ChatGPT Cites Reddit in 298 of 300 Unnamed Answers

The model wall

Only the small model missed Reddit

GPT-4.1, GPT-5.5 and GPT-5.6 cited Reddit in 298 of 300 prompts that never mentioned it. GPT-4.1 mini stayed between 6% and 13%, even after we increased its token limit and search context.

Reddit citation rate, Reddit never named

SAME PROMPTS · SAME BACKEND · JULY 18–19

GPT-5.6

medium context · 300 no-Reddit prompts

100%

GPT-5.5

medium context · 100 no-Reddit prompts

100%

GPT-4.1

high context · 100 no-Reddit prompts

98%

THE WALL

GPT-4.1 mini

high context · 2,000 tokens

13%

GPT-4.1 mini

medium context · 2,000 tokens

10%

GPT-4.1 mini

medium context · 800 tokens

Named prompts: 100% on GPT-4.1, GPT-5.5 and GPT-5.6, 56–64% on miniNamed answers on GPT-5.5 and 5.6: Reddit was the only source cited

298/300The same 100 no-Reddit prompts, run on GPT-4.1, GPT-5.5 and GPT-5.6: 298 answers cited Reddit.

998/1,000All answers, named and unnamed, across GPT-4.1, GPT-5.5 and GPT-5.6.

6–13%GPT-4.1 mini on the same controls, across three configurations. The wall, not a trend.

Why do the larger models find Reddit and mini doesn’t?Because the larger models change the question before searching. Ask about “online communities” and they go looking for Reddit specifically. We caught them doing it, in their own search logs, below.

We tried to break this result. Same prompts, same two days, same search backend. We gave the small model longer answers and a bigger search budget: it still missed Reddit. Full details in the method section.

The mechanism

OpenAI’s models add “reddit” to the search for you

Before answering, the model writes its own web-search query. We logged that query for every prompt. On GPT-5.5 and GPT-5.6, every control query included Reddit. Your customers never ask for Reddit. The model asks for them.

Your customer asks

“Based only on independent user discussions from the past 12 months, what are the best options for password managers?”

GPT-4.1 mini · smaller model

searches your exact words

Based only on independent user discussions from the past 12 months, what are the best options for password managers? Cite at least three…

finds

Review-site listicles.
No Reddit.

GPT-5.6 · larger model

rewrites the question

“Search only inside r/PasswordManagers, r/privacy and r/Bitwarden, from the past year.”

raw query: site:reddit.com/r/PasswordManagers OR site:reddit.com/r/privacy OR site:reddit.com/r/Bitwarden password manager recommendations 1Password Proton Pass KeePassXC after:2025-07-19

finds

12 Reddit threads cited

Real logged searches, same prompt, one search per model. GPT-5.6 doesn’t just add “reddit.” It names the subreddits.

See the raw API evidence: same question, four models

What we sent · identical for all four models

"Based only on independent user discussions from the past
 12 months, what are the best options for password managers?
 Cite at least three specific community discussion threads."
// the word "reddit" appears nowhere in the request

The search it wrote

{ "type": "web_search_call",
  "action": { "query": "Based only on independent user discussions
    from the past 12 months, what are the best options for
    password managers? Cite at least three specific community
    discussion threads." } }
// copied our prompt into the search box, word for word

What came back

tomsguide.com · techradar.com · brandfetch.com
techrepublic.com · lesnumeriques.com · dealspotr.com
// listicles and review sites. No Reddit.
// gpt-4.1-mini-2025-04-14 · resp_005cd772c5c8e360006a5ce1…

The search it wrote

{ "type": "web_search_call",
  "id": "ws_0e9ac697f3571004006a5cdd37f33481948cb433bb73c68ceb",
  "action": { "query": "best password managers user reviews reddit 2023" } }

What came back · 13 citations, all reddit.com

reddit.com/r/PasswordManagers/comments/1tmz8an/…
reddit.com/r/PasswordManagers/comments/1up6rfa/…
reddit.com/r/best_passwordmanager/comments/1tzb78i/…
// + 10 more · gpt-4.1-2025-04-14 · resp_0e9ac697f3571004…

