How to Cite a Reddit or Forum Post in MLA (9th edition)
Learn how to cite Reddit threads, AMAs, and online forum or discussion-board posts in MLA format (9th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
MLA Works Cited Format
Here is the standard MLA format for citing a Reddit post in your Works Cited page:
U/username. "Title or Description of the Post." Reddit, Day Month Year, www.reddit.com/r/subreddit/comments/xxxxx.
MLA Example for a Reddit or Forum Post
A complete MLA reference for a Reddit post, formatted by the official MLA CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
u/quiet_scholar. “How do you organise sources for a literature review?” R/AskAcademia, Reddit, 15 Jul. 2024, https://www.reddit.com/r/AskAcademia/comments/abc123.
Matching in-text citation: (u/quiet_scholar)
MLA In-Text Citation
Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:
Parenthetical
(U/username)
Narrative
In the thread, U/username describes...
Key MLA Formatting Rules
- Begin with the username exactly as shown, capitalizing the leading "U/" (e.g. "U/reggiew07").
- Give the post title in quotation marks; if the post has no title, describe it (e.g. Review of a book).
- Italicize Reddit as the container, then give the day-month-year date and the URL (omit the http:// scheme).
- The subreddit appears within the URL; add an access date if the post may change.
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 MLA (9th 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 Works Cited: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
- Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match MLA requirements.
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