Reddit as a Source for ChatGPT
OpenAI licensed Reddit data for $60M/year. Reddit threads appear as ChatGPT sources for product comparisons, troubleshooting, and "best X" queries, but visible citations in browsing mode have dropped since mid-2025.
Why ChatGPT cites Reddit
Reddit is one of the most-cited forum sources across all LLMs. AI models treat Reddit threads as authentic user opinions, especially for "best X for Y" queries, product comparisons, and troubleshooting. OpenAI signed a $60M/year licensing deal with Reddit for training data access. Visible Reddit citations in ChatGPT browsing results have fluctuated but remain significant for consumer and B2B queries alike.
The internet's largest forum. Subreddits cover every topic, from product recommendations to technical troubleshooting. LLMs frequently cite Reddit threads as first-hand user experiences.
Last seen: 2026-01-11
Reddit across other AI models
Other forum sources tracked
stackoverflow.com
The largest developer Q&A platform. A top source for code examples, error resolution, and technical explanations in LLM responses.
quora.com
Q&A platform covering broad topics. Cited for expert opinions, personal experiences, and long-form answers.
news.ycombinator.com
Y Combinator's tech community. Cited for developer opinions, startup discussions, and tech industry commentary.
Frequently asked questions
Does ChatGPT still use Reddit as a source?
Yes. OpenAI has an active data licensing deal with Reddit. Reddit content appears in ChatGPT's training data and in browsing-mode citations, though the frequency of visible Reddit links has decreased in 2025-2026 compared to earlier versions.
How often does ChatGPT cite Reddit?
In our tracking, Reddit URLs appear in approximately 8-15% of ChatGPT responses that include citations, depending on query type. Consumer and recommendation queries cite Reddit most frequently.
Why does ChatGPT use Reddit?
Reddit provides authentic user opinions, real-world experiences, and community consensus. Exactly what users want for recommendation and comparison queries. The conversational format maps well to how ChatGPT constructs responses.