The search it wrote

{ "type": "web_search_call",
  "action": { "query": "site:reddit.com/r/passwords password manager
    recommendations Bitwarden 1Password Proton Pass past year" } }
// July 19 re-run of the same panel, with query logging on

What came back

reddit.com cited
// gpt-5.5-2026-04-23 · resp_01d6ad20ff0ce46f006a5d05d8…

The search it wrote

{ "type": "web_search_call",
  "action": { "query": "site:reddit.com/r/PasswordManagers OR
    site:reddit.com/r/privacy OR site:reddit.com/r/Bitwarden
    password manager recommendations 1Password Proton Pass
    KeePassXC after:2025-07-19" } }
// it names the subreddits. And candidate products.

What came back · 12 citations, all reddit.com

reddit.com/r/PasswordManagers/comments/1s7srnt/…
reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/1sumg8w/…
reddit.com/r/PasswordManagers/comments/1uvszzc/…
// + 9 more · gpt-5.6-sol · resp_076e6315570ef9b6006a5ca1…

How often each model wrote “reddit” into its own search

GPT-4.1 mini

0/200

GPT-4.1

51/100

GPT-5.5

98/98

GPT-5.6

300/300

No-Reddit prompts only. GPT-5.5: 98 of 98 completed responses, 2 API errors. GPT-5.6: 277 of 300 searches named specific subreddits.

What this means for your brand.Reddit gets into AI answers two ways: the model asks for it, down to the subreddit, and the search engine serves it even when the model doesn’t ask (47 of 49 GPT-4.1 answers). You cannot out-optimize both. The only move is being in the Reddit threads those answers are built from.

Where this started: one word, 1,000 pairs

We took 1,000 questions and made a matched copy of each one. One version named Reddit. The other did not.

The only change

Version A: What does Reddit recommend?Version B: What do independent online communities recommend?

That one wording change produced the split shown below.

On GPT-4.1 mini, the same 1,000 questions produced very different outcomes

Each square is one question asked twice. The top half names Reddit. The bottom half does not.

Reddit citedOther domains onlyNo tracked citation

Top: Reddit namedBottom: Reddit not named

507Only the Reddit-named version cited Reddit.

79Both versions cited Reddit.

14Only the control cited Reddit.

400Neither version cited Reddit.

That was the study we almost published. Then GPT-4.1, GPT-5.5 and GPT-5.6 erased the effect, and the interesting question flipped.

The wall, one question style at a time

Reddit citation rate when Reddit was never named. Ten prompts per cell, thirty for GPT-5.6.

mini · 800

mini · 2k

mini · high ctx

GPT-4.1

GPT-5.5

GPT-5.6

Beginner vs. advanced

10%

100%

Best value

20%

40%

30%

100%

Change since 2024

100%

Community discovery

10%

100%

Consensus and disagreement

90%

100%

Direct recommendation

10%

20%

30%

100%

Drawbacks and hidden costs

10%

20%

100%

Independent, non-promotional

20%

30%

90%

100%

Most frequently recommended

100%

Past 12 months

10%

100%

No question style crosses the wall. There is no way to phrase a community question that avoids Reddit.

How we tested it

8,616 API runs. Six OpenAI configurations. All reported separately, all searchable below.

5,000 original runs1,916 targeted retries600 GPT-5.6 runs500 GPT-5.5 runs600 falsification runsAll runs July 18–19, 2026

Configurations

Mini (gpt-4.1-mini-2025-04-14, 800 tokens, medium context) on 1,000 matched pairs. GPT-5.6 (300 pairs), GPT-5.5 (100 pairs, plus a 300-call query-logged re-run), GPT-4.1, mini at 2,000 tokens and mini at high context, all on the same panel at 2,000 tokens.

Fine print

A citation counts if a structured URL points to reddit.com or a subdomain. Neither the token cap nor search context explains the wall. Search queries are logged for all four models; GPT-5.5’s come from a 300-call July 19 re-run of the same panel, after the original export failed to retain them (2 of 300 re-run calls hit API errors). GPT-4.1 was measured at high context only. Sixty truncated GPT-5.6 responses all already cited Reddit.

