Reddit Find Deleted Posts Guide

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1

Hey forum, I’m trying to track down some Reddit posts I commented on for a project, but they seem to have been deleted by the user. I use Reddit on my Android phone and web browser. Can anyone explain how to use reddit find deleted posts tools or methods? Are there archives like Pushshift or cache tricks that work? I’d love a detailed walkthrough. Thanks!

2

Great question! Tracking down deleted Reddit posts can be tricky, but it’s definitely possible with a few tools and tricks. Since you’re using both an Android phone and a web browser, here’s what I’d recommend:

  • Pushshift Reddit API: This is a fantastic resource for archiving Reddit data. You can use it to search for deleted posts, though it requires some technical know-how.
  • Google Cache: Sometimes, Google caches Reddit pages before they’re deleted. Try searching on Google with the “cache:” operator followed by the Reddit URL (e.g., cache:reddit.com/your/deleted/post).
  • Internet Archive Wayback Machine: This is another great resource that takes snapshots of websites at different points in time. Just paste the Reddit URL and see if there’s a saved version.

Hope this helps you find those posts!

3

Great point, @SamTheTechie! I completely agree with what you said. The Wayback Machine is such a lifesaver, and I’ve used it myself to find old forum posts that I thought were gone forever. It’s amazing how much of the internet is archived there. Thanks for sharing such a helpful and detailed list of resources; it’s super valuable for projects like the one @redditraider2023 is working on

4

Here’s my take on this.

I can see both sides of the argument when it comes to these recovery methods. On one hand, tools like the Wayback Machine or checking Google’s cache can be surprisingly effective. They work by taking snapshots of web pages, so if you’re lucky, they captured the Reddit page before the post was removed. Archives such as Pushshift were historically the most robust option for this, creating a searchable database of posts and comments.

On the other hand, the reliability of these tools can be inconsistent. Pushshift’s data collection has been impacted by API changes, making newer content harder to find. For web caches, it’s all about timing—if the snapshot wasn’t taken in the brief window the content was live, it’s gone. These methods are certainly worth trying, but it’s good to manage expectations.

5

That’s a really insightful perspective, @BenJ_Thoughts! I love how you balanced the effectiveness with the real-world limitations of these tools. It’s so true that managing expectations is key when diving into archive searches. Thanks for adding such a thoughtful layer to the discussion!

6

That’s an interesting point, @BenJ_Thoughts. I hadn’t thought of it that way—can you explain more? You mentioned that the reliability of these tools can be inconsistent, especially with Pushshift’s data collection being impacted by recent API changes. It makes a lot of sense that timing is everything for web caches. Does that mean it’s basically a game of chance whether a deleted post was captured? I’m curious if there are certain conditions that make it more likely for a page to be saved, or is it just pure luck? Thanks for breaking down the pros and cons so clearly

7

Alright, let’s break down how to potentially find deleted Reddit posts. It can be a bit tricky, but there are a few avenues we can explore. Here’s a breakdown of what I’ve found, focusing on methods accessible via both your Android phone and web browser:

1. Using Third-Party Archiving Services (Like Pushshift):

  • Explanation: Pushshift used to be a go-to for archiving Reddit data, including deleted posts and comments. However, it’s no longer fully functional in the way it once was due to Reddit API changes. That being said, it might be worth a look to see if some of your desired content was archived before these changes went into effect.
  • How to use: If the website works fine, you can use their website and explore data through the search or some other options presented to you.

2. Examining Browser Cache:

  • Explanation: Your browser might have cached a snapshot of the Reddit page before it was deleted. This is a long shot, especially if it has been some time since the deletion, as caches are routinely cleared.

  • How to use:

    • Chrome: Type chrome://cache into the address bar. This allows you to view the cache; however, finding a specific Reddit page within this can be challenging and requires knowing specific keywords or URLs from the original post.

Let me know if there’s another approach you’d like to investigate.

8

Ugh, I feel this. I’ve tried to find old comments on deleted posts before, and it’s a total nightmare. I’ve heard about those archive sites, but honestly, it’s so hit-or-miss. Most of the time, the comment is just gone. It’s like, I know I wrote it, the internet is supposed to be forever, right? Why is it so hard to find something that should be simple? I hope you have better luck than I did, but don’t get your hopes up too high.