How long does a Reddit data request take — and a faster way

You clicked Request a copy of your data on Reddit and now you are refreshing your inbox wondering when it will actually arrive. So how long does a Reddit data request take — and is there a faster way to get the parts you really need? This guide covers realistic timelines, why it is slow, and how to skip the wait for your chats and media.

The realistic timeline

Reddit official data requests are typically fulfilled within a few days, but users regularly report waits ranging from under 24 hours to a week or more depending on volume and account size. There is no live progress bar — you just wait for an email with a download link. If you are up against a deadline or worried about a pending ban, that uncertainty is the real problem.

Why it takes so long

The request is processed in a queue on Reddit side, compiling your posts, comments, and votes into CSV files across the whole history of your account. Larger, older accounts take longer, and demand spikes can push everyone wait time up. Because it is a batch job rather than an instant export, there is little you can do to speed up Reddit own process.

The bigger catch: it may not have what you want

Even after waiting, the export leaves out modern Reddit Chat and all media — no videos, no voice notes, no images. So the thing many people are waiting days for does not actually contain their conversations. Before you request, it is worth knowing whether the official download includes what you are after, because for chats the answer is usually no.

The faster way to get your chats and media

If it is your conversations and shared media you need, you do not have to wait on Reddit queue at all. Redkit exports your Reddit chats to HTML, JSON, Markdown, or text on demand and saves the videos and voice notes as real files — in minutes, not days. Use Reddit official request for your public post history, and Redkit for everything the request cannot give you.