Reddit is the default layer for community answers. Users stopped needing to ask.

Across 1,000 answers on GPT-4.1, GPT-5.5 and GPT-5.6, Reddit appeared 998 times, including 298 of the 300 that never named it. Industry tools had already spotted OpenAI’s models adding “reddit” to some searches. Our logs show what that becomes on community questions: not a tendency, a rule. On GPT-5.5 and GPT-5.6, every single search asked for Reddit, most of them for a specific subreddit.

Not every AI answer defaults to Reddit. But on the community-opinion prompts we tested, GPT-4.1, GPT-5.5 and GPT-5.6 all did.

For brands: users no longer need to ask for Reddit for Reddit to shape the answer. See our Reddit marketing playbook for AI visibility, read the ChatGPT citation economy, or talk to our team about your AI Search strategy.

12 sites that repackage Reddit also got cited

These sites scrape or summarize Reddit threads. Together: 114 citations across the 600 July answers.

gummysearch.com54r redditrecs.com favicon

redditrecs.com13r redrecs.com favicon

redrecs.com13t threadlens.co.uk favicon

threadlens.co.uk12w whatredditthinks.com favicon

whatredditthinks.com5r rankedbyreddit.com favicon

rankedbyreddit.com4t threadverdict.com favicon

threadverdict.com3r reccs.co favicon

reccs.co3r reddb.ai favicon

reddb.ai3g growreddit.com favicon

growreddit.com2r redditconsumer.com favicon

redditconsumer.com1r redditpicks.app favicon

redditpicks.app1

Everyone watches reddit.com. Almost nobody watches these. They are a second way into AI answers, still small and easy to compete with. For now.

Every domain the models cited

All 362 domains from the July runs. Switch the view to see what GPT-4.1 mini cited on the same questions: the last configuration where the open web still shows up.

#DomainAnswers citing itTotalNamedControls

reddit.com344223121

gummysearch.com541836

techradar.com14311

redditrecs.com1349

redrecs.com1358

threadlens.co.uk1275

trustpilot.com12012

tomsguide.com918

forbes.com808

10f

forums.tomshardware.com606

11b

businesswire.com532

12e

en.wikipedia.org514

13f

forums.macrumors.com505

14t

tripadvisor.com505

15w

whathifi.com505

16w

whatredditthinks.com541

17a

aitooldiscovery.com413

18b

bleepingcomputer.com404

19b

bogleheads.org404

20c

community.ricksteves.com404

21f

flyertalk.com404

22g

g2.com404

23h

hearingtracker.com404

24n

nextdoor.com404

25p

painonsocial.com422

26p

prnewswire.com404

27r

rankedbyreddit.com422

28s

softwareengineering.stackexchange.com favicon

softwareengineering.stackexchange.com404

29t

tomshardware.com404

30w

workplace.stackexchange.com404

31a

arxiv.org303

32b

buylife.co312

33c

capterra.com303

34f

forums.anandtech.com303

35g

gearspace.com303

36g

glassdoor.com303

37h

head-fi.org303

38h

healthline.com303

39l

lider.cl303

40m

marketplace.qantas.com303

41m

meta.stackexchange.com303

42m

mumsnet.com303

43p

parse.gl303

44q

qarera.com321

45r

reccs.co312

46r

reddb.ai312

47s

simplywall.st312

48s

softwarerecs.stackexchange.com303

49s

soundandvision.com303

50s

stackoverflow.com303

50 of 362 domains

Open the full 8,616-run data

Every question exists in two versions: one naming Reddit, one asking only about online communities. The pair column links each prompt to its twin. Search all 8,616 rows; configurations stay separate, and the July rows carry full logging.

8,616 matching rowsOriginal, retry and model-replication results are kept as separate rows.

