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r/whatisthis

Welcome to r/whatisthis, a subreddit for identifying objects of unknown make, type, or origin. If you have something and you don't know…

Subscribers

241,350

Created

February 26, 2009

17 years ago

View on Reddit
RedPulse insight

How to think about r/whatisthis

The community focuses on identifying unknown objects, ranging from antiques to everyday items. Members post images or descriptions of items they cannot identify, seeking insights from others. This collaborative effort fosters a unique environment where curiosity and knowledge-sharing thrive, making it a go-to resource for anyone puzzled by an object’s origin or purpose.

Confidence 4/5

  • Audience

    Participants in this community come from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared interest in discovery and learning. The audience includes hobbyists, collectors, and curious individuals, often with a mix of ages and expertise levels. The vibe is generally friendly and inquisitive, with members eager to help each other uncover the mysteries behind various objects.

  • Posting culture

    Content that thrives includes clear images and detailed descriptions of the items in question. Posts that lack clarity or context may receive downvotes, as members prefer engaging with well-presented inquiries. The community sees a steady flow of posts, with users encouraged to follow up on their inquiries, fostering ongoing discussions and knowledge exchange.

  • Brand engagement notes

    Brands should approach this community with caution, as overt promotion is often met with skepticism. Authentic engagement, such as sharing insights about unique products or historical items, can resonate well. Brands might consider participating by providing expert knowledge or answering questions related to their industry, but should avoid direct advertising or self-promotion to maintain credibility and rapport with members.

Top keywords

What r/whatisthis talks about

Weighted by how often each term appears in posts and comments, relative to baseline frequency. The largest words are the strongest signals of community focus.

cuppingscraperconcoctionscrapers1920'sgashutensilgizzardhemorrhagesolenoidtrebuchetkelpglobgourdgrabberencasedploppedantiquesricotta304plantersornamentalseventiesgrandpa'sgravestonevoleshutoffzappedyearbookskinningpastasmiscarriedwaxy2mlrivetdissectioncounterweight5:00streakymycologycylindricalinefficiencymildlyinterestingthroes1905trumperdislodgegreenhouseshelicalarcheologyprankstersnothing…taxidermywroughtshakedownballpointappropriatingbaptismsrubberytumbling

External signals

Where the community looks

Top external domains linked from posts and comments — a quick read on the sources of truth this audience trusts.

Top contributors

Who shapes the conversation

The most active and most-upvoted posters and commenters in this community. Useful when planning outreach or studying a community's tastemakers.

Top posters

By post count

By votes

Top commenters

By comment count

By votes

Similar communities

Where this audience also spends time

Topic-adjacent communities surfaced from Reddit's own related subreddit signal.

FAQ

r/whatisthis — frequently asked questions

Quick facts about this subreddit's size, history, focus, and related communities.

How many subscribers does r/whatisthis have?

r/whatisthis has approximately 241,350 subscribers as of May 27, 2026.

When was r/whatisthis created?

r/whatisthis was created on February 26, 2009 (17 years ago).

What is r/whatisthis about?

The community focuses on identifying unknown objects, ranging from antiques to everyday items. Members post images or descriptions of items they cannot identify, seeking insights from others. This collaborative effort fosters a unique environment where curiosity and knowledge-sharing thrive, making it a go-to resource for anyone puzzled by an object’s origin or purpose.

What subreddits are similar to r/whatisthis?

Communities similar to r/whatisthis include r/whatisthisthing, r/helpmefind, r/animalid, r/whatsthisbug, r/whatsthisplant.

Who are the most active posters on r/whatisthis?

The most frequent posters on r/whatisthis include u/[deleted], u/penguin7720, u/Mushroom-apocalpyse.

Ready to engage on r/whatisthis?

Authentic engagement, not spam.

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