What is Creepypasta?
Creepypasta is a genre of horror fiction that circulates on the internet. The name combines "creepy" with "copypasta"—text that gets copy-pasted across forums, social media, and message boards. Like urban legends, creepypastas are shared, adapted, and sometimes believed to be true.
Origin of the Term
The word "copypasta" emerged in the early 2000s on 4chan and other forums to describe block paragraphs of text that users would copy and paste into threads. "Creepypasta" evolved to describe the horror-focused subset—stories designed to unsettle, terrify, and spread virally.
A Brief History
Creepypasta traces its roots to Something Awful, 4chan, and early internet culture. In 2009, the Slender Man phenomenon began with a Photoshop contest and grew into a cultural juggernaut. Reddit's r/nosleep popularized first-person horror, where stories are written as if true and readers play along in the comments.
Today, creepypasta continues to thrive through dedicated sites, NoSleep, and a new generation of writers and readers. The genre has inspired games, films, and endless retellings.
How to Read Creepypasta
The best way to experience creepypasta is to dive in. Start with the best stories or browse by category. Many readers prefer to read at night for maximum effect. Short stories are great for a quick scare; longer tales offer deeper immersion.
How to Write Creepypasta
Strong creepypasta often relies on atmosphere, subtle dread, and the reader's imagination. Start with a hook, build tension through details, and avoid over-explaining. Read widely to learn what works—and what doesn't.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is creepypasta?
- Creepypasta is a genre of user-generated horror fiction that circulates on the internet. The name combines "creepy" with "copypasta" — text that gets copy-pasted across forums, social media, and message boards.
- Where did the term creepypasta come from?
- The word "copypasta" emerged in the early 2000s on 4chan to describe block paragraphs of text that users copy-pasted into threads. "Creepypasta" evolved to describe the horror-focused subset.
- What is the scariest creepypasta?
- The scariest creepypasta is subjective. Classics like The Russian Sleep Experiment, Smile Dog, and Candle Cove are consistently ranked among the most unsettling by readers.
- Are creepypasta stories real?
- Creepypasta stories are works of fiction designed to feel authentic and immersive, but they are creative writing meant to unsettle and entertain.
- What is the difference between creepypasta and NoSleep?
- Creepypasta is the broader genre of internet horror stories. NoSleep is a subreddit (r/nosleep) where stories are written in first-person as if true — both fall under the creepypasta tradition.
- How do I write a creepypasta?
- Start with a compelling hook, build atmosphere through details, and leave room for the reader's imagination. Reading widely is the best way to learn the craft.
Ready to read?
Explore the best creepypasta stories, short reads, and more.