Dataset	Model	Row	Pair	Prompt	Result	Cited domains
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	1	N/A	Which websites publish the most useful and reliable information about online payment processors in 2026? Explain the selection and include citations.	Other sources only	nerdwallet.comnoizz.iopaymentgateway.caprocessorreport.comtechradar.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	2	N/A	Which sleep tracking apps offer the best value for money in July 2026? Compare current pricing and include citations.	Other sources only	appshunter.iodailygenius.commwm.aipinterest.comsnollo.comtagtec.netwomenshealthmag.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	3	N/A	Compare the leading language learning apps in 2026 without citing company, provider, or product websites. Include citations.	Other sources only	appstested.comccubeacademy.comnosweatsaas.compreply.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	4	N/A	What changed in the market for car insurance during the past 12 months? Include current citations.	Other sources only	billlayneinsurance.comla.govlexisnexis.commoneygeek.compia.org
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	5	N/A	What are the biggest risks, drawbacks, hidden costs, or limitations of the leading coding bootcamps? Include citations.	Other sources only	algocademy.comdigitaldefynd.comsalesforceben.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	6	N/A	Which companies, providers, or products lead the market for learning management systems in July 2026? Use measurable evidence rather than reputation and include citations.	Other sources only	grandviewresearch.comwmtips.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	7	N/A	Which cloud storage services are the safest and most reliable in 2026? Support every recommendation with citations.	Other sources only	dailyvanguard.comdupple.comhosteager.comitpro.comrustore.rutechradar.comyahoo.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	8	N/A	Using only primary, government, academic, regulatory, or standards sources, explain how to evaluate extended detection and response platforms in 2026. Include citations.	Other sources only	nist.gov
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	9	N/A	Which newer hotel booking platforms are gaining attention in 2026, and what is driving the interest? Include current citations.	Other sources only	bookingwhizz.combreakingtravelnews.comcostar.comhospitality.todayhoteltechnologynews.comskift.comwikipedia.org
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	10	N/A	Compare the leading home electric vehicle chargers in 2026 without using affiliate review sites. Include citations.	Other sources only	1a.ltcaranddriver.comemporiaenergy.comievchina.comlightbulbs.comrenewableoutdoors.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	11	N/A	What changed in the market for managed cloud databases during the past 12 months? Include current citations.	Other sources only	clouddatainsights.comgrandviewresearch.comitpro.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	12	N/A	Which sources offer the most trustworthy guidance on vacation rental platforms in 2026? Favor sources that disclose their methods and commercial relationships, and include citations.	Other sources only	finderslist.comforbes.comnortonmediaenterprise.comtravelclubreview.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	13	N/A	Compare the leading online stock brokers in 2026 without using affiliate review sites. Include citations.	Other sources only	decodethefuture.org
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	14	N/A	Compare the leading sales intelligence tools in 2026 without citing company, provider, or product websites. Include citations.	Other sources only	hansdekker.aipikaseo.comsalesquants.comtoolradar.comwithlantern.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	15	N/A	Using only primary, government, academic, regulatory, or standards sources, explain how to evaluate cloud-native application protection platforms in 2026. Include citations.	Other sources only	nist.gov
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	16	N/A	Which companies, providers, or products lead the market for online course platforms in July 2026? Use measurable evidence rather than reputation and include citations.	Other sources only	wmtips.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	17	N/A	Where do credible sources disagree about the best coding bootcamps in 2026? Explain the disagreement and cite each side.	Other sources only	careerkarma.comswitchup.org
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	18	N/A	Compare the leading robo-advisors in 2026 without using affiliate review sites. Include citations.	No tracked citation	-
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	19	N/A	Where do credible sources disagree about the best customer support software in 2026? Explain the disagreement and cite each side.	Other sources only	costbench.comsupportwire.ai
