When you quote comments on Reddit correctly, you make conversations easier to follow and reduce the risk of misrepresenting what someone said. Reddit uses a simple markdown-based formatting system that clearly separates your own text from the original comment, and this works similarly on both desktop and mobile. By understanding how the quote feature functions—and being aware of a few frequent errors—you can keep discussions more readable, ensure proper attribution, and help other users track the flow of a thread more effectively.
Understanding Reddit’s Quote Format and Why It Matters
On Reddit, you can quote another comment by placing a greater-than sign (>) at the beginning of the line you want to reference. Reddit then formats that line as a separate, indented block, usually with a grey bar on the side.
This visual distinction makes it clear which words belong to the original commenter and which are your own. Using this format correctly helps maintain clarity in discussions, especially in long threads or complex arguments.
It allows readers to see exactly which point you’re addressing, reduces the risk of misattributing statements, and makes conversations easier to follow when multiple users are replying to different parts of the same comment.
Step-by-Step Guide to Quoting on Reddit Desktop
To quote comments on Reddit Desktop, you use a combination of text selection, the reply function, and Reddit’s formatting tools.
Scroll to the comment that contains the text you want to reference, then highlight the specific sentence or phrase. Click the “Reply” button beneath that comment. In many cases, Reddit will insert the highlighted text into your reply box as a quote.
If the text isn’t inserted automatically, you can still quote it manually. Open the reply box with “Reply,” copy the relevant text, and paste it into the box.
Then apply the quote formatting (for example, by placing a `>` character at the start of the line). When formatted correctly, the quoted text appears with a grey vertical bar, visually separating it from your own response.
Using the Quote Block Tool and Advanced Formatting Options
Once you understand how to quote manually, the Quote Block tool offers a more consistent way to format replies.
In the desktop comment box, click the “More” options button, then select the Quote Block icon. Paste or type the text you want to reference inside that block.
Reddit displays quoted text with grey vertical lines, which visually distinguish it from your own writing and support clearer structure in longer discussions.
You can use bold to draw attention to specific terms or statements and italics to indicate emphasis, contrast, or clarification.
Applying these formatting options in a deliberate manner helps maintain context, limits misinterpretation, and supports more focused exchanges in active threads.
Consistent, well-structured quoting also makes it easier to participate in authentic integration within niche subreddits, which helps build trust and visibility over time.
How to Quote Comments in the Reddit Mobile App
Quoting comments in the Reddit mobile app is straightforward and helps keep conversations organized.
Press and hold the text you want to quote, then select the option to copy it. After that, tap the Reply icon under the comment to open the text editor.
In the editor, type a greater-than symbol (>) followed by a space, then paste the text you copied. Reddit will format this as a quote, typically indicated by a vertical line or shaded area on the left.
Press Enter to move to a new line and type your response below the quoted text. This structure makes it clear which part of the original comment you’re addressing.
Best Practices for Clear, Respectful, and Engaging Quotes
Now that you know how to quote comments in the app, it’s useful to focus on doing so in a way that keeps discussions clear and respectful.
Start by providing context: mention the original commenter’s username or briefly summarize their point so readers can quickly understand what you’re responding to.
Use Reddit’s quote block formatting so your response is visually distinct from the quoted text. Keep quotes limited to the most relevant lines to maintain readability and avoid unnecessary repetition.
Make sure you represent the original comment accurately and respond to what was actually written, rather than implying a different tone or intent.
Finally, add your own analysis, examples, or questions so that your reply contributes substantively to the ongoing discussion. When quoting, keep Reddit’s emphasis on authentic, practical contributions in mind so your response adds clear value instead of coming across as self-promotional.
Conclusion
You now have the essential information needed to quote comments on Reddit in a clear and structured way. Use the quote format to reference specific points, provide context, and maintain coherent discussion threads. On both desktop and mobile, taking a moment to format your replies improves readability for others. By quoting accurately, staying on-topic, and avoiding any distortion of what others have written, you contribute to more constructive and organized discussions.