatted by the official CSE CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
u/quiet_scholar. 2024. How do you organise sources for a literature review? r/AskAcademia, Reddit [Internet]. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskAcademia/comments/abc123
Matching in-text citation: (u/quiet_scholar 2024)
CSE In-Text Citation
Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:
Parenthetical
(Username 2024)
Narrative
Username (2024) notes...
Key CSE Formatting Rules
- Give the username, year, post title, and an [Internet] designator.
- Name Reddit as the publisher and add an [accessed] date.
- End with the URL.
- Use the name-year or citation-sequence system consistently with the rest of your paper.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your Reddit post.
- Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the CSE (8th edition) template shown above.
- Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
- Add to your reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
- Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match CSE requirements.
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