How to Cite an Instagram Post in APA, MLA, and Chicago

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Instagram has become a sizable source of valuable information, visual content, and public opinions, making it essential for researchers and writers to know how to cite an Instagram post properly. This article provides a thorough guide on citing an Instagram post in various citation styles, including APA, MLA, and Chicago. It also discusses the different types of Instagram posts and the essential elements to consider when referencing them. Understanding the Types of Instagram Posts

Before diving into the citation process, it’s crucial to understand the different types of Instagram posts, as each type may require a slightly different approach for citation. Instagram has six primary types of posts:

1. Photo posts: Single photos or carousels (multiple photos scrollable within one publication).
2. Video posts: Regular videos (previously referred to as IGTV) and Instagram Reels (short videos).
3. Instagram Stories: Short-format vertical videos or images that disappear from the user’s profile after 24 hours.
4. Instagram Highlights: Instagram Stories saved by the user and viewable via a dedicated hyperlink.
5. Live videos: Live streams that can be published as regular videos in the user’s feed after streaming.
6. Instagram Guides: A blog-like feature allowing users to create curated content flows with their comments.

Read More: Add Your Business Location to Instagram

Citing an Instagram Post in APA Style

Citing Photo and Video Posts in APA

To cite an Instagram photo or video post in APA style, include the following elements:

1. Author: Last name and initials of the author or the full artistic name.
2. Instagram screen name: Provide the Instagram screen name in square brackets (e.g., [@ladygaga] or [@webcomic_name]).
3. Date of posting: Year, month, and day in brackets followed by a full stop (e.g., (2019, June 13)).
4. Content of the caption: Do not italicize. If the caption does not contain words, provide a short description in square brackets.
5. Format: Indicate the format, such as [Photograph] or [Video].
6. URL: Provide the full URL of the web page, including the protocol (http:// or https://).

Example:

Lady Gaga [@ladygaga]. (2019, July 16). To the launch of #HAUSLABORATORIES. Cheers to a wonderful day 1 🥂 [Photograph]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz9q87wlxGl/

Citing Instagram Stories and Highlights in APA

Citing Instagram Stories and Highlights in APA style requires the same elements as photo and video posts. However, since Stories and Highlights are not dated, use “n.d.” (no date) in the reference. Additionally, include a retrieval date as the content may change over time.

Example:

APA Style [@officialapastyle]. (n.d.). FAQs [Instagram highlight]. Retrieved December 10, 2018, from https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE3OTc2ODkwNTk5MTc5MTY1/

Citing an Instagram Post in MLA Style

Citing Photo and Video Posts in MLA

To cite an Instagram photo or video post in MLA style, include the following elements:

1. Author: Last name, first name, or full artistic name, followed by the Instagram screen name in square brackets.
2. Description: Provide the description of the post, using quotation marks. If there is no description, create a simple description without italics or quotation marks.
3. Instagram: The word “Instagram” in italics.
4. Date of posting: Day, month, and year, followed by a comma.
5. URL: Provide the full URL of the web page, including the protocol (http:// or https://).

Example:

Norris, Alex [@webcomic_name]. “…..#webcomicname.” Instagram, 26 June 2019, https://www.instagram.com/p/BzLoUCWHZse/.

Citing Instagram Stories, Highlights, and Profile Pages in MLA

Citing Instagram Stories, Highlights, and Profile Pages in MLA style follows a similar format to photo and video posts. However, since these types of posts are not dated, use “n.d.” (no date) in the reference. Also, include a title for the specific page, such as “Posts,” “Tagged,” “Followers,” or “Following.”

Example:

Swift, Taylor [@taylorswift]. “Tagged.” Instagram, n.d., https://www.instagram.com/taylorswift/tagged/.

Citing an Instagram Post in Chicago Style

Citing Photo and Video Posts in Chicago

To cite an Instagram photo or video post in Chicago style, include the following elements:

1. Author: Last name, first name, or full artistic name, followed by the Instagram screen name in parentheses.
2. Description: Describe the post, using quotation marks. If there is no description, create a simple description without italics or quotation marks.
3. Instagram: The word “Instagram.”
4. Date of posting: Month, day, and year, followed by a comma.
5. URL: Provide the full URL of the web page, including the protocol (http:// or https://).

Example:

Norris, Alex (@webcomic_name). “…..#webcomicname.” Instagram, June 26, 2019. https://www.instagram.com/p/BzLoUCWHZse/.

Citing Instagram Stories, Highlights, and Profile Pages in Chicago

Citing Instagram Stories, Highlights, and Profile Pages in Chicago style follows a similar format to photo and video posts. However, include a title for the specific page, such as “Posts,” “Tagged,” “Followers,” or “Following.”

Example:

Swift, Taylor (@taylorswift). “Tagged.” Instagram, n.d., https://www.instagram.com/taylorswift/tagged/.

Conclusion

Citing an Instagram post may seem challenging, but understanding the different types of posts and following the guidelines for each citation style can help you create accurate and consistent references. When in doubt, consult your university or journal’s citation guidelines, or seek assistance from a librarian or academic writing expert.