How do I track the number of private messages received on Reddit?

Reddit shows your private messages in the Inbox. The total count and individual messages are shown there, and you can track changes manually or by using the API to count messages over time.

Quick ways to track the number of private messages

On desktop

• Open Reddit and go to the Inbox (the envelope icon).
• Switch to the "Messages" tab if needed. This shows private messages, not chat.
• Note the total message count shown near the top or in the Inbox header.
• Open each new message to confirm it’s a private message and not a comment or post reply.

On mobile (iOS/Android)

• Open the Reddit app and tap the Inbox bell/icon.
• Choose "Messages" to view private messages.
• See the message count at the top or rely on the badge/count on the screen.

Tracking changes over time (manual)

• Record the current count at regular intervals (daily or weekly).
• Subtract the previous count from the current count to see new messages.
• Note when messages are read or archived to avoid double-counting.

Using the Reddit API to count messages

1. Create a Reddit app to obtain client ID and client secret.
2. Authenticate with OAuth to obtain an access token for your account.
3. Call the private messages endpoint to fetch messages.
4. Count the messages received in the response and store the value for your records.

Example workflow with the API (high-level)

• Request token with the required scopes (identity, history, privatemessages).
• Request GET /api/v1/me/inbox.json to fetch inbox items.
• Filter items where the direction is "in" (received) and type is "private_message" or as defined by the API.
• Update your count and compare to previous data to track growth.

Common pitfalls

• Messages deleted or hidden may not count in some views.
• Chat messages are separate from private messages; track them separately if needed.
• API rate limits can affect automated tracking; implement pauses or backoff.
• Privacy and authorization: don’t share tokens or store credentials insecurely.

Practical tips for accuracy

Set a clear scope

• Private messages only (not comments, posts, or replies).
• Decide whether to include archived messages.
• Include read and unread counts as needed for your workflow.

Automate with care

• Store counts in a local file or spreadsheet at set intervals.
• Log timestamped counts to identify trends over time.
• Back up any automation scripts and document the data schema.

Example checklist

• Check inbox for current total private messages.
• Record count and date.
• If automating, refresh data at scheduled times.
• Verify that only private messages were counted.
• Review discrepancies and adjust filters as needed.

When to use each method

• Manual check: quick, no setup needed.
• API method: long-term tracking and automation.
• Mobile vs desktop: choose the interface you use most often to ensure consistency.

Summary

• The number of private messages is shown in Reddit’s Inbox under Messages.
• You can track it manually, or automate with the Reddit API by counting items in /api/v1/me/inbox.json.
• Separate private messages from chat messages and account for read/archived status as needed.
• Use a simple log to record counts over time for insight into messaging activity.

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