r/nottheonion
For true stories that you could have sworn were from The Onion.
How to think about r/nottheonion
This community is dedicated to sharing real news stories that are so absurd or unbelievable that they seem like satire from The Onion. Members post links to articles that highlight the strange, humorous, or ironic aspects of real life, often focusing on politics, culture, and human behavior. The distinctiveness of this community lies in its ability to blend genuine news with a comedic lens, prompting discussions about the bizarre nature of reality.
Confidence 4/5
Audience
Participants in this community are typically a diverse mix of individuals who enjoy humor, satire, and current events. The audience ranges from young adults to older generations, united by a shared interest in the absurdities of real life. Members often seek entertainment and a sense of camaraderie through shared laughter about the strange happenings in the world, fostering a light-hearted yet critical vibe.
Posting culture
Content that thrives in this community includes links to outrageous news articles, often accompanied by witty commentary or humorous observations. Posts that lack credible sources or are overly serious tend to receive downvotes. The community encourages frequent posting, with a steady flow of new content, particularly during significant news events or viral moments, which keeps discussions lively and engaging.
Brand engagement notes
Brands should approach this community with caution, as overt promotion is generally met with skepticism and hostility. To engage authentically, brands can share humorous or surprising real-life stories that resonate with the community's theme, perhaps by highlighting their own experiences or customer stories that align with the absurdity of the posts. Memes, light-hearted content, and genuine interactions are more likely to be well-received than traditional advertising.
Similar communities
Where this audience also spends time
Topic-adjacent communities surfaced from Reddit's own related subreddit signal.
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r/science
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r/politics
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FAQ
r/nottheonion — frequently asked questions
Quick facts about this subreddit's size, history, focus, and related communities.
How many subscribers does r/nottheonion have?
r/nottheonion has approximately 25,960,012 subscribers as of May 27, 2026.
When was r/nottheonion created?
r/nottheonion was created on October 25, 2008 (18 years ago).
What is r/nottheonion about?
This community is dedicated to sharing real news stories that are so absurd or unbelievable that they seem like satire from The Onion. Members post links to articles that highlight the strange, humorous, or ironic aspects of real life, often focusing on politics, culture, and human behavior. The distinctiveness of this community lies in its ability to blend genuine news with…
What subreddits are similar to r/nottheonion?
Communities similar to r/nottheonion include r/todayilearned, r/news, r/futurology, r/science, r/technology.
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