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How to Cite a Reddit or Forum Post in APA (7th edition)

Learn how to cite Reddit threads, AMAs, and online forum or discussion-board posts in APA format (7th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

APA Reference List Format

Here is the standard APA format for citing a Reddit post in your reference list:

Author, A. A. [u/username]. (Year, Month Day). Content of the post up to the first 20 words [Online forum post]. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/subreddit/comments/xxxxx

APA In-Text Citation

Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:

Parenthetical

(Username, 2024)

Narrative

Username (2024) wrote...

Key APA Formatting Rules

  • Use the poster's real name if it is known, followed by their screen name in brackets, e.g. "[u/username]"; if only the screen name is available, use it alone.
  • Reproduce up to the first 20 words of the post as the title in sentence case and give the date as (Year, Month Day).
  • Add the bracketed descriptor [Online forum post] after the title and name Reddit (or the forum's site name) as the source.
  • End with the direct URL of the thread or comment.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your Reddit post.
  2. Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the APA (7th edition) template shown above.
  3. Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
  4. Add to your reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
  5. Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match APA requirements.

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Cite a Reddit or Forum Post in Other Styles

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