Creepypasta
Internet horror stories that spread like folklore—and keep readers up at night.
Start ReadingBrowse All StoriesWhat 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 and social media. Like urban legends, creepypastas are shared, adapted, and sometimes believed to be true.
The best creepypastas tap into primal fears: the uncanny, the unknown, and the idea that something might be watching. From Slender Man to Jeff the Killer, these stories have shaped internet culture and inspired games, films, and endless retellings.
The History of Creepypasta
- 2000s: Something Awful forums and 4chan spawn early creepypasta. Stories like "The Russian Sleep Experiment" spread.
- 2009: Slender Man emerges from a Something Awful Photoshop contest and becomes a cultural phenomenon.
- 2010s: Reddit's r/nosleep popularizes first-person horror. Stories are written as if true, with commenters playing along.
- Today: Creepypasta lives on through NoSleep, dedicated sites, and a new generation of writers and readers.
The Best Creepypasta Stories
Ranked by readers. These are the stories that define the genre.
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View full best list →Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the scariest creepypasta?
- The scariest creepypasta is subjective—classics like The Russian Sleep Experiment, Smile Dog, and Candle Cove consistently rank among the most unsettling. Browse our best list to find your own nightmare.
- Where did creepypasta come from?
- Creepypasta emerged from early internet forums like Something Awful and 4chan in the 2000s. The term blends "copypasta" (copy-pasted text) with "creepy" to describe viral horror stories.
- 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.
- Are creepypasta stories real?
- Creepypasta stories are works of fiction. They are designed to feel authentic and immersive, but they are creative writing meant to unsettle and entertain.
- How do I write a creepypasta?
- Start with a compelling hook, build atmosphere through details, and leave room for the reader's imagination. Read the best stories on this site to learn the craft.