Pushshift

Pushshift collected public Reddit posts and comments and made them searchable, including content later deleted or edited. For years it powered moderation tools, academic research and countless "search Reddit better" websites.

What changed

In 2023, as Reddit overhauled access to its Data API, Pushshift's access was cut off and then partially restored under new terms. Reddit's June 2023 "key facts" page said "Pushshift access for mods is rolling out to verified moderators."

Reddit's help center now describes the arrangement:

• Reddit is partnering with Pushshift to grant access to moderation tools built on the Pushshift API, "reinstated for verified Reddit moderators."
• Each moderator needs explicit approval from Reddit, and use is "limited to moderation use cases only."
• Reddit prioritizes moderators of "reasonably sizable communities with consistent, rule-abiding engagement." A history of sitewide rule or Moderator Code of Conduct violations can affect eligibility.
• To request access, a moderator sends modmail to r/pushshiftrequest describing which communities and moderation tasks they need it for. Reddit says a decision should arrive within a week; if approved, the moderator signs in at api.pushshift.io with their Reddit account to get API keys. Pushshift also offers a search page for authorized users.

What about researchers?

Reddit's developer help page says the only official, authorized route for research with Reddit data is the Reddit for Researchers program, and that using developer tools, APIs or unauthorized third-party tools for academic research violates its policies.

Why it matters for marketers

Pushshift is not available for marketing. If a guide or tool tells you to "use Pushshift to search old Reddit comments," that advice predates 2023 or ignores current rules. Moderator access is explicitly limited to moderation, and using a moderator's access for anything else would break those terms.

For marketing research, use Reddit's own search and Reddit Pro Trends, or monitoring tools that access Reddit data in line with its terms. Other community archives such as Arctic Shift exist, but Reddit's rules on commercial use and research apply to how their data is used too.

Example

A marketer finds a 2021 blog post recommending Pushshift-based sites for finding every past mention of a competitor. Those sites no longer work for the public. The current options are Reddit's search (with filters like subreddit: and author:), Reddit Pro Trends for keyword mentions, or a monitoring tool.

Frequently asked questions

Is Pushshift still working?

Yes, for Reddit-approved moderators using it for moderation. It is not open to the public.

How do I get Pushshift access?

If you are a moderator, send modmail to r/pushshiftrequest explaining which communities and moderation tasks you need it for. Reddit reviews each request.

Can I use Pushshift for research or marketing?

No. Reddit limits it to moderation. Researchers are directed to the Reddit for Researchers program.

Sources

1. Reddit Help: Pushshift Access Request
2. Reddit Help: Developer Platform & Accessing Reddit Data (research rules)
3. Reddit, Inc.: Key facts to understanding Reddit's recent API updates (June 2023)