---
title: "What is OP (Original Poster)? — Social Media Glossary | Postpone"
canonical_url: "https://www.postpone.app/social-media-glossary/op-original-poster"
last_updated: "2026-10-08T07:18:38.432Z"
meta:
  description: "OP, short for original poster, is the person who created the original post in a Reddit thread, as opposed to the commenters."
  "og:description": "OP, short for original poster, is the person who created the original post in a Reddit thread, as opposed to the commenters."
  "og:title": "What is OP (Original Poster)? — Social Media Glossary"
  "twitter:description": "OP, short for original poster, is the person who created the original post in a Reddit thread, as opposed to the commenters."
  "twitter:title": "What is OP (Original Poster)? — Social Media Glossary"
---

**Reddit**

# OP (Original Poster)

OP, short for original poster, is the person who created the original post in a Reddit thread, as opposed to the commenters.

[**Reddit **post scheduler](https://www.postpone.app/platforms/reddit-post-scheduler)

Two letters that instantly identify who started the conversation. In any Reddit thread, the person who created the post is the OP. Everyone else is a commenter. Reddit marks OP's comments with a distinct visual tag so you can always spot them in a sea of replies.

The term predates Reddit — it originated in early internet forums — but Reddit made it universal. You'll see "OP" used on virtually every social platform now, from TikTok comments to Discord servers.

## Why Being OP Matters

Creating a post on Reddit isn't a "post and forget" situation. The OP is expected to participate in their own thread. A post that generates 200 comments with zero replies from OP looks abandoned. Communities notice, and they're less likely to engage with your future posts.

The best OPs treat their thread like a conversation they're hosting. They answer questions, provide additional context, respond to criticism, and update the original post when new information comes up. In subreddits like r/DIY, r/legaladvice, and r/personalfinance, OP engagement in the comments is often more valuable than the original post itself.

Reddit's visual highlighting helps. OP's comments get a colored "OP" badge, making them easy to find. Readers often scroll through long threads specifically looking for OP's responses — especially in storytelling subreddits like r/tifu or r/relationship\_advice where updates from OP drive the entire discussion.

## OP in Reddit Culture

"OP delivers" is high praise — it means the original poster came back with a follow-up, proof, or update the community was waiting for. "OP is a liar" or "OP made this up" is the opposite, and Reddit will investigate post histories to prove it.

For brands and marketers, the OP dynamic is practical. When you post content, you're the OP. How you engage in the comments matters as much as the post itself. Upvotes on your comments build karma. Helpful replies build reputation. Ignoring your own thread signals you're just there to broadcast, not participate — and Reddit communities will treat you accordingly.

**Example**

In a viral r/AITAH thread, comments like 'YTA, OP' and 'INFO: OP, can you clarify?' direct the conversation back to the person who started it. Reddit highlights OP's comments with a blue tag so they stand out in long threads.

## **Why It Matters**

When you're the OP, you control the conversation's direction. Responding to comments on your own posts is one of the most effective ways to build karma, credibility, and community relationships on Reddit.

## **Related Terms**

[AMA (Ask Me Anything)](https://www.postpone.app/social-media-glossary/ama) [Comment Thread](https://www.postpone.app/social-media-glossary/comment-thread) [Karma](https://www.postpone.app/social-media-glossary/karma) [Subreddit](https://www.postpone.app/social-media-glossary/subreddit) [Upvote / Downvote](https://www.postpone.app/social-media-glossary/upvote-downvote)

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