Reddit Cross-Post Origin Finder

WHAT IT DOES

Reddit Cross-Post Origin Finder is a browser extension that automatically scans the current Reddit page for cross-post indicators, cross-post links, and original source references. It detects cross-post elements by examining class names, IDs, and text patterns for keywords like "crosspost", "cross-post", "origin", "source", and cross-post indicators. The extension adds a floating find origin button (🔍) next to the Reddit interface, providing quick access to cross-post origin controls. Clicking the button opens a panel where you can find and navigate to the original post source, display the cross-post origin, and store origin history locally. The panel displays the current post title, subreddit, cross-post count (if available), and the origin URL when found. You can open the original post directly, copy the origin URL, or search for the origin if not automatically detected. The extension maintains a cross-post origin database with origin history, notes, and tags. The main panel shows saved origin history for the current and recent posts. All data is stored locally in your browser using GM_setValue, ensuring your origin history persists across page reloads and browser sessions. This helps Reddit users who want to find the original source of cross-posted content, discover the original subreddit, and track cross-post origins over time.

WHERE IT RUNS

This extension runs on any Reddit page that displays cross-post indicators, cross-post links, or original source references – including Reddit post pages, front page, subreddit pages, and any page with cross-posted content. The extension intelligently adapts to different page structures and supports a wide range of common Reddit display patterns. No manual configuration is required per site; the extension automatically detects cross-post elements using a flexible pattern matching system. This makes it ideal for Reddit users who want to find the original source of cross-posted content.

HOW TO USE

Simply install the extension and navigate to any Reddit page with cross-posted content. The extension automatically detects cross-post indicators and shows a find origin button (🔍) next to the interface when an origin is found. Click the button to open the cross-post origin panel. The panel shows the current post title, subreddit, and cross-post count. If an origin is detected, the panel displays the origin URL and provides buttons to "Open Original Post" and "Copy Origin URL". If no origin is found, you can click "Search for Origin" to attempt detection again. A floating button (🔗) appears in the bottom-right corner of the page – click this to open the panel from anywhere. Use the notes section to add notes about the cross-post context or original content. The panel also shows saved origin history for the current and recent posts. Use the "Clear All Data" button to remove all tracking data when needed.

ONE TECHNICAL SECTION – WHY IT WORKS

The extension uses a combination of DOM traversal and pattern matching to find cross-post origins. The cross-post indicator detection uses a comprehensive set of CSS selectors targeting cross-post class patterns including ".crosspost", ".cross-post", ".crosspost-indicator", and related selectors. The origin URL extraction examines the indicator element for links containing "/r/" subreddit paths, as well as text patterns like "originally posted in r/". The extension also searches for cross-post source links in the parent post container. When an origin link is found, the extension constructs a full URL using the Reddit domain. The extension also checks for cross-post count badges to provide additional context. Each post's origin is stored in the local database with the post URL, title, origin URL, subreddit, and timestamps. A MutationObserver detects dynamic content updates and re-scans only when new cross-post elements appear, balancing real-time accuracy with system performance.

THE PANEL – DRAG / PER-SITE POSITION / SNAP / COLLAPSE / RESIZE / ESCAPE

The cross-post origin panel includes a draggable title bar, allowing you to position it anywhere on screen for convenient access during browsing. The extension remembers your preferred position per website, so the panel opens in the same location each time you return to that domain. The panel supports snap-to-edge behavior – when dragged near screen edges, it gently snaps into place for a tidy workspace layout. You can collapse the panel down to just its title bar by clicking the collapse button, keeping it accessible without taking up screen space. The origin information and history are contained within a scrollable body, ensuring all content remains accessible even on smaller screens. Pressing the Escape key closes the panel instantly, returning you to your Reddit browsing workflow.

PLEASE NOTE

This extension requires the free BotGentz extension to be installed and enabled, as it relies on BotGentz's userscript injection and GM_* API shims for cross-browser compatibility. Websites frequently update their HTML structures and class names, which may cause cross-post detection to break temporarily – we actively maintain the matching patterns and release updates regularly. The extension stores all cross-post origin data, notes, and history exclusively in your local browser storage (GM_setValue); no data is ever transmitted to any external server or third party. The extension does not read, modify, or interfere with any Reddit content or functionality beyond the cross-post display – it operates on the page content and stores only metadata (post URLs, titles, origin URLs, subreddits, and notes) that you explicitly create. You are responsible for backing up your origin data if you switch browsers or clear your storage. Use this tool responsibly and in accordance with Reddit's Terms of Service.