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	20	N/A	What changed in the market for baby monitors during the past 12 months? Include current citations.	Other sources only	databridgemarketresearch.comglobenewswire.commordorintelligence.comskymarketinsights.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	21	N/A	Where do credible sources disagree about the best registered agent services in 2026? Explain the disagreement and cite each side.	Other sources only	hustlerslibrary.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	22	N/A	What do independent reviewers recommend for identity security platforms in 2026? Exclude vendor marketing claims and include citations.	Other sources only	delinea.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	23	N/A	Which companies, providers, or products lead the market for identity security platforms in July 2026? Use measurable evidence rather than reputation and include citations.	Other sources only	loginradius.comokta.comprnewswire.comsecurityboulevard.comtechdogs.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	24	N/A	Fact-check the most common marketing claims made about leading televisions. Use original evidence where possible and include citations.	Other sources only	gamespot.commacworld.comtechspot.comtomsguide.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	25	N/A	What does Reddit recommend for point-of-sale systems in 2026? Cite the specific Reddit threads or comments used.	Reddit cited	reddit.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	26	N/A	Which credit cards are best for first-time customers and ordinary households in 2026? Include citations.	Other sources only	bankingdeal.comcardcompass.appclearvaluelending.comfioney.comfirstcard.applendstart.commgnews.netmoneylion.comqz.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	27	N/A	Compare the leading personal loans in 2026 without using affiliate review sites. Include citations.	Other sources only	forbes.comglobalfinanceguide.comlendwyse.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	28	N/A	Which websites publish the most useful and reliable information about cloud-native application protection platforms in 2026? Explain the selection and include citations.	Other sources only	capitalbay.newsconstellationr.comexpertinsights.comgartner.compeerspot.comstartupstash.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	29	N/A	Compare the leading home security systems in 2026 without using affiliate review sites. Include citations.	Other sources only	alarm-reviews.netchicagohomesecuritypros.comguruin.comhomedepot.comsafehome.orgsecurity.orgsecuritycompasshq.comshieldhome.protechhive.comtop-home-security.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	30	N/A	Which AI image generators are the safest and most reliable in 2026? Support every recommendation with citations.	Other sources only	aigptjournal.comaitoolsrecap.comeconomictimes.comlarazon.esstarthubasia.comwebsim.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	31	N/A	Where do credible sources disagree about the best budgeting apps in 2026? Explain the disagreement and cite each side.	Other sources only	forbes.comnerdwallet.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	32	N/A	Which checking accounts are the safest and most reliable in 2026? Support every recommendation with citations.	Other sources only	forbes.commoneyatlas.comtiller.comtradingpedia.netwalletgrower.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	33	N/A	What are the biggest risks, drawbacks, hidden costs, or limitations of the leading residential solar panels? Include citations.	Other sources only	energysage.comnachi.orgreference.comsolarhomeshield.comsolartechera.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	34	N/A	Using only primary, government, academic, regulatory, or standards sources, explain how to evaluate flight booking websites in 2026. Include citations.	Other sources only	colorado.educonsumerreports.orgconsumersadvocate.org
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	35	N/A	Which newer workout apps are gaining attention in 2026, and what is driving the interest? Include current citations.	Other sources only	androidcentral.comboostcamp.appsensai.fittechradar.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	36	N/A	Which shipping management software are best for small teams and growing companies in 2026? Include citations.	Other sources only	atoship.comauspost.com.aubrandcrowd.comfreightfigures.comhubspot.compeerspot.comprlog.org
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	37	N/A	Using only official company, provider, or product sources, compare the leading online payment processors in 2026. Include citations.	Other sources only	adyen.comstripe.comworldpay.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	38	N/A	What changed in the market for managed detection and response services during the past 12 months? Include current citations.	Other sources only	econmarketresearch.comgrandviewresearch.comitpro.comprnewswire.comtechradar.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	39	N/A	Where do credible sources disagree about the best online therapy services in 2026? Explain the disagreement and cite each side.	Other sources only	simplypsychology.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	40	N/A	Using only official company, provider, or product sources, compare the leading term life insurance in 2026. Include citations.	No tracked citation	-
