Reddit citations collapse in ChatGPT 5.6 — but retrieval stays heavy
lilyraynyc · x · 2026-08-22
Multiple SEO/GEO data providers report Reddit citations collapsing in ChatGPT after the 5.6 launch. Building on Suganthan's research:
- In one test, Reddit appeared in 84 of 221 retrieved results, yet none of those Reddit URLs were cited in the final answer.
- ChatGPT appears to search Reddit after selecting brands, using it for user opinions rather than brand discovery.
- It digs further back on Reddit, sometimes years of history — older threads less polluted by spam.
The author theorizes OpenAI, possibly with partner Reddit, keeps using Reddit's signal behind the scenes while cutting visible citations, since visible links incentivize marketers to spam Reddit. Reddit's CEO has called detecting AI-generated activity an "arms race."
Related event: Reddit's ChatGPT citation share collapses after OpenAI search changes(9 posts)→
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