4plebs
Searchable archive of specific 4chan boards that makes it possible to read threads after they are purged from 4chan.
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Searchable archive of specific 4chan boards that makes it possible to read threads after they are purged from 4chan.
Last updated
Was this helpful?
4plebs.org is an archive site that primarily focuses on archiving threads from various boards on the 4chan imageboard. This includes popular sections such as /pol/ (Politically Incorrect), /x/ (Paranormal), /tg/ (Traditional Games), and several others. The site provides a searchable database of past threads, allowing users to find and revisit discussions and content that have been posted on 4chan, which typically removes threads after a certain period. The archive is used by researchers, enthusiasts, and casual users who are interested in exploring or referencing the content that has been posted on 4chan in the past. As an example, a researcher studying internet culture may use 4plebs.org to compile data on specific trends or topics discussed within 4chan's communities over time.
Features
Search: filter searches across Thread No., Subject, Username etc. and search for content in specific boards.
Browse archives: you can browse the following boards which have been archived:
adv/ Advice /f/ Flash /hr/ High Resolution /o/ Auto /pol/ Politically Incorrect [s4s] Sh*t 4chan Says /sp/ Sports /tg/ Traditional Games /trv/ Travel /tv/ Television & Film /x/ Paranormal
API: access to a programmable interface to download and search for content.
The example below shows the results of searching for the term Bellingcat across all archives:
Web: any modern web browser.
API: no key or credentials required.
Personal information: Personal information related to emails or on-site reports are not archived.
Privacy and Consent: Although 4plebs archives public posts, researchers should be mindful of the privacy expectations of individuals who made those posts. Not all users understand or anticipate their contributions being analyzed or quoted in research.
Bias and Representativeness: Data collected from 4plebs may not be representative of broader populations or viewpoints. Research findings should be contextualized within the scope and limitations of the data source.
Ethical Use of Content: Be cautious and respectful when using content that may be sensitive, offensive, or controversial. Researchers should critically evaluate the necessity and implications of including such content in their work.
To effectively use 4plebs, especially for beginners or those looking to refine their skills, the following resources are highly recommended:
Official Wiki
Articles
4plebs has been used in the course of various online investigations, including:
Community and Support
Bellingcat Volunteer Team
Incomplete archive: posts from 2006-2009 have not yet been imported to the archive. Some 2010-2013 archives are partially imported (see: for more detail). Additionally, the tool only archives 11 boards.
Takedown requests: some content has been removed as a result of takedown requests. For more detail see:
API rate limits: All endpoints have dynamic rate limits. See and .
Amplification: Think carefully about what you publish, so as to avoid unwittingly amplifying some of the potentially harmful messaging present on 4Chan. See by Whitney Phillips.
by Bellingcat
by Bellingcat
by R. Thompson for Rolling Stone
Email:
Unclear (some of the website developers are listed here: )