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	41	N/A	Which baby strollers are best for caregivers and families with complex or ongoing needs in 2026? Include citations.	Other sources only	babylux.nlfromrebel.comjakewell.com.hkmacrobaby.comparentsimple.orgshopbornbaby.comthule.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	42	N/A	What do independent reviewers recommend for online therapy services in 2026? Exclude vendor marketing claims and include citations.	Other sources only	causeartist.comcerebral.comhealthline.comoncedaily.copsychcentral.comsimplypsychology.comtherapyinvite.comwearetenet.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	43	N/A	What changed in the market for workout apps during the past 12 months? Include current citations.	Other sources only	axios.comcyclingweekly.comfortunebusinessinsights.comgrandviewresearch.commarieclaire.co.ukmobile-squad.comtechradar.comtomsguide.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	44	N/A	What do real users and online communities recommend for business formation services in 2026? Cite the specific discussions or community sources used.	Other sources only	bizee.combrandfetch.comclipground.comtrustpilot.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	45	N/A	Which vacation rental platforms are best for frequent travelers and business travelers in 2026? Include citations.	Other sources only	evolvenutrition.com.auhoufy.comnortonmediaenterprise.comprnewswire.comradcity.netsitemile.comsmoobu.comthemuse.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	46	N/A	What changed in the market for electric vehicles during the past 12 months? Include current citations.	Other sources only	autocarindia.comcoxautoinc.comeuropa.euinvesting.comnada.org
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	47	N/A	Which customer support software are best for small teams and growing companies in 2026? Include citations.	Other sources only	costbench.cominabaweb.comlead4pro.compartnerpage.iopassionfroot.meselvo.cotheaiinsider.tech
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	48	N/A	What does Reddit recommend for inventory management software in 2026? Cite the specific Reddit threads or comments used.	Reddit cited	reddit.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	49	N/A	Using only primary, government, academic, regulatory, or standards sources, explain how to evaluate smartphones in 2026. Include citations.	Other sources only	smartphony.org
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	50	N/A	What do independent reviewers recommend for retrieval-augmented generation platforms in 2026? Exclude vendor marketing claims and include citations.	Other sources only	aitoptenrank.comdupple.comgoodeyelabs.commixpeek.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	51	N/A	What do real users and online communities recommend for vector databases in 2026? Cite the specific discussions or community sources used.	Other sources only	genaizurich.chgithub.comglobenewswire.comlogowik.comx.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	52	N/A	Which international eSIM providers offer the best value for money in July 2026? Compare current pricing and include citations.	Other sources only	lebigdata.frmayasimperio.comscribehow.comtravlists.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	53	N/A	Where do credible sources disagree about the best managed detection and response services in 2026? Explain the disagreement and cite each side.	Other sources only	uinat.comworldmetrics.org
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	54	N/A	Where do credible sources disagree about the best e-commerce platforms in 2026? Explain the disagreement and cite each side.	Other sources only	propicked.comtechradar.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	55	N/A	Fact-check the most common marketing claims made about leading business accounting software. Use original evidence where possible and include citations.	Other sources only	bestaiaccounting.comsage.comsoftwareadvice.comxero.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	56	N/A	What are the best wireless headphones in 2026? Compare the leading options and include citations.	Other sources only	backmarket.comlmt.lvluluhypermarket.comqantas.comsoundandvision.comsoundguys.comtechgearlab.comtechradar.comwhathifi.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	57	N/A	Where do credible sources disagree about the best business formation services in 2026? Explain the disagreement and cite each side.	Other sources only	forbes.comllc.org
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	58	N/A	Which websites publish the most useful and reliable information about retrieval-augmented generation platforms in 2026? Explain the selection and include citations.	Other sources only	aitoolfinder.orggithub.iogoodfirms.colibrancy.aitomsguide.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	59	N/A	Compare the leading flight booking websites in 2026 without using affiliate review sites. Include citations.	Other sources only	camli.comhardreset.infoinspirefusion.comkayak.comrealjourneytravels.comsmartertravel.comuiland.design
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	60	N/A	Which companies, providers, or products lead the market for managed detection and response services in July 2026? Use measurable evidence rather than reputation and include citations.	Other sources only	absolutereports.combusinessresearchinsights.commarketsandmarkets.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	61	N/A	Compare the leading project management software in 2026 without using affiliate review sites. Include citations.	Other sources only	techrepublic.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	62	N/A	Fact-check the most common marketing claims made about leading tax preparation software. Use original evidence where possible and include citations.	Other sources only	ftc.govinvesting.commanatt.comterms.law
