Reddit API
Also called: reddit data api, reddit developer api, reddit json api, devvit
Definition
The Reddit API, formally the Reddit Data API, lets approved developers read and act on Reddit data programmatically. Reddit stopped accepting new requests for public API access on October 31, 2026, and remaining public API access ends in March 2027 as apps move to its Developer Platform (Devvit).
"The Reddit API" usually means the Reddit Data API: the interface bots, moderation tools, research projects and third-party apps use to read posts and comments, submit content and take actions. Reddit describes it as allowing "approved developers the ability to access and modify Reddit data programmatically."
Reddit offers several developer surfaces: the Data API, the Developer Platform (Devvit) for apps that run on Reddit itself, the Ads API for advertisers, Reddit Embeds, and a separate Reddit for Researchers program.
The public API is closing (Reddit, October 2026)
Reddit is moving public Data API apps and bots to its Developer Platform, which it says is "part of efforts to reduce scraping and automated abuse." Its October 8, 2026 changelog sets the dates:
- October 31, 2026: new requests for public API access are no longer accepted.
- January 12, 2027: API access removal begins for apps and users that haven't registered or responded to Reddit's outreach.
- March 2027: remaining public API access ends.
So nobody can get a new Reddit API key today. Builders are pointed to Devvit for apps that run inside Reddit, Reddit for Researchers for academic work, and a contract with Reddit for commercial data use. Our guide on how to get a Reddit API key covers what to use instead and what existing apps should do.
How access works for existing apps (Reddit Help, October 2026)
- Approval first. Reddit's Responsible Builder Policy says "you must request access and get explicit approval before accessing any Reddit data through our API." Since October 31, 2026 Reddit no longer accepts new requests, so the rules below apply only to apps that were already approved. The policy also bans registering multiple accounts or submitting multiple requests for the same use case.
- OAuth is required. Clients must authenticate with a registered OAuth token. Reddit says it "can and will freely throttle or block unidentified Data API users," and traffic without OAuth or login is blocked.
- User-Agent. Use a unique, descriptive User-Agent in the format platform:app ID:version (by /u/username). Generic agents like "Python/urllib" are heavily limited. "NEVER lie about your User-Agent."
- Rate limits. Apps that already have free access are limited to 100 queries per minute per OAuth client ID, averaged over a 10-minute window. Watch the X-Ratelimit-Used, X-Ratelimit-Remaining and X-Ratelimit-Reset headers. Free access also caps chat messages at 2,000 per day per recipient and 3,000 per day total.
- Deletion. If a post, comment or account is deleted on Reddit, you must delete it from your copy. Reddit "strongly recommend[s]" deleting stored user data within 48 hours.
What you cannot do without permission
- Commercial use. Reddit says you cannot use its developer tools for commercial purposes without permission, and commercial use of Reddit data requires a contract. Its examples include apps with ads or paywalls, paid data access, subscription services and "free product features available for upsell."
- Ads next to Reddit content. You may not display Reddit content in an app or site that runs ads.
- AI training. Reddit content may not be used to train models without explicit consent.
- Research outside the program. Reddit says the only authorized path for research with Reddit data is Reddit for Researchers.
- Manipulation and spam. Apps must not manipulate voting or karma, circumvent safety features, or post identical or substantially similar content across subreddits.
Pricing history is covered in Reddit Data API pricing.
Why it matters for marketers
Almost every Reddit monitoring, analytics or automation tool depends on access to Reddit data, so these rules decide which tools exist and how they work. When evaluating one, it is fair to ask how it accesses Reddit and whether that access is approved for commercial use. Archives like Pushshift and Arctic Shift are separate projects with their own restrictions.
If you were planning to build something in-house, the public API route is closed to new requests. The options now are Devvit for apps that run inside Reddit, or a contract with Reddit for commercial data use. Reddit's rate limits for normal users are a different system; see Reddit rate limits.
Example
A growth team wants a script that emails them new posts mentioning their category. Before October 31, 2026 they would have requested Data API access, authenticated with OAuth and polled within 100 queries per minute, and Reddit would have treated it as commercial use needing its permission. Now new public API requests are closed, so the realistic choices are a commercial agreement with Reddit or a monitoring tool that already does this.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still get a Reddit API key?
No, not for the public Data API. Reddit stopped accepting new requests for public API access on October 31, 2026, and remaining public API access ends in March 2027. New builders are pointed to the Developer Platform (Devvit).
Is the Reddit API free?
Not for new developers, since new requests are closed. Apps already approved for non-commercial use keep free access within 100 queries per minute until public API access ends in March 2027. Commercial use requires Reddit's permission and a contract.
What is the Reddit API rate limit?
100 queries per minute per OAuth client ID for apps with free access, averaged over 10 minutes, per Reddit's Data API wiki.
Can I scrape Reddit instead of using the API?
Reddit's robots.txt is meant for search engines, not data users, and its developer terms and Responsible Builder Policy govern access to Reddit data. Unapproved bulk collection risks being blocked and breaches those terms.