What Is Reddit API Documentation?

Reddit API documentation refers to Reddit's official technical resources that guide developers on how to access and interact with various Reddit services programmatically. This includes endpoints for retrieving posts, comments, user profiles, managing moderation, and more—accessible via Reddit’s developer site.

Key Components of the Documentation

• Endpoint Definitions: Detailed listings such as /api/v1/me, subreddit content endpoints, and more for actions like retrieving posts or user data.
• Query Parameters: Common parameters like after, before, limit, count, and show are used for pagination and filtering listings.
• Response Format: Data is typically returned in JSON, with legacy HTML entities replaced unless raw_json=1 is specified.
• Authentication Requirements: Most endpoints need OAuth2 tokens; general usage rules—including setting a proper User-Agent—must be followed.
• Rate Limits and Terms: Guidance around usage caps (e.g., 100 requests per minute per app ID), access tiers, and prohibited content.
• Developer Resources: Support for free API, Ads API, Research API, and Embeds—with differing access levels and documentation.

Authentication & API Use Policies

• OAuth2 Authentication: Required for accessing most Data API endpoints.
• User-Agent Standard: Reddit mandates a descriptive identifier including app name, version, and Reddit username to prevent misuse.
• Compliance Requirements: Developers must follow Reddit’s Data API Terms, handle content deletion responsibly, and maintain user privacy.

Rate Limits & API Pricing Changes

• Free Tier: As of mid-2023, Reddit permits approximately 100 requests per minute when authenticated, and about 10 per minute without OAuth.
• Paid Tier: For higher usage, Reddit charges roughly $0.24 per 1,000 API calls.
• Content Restrictions: Access to “mature content” via the API is limited as of July 2023.

Notable Developments & Community Insight

• Announcement API: Reddit added endpoints for retrieving official, non-repliable notifications like policy updates or account alerts.

Why This Matters to You

• Compliance Is Critical: The documentation clarifies usage rights, privacy rules, and proper request behavior.
• Plan for Limits & Costs: Rate caps and API pricing impact your application's performance and budget.
• Expect Gaps: Be prepared to experiment, inspect JSON responses, or use third-party resources for reliable API coverage.
• Stay Updated: Follow Reddit's developer communities to track changes like new endpoints or platform shifts.

Quick Reference: Reddit API Documentation Overview

Aspect	Details
Authentication	OAuth2 with descriptive User-Agent
Pagination	Use after, before, limit, count, and show
Rate Limits	~100 QPM (OAuth), ~10 QPM (non-OAuth); paid tier for higher usage
Content Restrictions	Mature content access limited
Documentation Issues	Some endpoints undocumented or missing models
Community Solutions	Use GitHub notes, inspect live responses, check Reddit developer forums