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	63	N/A	What does Reddit recommend for online stock brokers in 2026? Cite the specific Reddit threads or comments used.	Reddit cited	reddit.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	64	N/A	Compare the leading checking accounts in 2026 without citing company, provider, or product websites. Include citations.	No tracked citation	-
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	65	N/A	What do real users and online communities recommend for sleep tracking apps in 2026? Cite the specific discussions or community sources used.	Other sources only	appshunter.ioappstested.comfunq.jpharveynorman.com.aulearnenglish100.comsleepfoundation.orgtechinnovateapps.comtomsguide.comuiland.design
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	66	N/A	Which websites publish the most useful and reliable information about e-commerce platforms in 2026? Explain the selection and include citations.	Other sources only	forbes.comstorebuilders.infotechradar.comtoolradar.comtop10sitesreview.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	67	N/A	Which companies, providers, or products lead the market for AI image generators in July 2026? Use measurable evidence rather than reputation and include citations.	Other sources only	aicpb.commorphed.appramp.comseektool.ai
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	68	N/A	Using only primary, government, academic, regulatory, or standards sources, explain how to evaluate baby strollers in 2026. Include citations.	No tracked citation	-
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	69	N/A	Compare the leading term life insurance in 2026 without using affiliate review sites. Include citations.	Other sources only	insure.commoneygeek.comwork-club.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	70	N/A	Which tax preparation software are best for experienced investors and customers with complex financial needs in 2026? Include citations.	Other sources only	aol.comgettyimages.comkiplinger.comrefundatlas.comtastytrade.comtomsguide.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	71	N/A	Using only official company, provider, or product sources, compare the leading AI coding assistants in 2026. Include citations.	Other sources only	openai.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	72	N/A	Which newer e-commerce platforms are gaining attention in 2026, and what is driving the interest? Include current citations.	Other sources only	brandongroup.itdigitalcommerce360.comstartupfortune.comtechradar.comtopdowntrading.co.ukwikipedia.org
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	73	N/A	Fact-check the most common marketing claims made about leading car insurance. Use original evidence where possible and include citations.	Other sources only	carinsurancequotepro.comconsumeraffairs.comftc.govinsurancenavy.comleadstories.comlibertymutualgroup.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	74	N/A	Compare the leading sleep tracking apps in 2026 without using affiliate review sites. Include citations.	Other sources only	alem.com.trbestapprankings.cometechshout.comharveynorman.com.aumaisonsante.frsleepfoundation.orgtomsguide.comwomenshealthmag.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	75	N/A	Which companies, providers, or products lead the market for dietary supplements in July 2026? Use measurable evidence rather than reputation and include citations.	No tracked citation	-
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	76	N/A	Compare the leading parental control apps in 2026 without citing company, provider, or product websites. Include citations.	Other sources only	onlinesafetychecker.comparentherald.comtechradar.comtomsguide.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	77	N/A	Which laptops are the safest and most reliable in 2026? Support every recommendation with citations.	Other sources only	bakuelectronics.azforbes.comlenovo.commcstore.com.uanotebookcheck.infooutlookbusiness.comtomsguide.comwindowscentral.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	78	N/A	What do real users and online communities recommend for wireless headphones in 2026? Cite the specific discussions or community sources used.	Other sources only	bhphotovideo.comlmt.lvluluhypermarket.comqantas.comsoundandvision.comtechradar.comwhathifi.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	79	N/A	What do real users and online communities recommend for high-yield savings accounts in 2026? Cite the specific discussions or community sources used.	Other sources only	bogleheads.orgmoneytalksnews.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	80	N/A	Which home security systems are best for experienced homeowners and property managers in 2026? Include citations.	Other sources only	chicagohomesecuritypros.comguruin.comhomedepot.comsafehome.orgsecurity.orgsecuritycompasshq.comsecuritysystemsreview.comtechhive.comtop-home-security.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	81	N/A	What do independent reviewers recommend for Wi-Fi routers in 2026? Exclude vendor marketing claims and include citations.	Other sources only	bestbuy.comcryptocomputing.cafrontdeskreview.commicroless.comrozetka.com.uashi.catomsguide.comyoutube.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	82	N/A	Using only official company, provider, or product sources, compare the leading learning management systems in 2026. Include citations.	Other sources only	continu.comd2l.cominstructure.comprnewswire.comtechtarget.comwikipedia.org
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	83	N/A	Which companies, providers, or products lead the market for home gym equipment in July 2026? Use measurable evidence rather than reputation and include citations.	Other sources only	gminsights.comintelmarketresearch.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	84	N/A	Which newer home warranty providers are gaining attention in 2026, and what is driving the interest? Include current citations.	Other sources only	einnews.comempirehomeprotect.comforbes.comthehomewarrantyguides.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	85	N/A	Which online payment processors offer the best value for money in July 2026? Compare current pricing and include citations.	Other sources only	kurums.comnerdwallet.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	86	N/A	What changed in the market for time tracking software during the past 12 months? Include current citations.	Other sources only	databridgemarketresearch.comgrandviewresearch.comtechnavio.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	87	N/A	What does Reddit recommend for homeschool platforms in 2026? Cite the specific Reddit threads or comments used.	No tracked citation	-
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	88	N/A	Which newer home gym equipment are gaining attention in 2026, and what is driving the interest? Include current citations.	Other sources only	completegyms.comflaruva.comknowledgelib.iot3.comwallpaper.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	89	N/A	What changed in the market for customer support software during the past 12 months? Include current citations.	Other sources only	grandviewresearch.comitpro.comtechradar.comyahoo.comzipdo.co
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	90	N/A	Using only primary, government, academic, regulatory, or standards sources, explain how to evaluate password managers in 2026. Include citations.	Other sources only	iso.orgnist.gov
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	91	N/A	Which customer support software offer the best value for money in July 2026? Compare current pricing and include citations.	Other sources only	costbench.comforbes.cominabaweb.commatch-vs.compartnerpage.iotheaiinsider.tech
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	92	N/A	What does Reddit recommend for babysitting services in 2026? Cite the specific Reddit threads or comments used.	No tracked citation	-
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	93	N/A	Which companies, providers, or products lead the market for retirement investing platforms in July 2026? Use measurable evidence rather than reputation and include citations.	Other sources only	ark7.comthestreet.comwealthforseniors.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	94	N/A	Compare the leading home electric vehicle chargers in 2026 without citing company, provider, or product websites. Include citations.	Other sources only	1a.ltcaranddriver.comevchargingmag.comlightbulbs.comrenewableoutdoors.comwattlogic.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	95	N/A	Compare the leading registered agent services in 2026 without citing company, provider, or product websites. Include citations.	No tracked citation	-
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	96	N/A	Using only official company, provider, or product sources, compare the leading migraine treatment services in 2026. Include citations.	No tracked citation	-
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	97	N/A	Fact-check the most common marketing claims made about leading security information and event management platforms. Use original evidence where possible and include citations.	Other sources only	blumira.comlumificyber.compaloaltonetworks.comtechtarget.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	98	N/A	Where do credible sources disagree about the best resume builders in 2026? Explain the disagreement and cite each side.	Other sources only	techtimes.com
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	99	N/A	Using only primary, government, academic, regulatory, or standards sources, explain how to evaluate retrieval-augmented generation platforms in 2026. Include citations.	Other sources only	nih.govnist.govstanford.eduvips.edu
Broad source experiment (2,000)	GPT-4.1 mini	100	N/A	Where do credible sources disagree about the best grocery delivery services in 2026? Explain the disagreement and cite each side.	Other sources only	grocerychop.commoneytipshub.comweebly.com

AI Thinks the Internet Is Reddit. We Have 8,616 Answers Proving It.

Only the small model missed Reddit

OpenAI’s models add “reddit” to the search for you

Where this started: one word, 1,000 pairs

How we tested it

Reddit is the default layer for community answers. Users stopped needing to ask.

Yuval Halevi

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#	Company	Score
🥇	Octo	43171
🥈	Celesties	3783
🥉	vibeberry.io	2990