How to Cite an Instagram Post in APA Format (7th Edition)
Complete guide to citing Instagram posts in APA 7. Covers photos, videos, stories, and IGTV content.
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Understanding Instagram Citations in APA Format
Citing social media platforms like Instagram is essential for academic writing, especially in fields that study digital communication, marketing, or social sciences. The APA 7th edition provides specific guidelines on how to format these citations correctly. This guide will break down the necessary components and offer practical examples for citing Instagram posts, ensuring you maintain academic integrity in your work.
Basic Structure of an Instagram Citation
When citing an Instagram post, the APA format typically includes the following elements:
- Author's Name: The person or entity who posted the content.
- Date of Post: The full date when the post was made.
- Content of the Post: The first 20 words of the post (if it is not a video).
- Platform: Indicate that the source is from Instagram.
- URL: Provide a direct link to the post.
The general format looks like this:
Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Content of the post [Instagram post]. Instagram. URL
Formatting the Author's Name
The author's name should be formatted according to APA guidelines. If the author is a single individual, you should write their last name first, followed by their initials. For example, if the author’s name is John Doe, it should appear as:
Doe, J.
If the post is from an organization or a business, use the full name of the organization without inversion. For example:
National Geographic.
Including the Date
The date of the post should be formatted as follows: Year, Month Day. This format provides clarity and consistency. For example, if the post was made on April 7, 2023, it should appear as:
(2023, April 7)
Citing the Content
The content of the post should include the first 20 words of the text. This gives readers a sense of the post's context without overwhelming them with information. If the post is an image or video without text, you can skip this part and simply note that it is an Instagram post.
Indicating the Source
After the content, you should specify that it is an Instagram post in brackets. This clarifies the type of source you are referencing.
Providing the URL
Finally, include the URL of the specific Instagram post. Ensure that it is a live hyperlink, which allows readers to click directly to the post. The URL should not be preceded by "Retrieved from," and you should avoid placing a period at the end of it, unless it is part of the link.
Example Citations
Let’s look at a couple of examples to clarify the formatting:
Example 1: Individual Author
Smith, J. (2023, March 15). Excited to share my latest artwork! [Instagram post]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/xyz123
In this example, "Smith" is the last name of the author, "J" is their initial, and we see the complete date of the post. The content provides a brief glimpse into the post, and the URL directs to the specific Instagram post.
Example 2: Organization as Author
World Wildlife Fund. (2023, February 22). Protecting our planet is a team effort. Join us [Instagram post]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/abc456
Here, the organization "World Wildlife Fund" is used as the author. The date and content are formatted according to APA guidelines, followed by the URL.
Why These Rules Matter
Adhering to APA citation rules is crucial for several reasons. Proper citations lend credibility to your work, allowing readers to verify sources and further explore the subject matter. Consistency in formatting also enhances the professionalism of your writing. Additionally, following these guidelines helps avoid plagiarism, a serious academic offense.
Practical Tips and Common Pitfalls
- Always Check for Updates: APA guidelines can change, so make sure you are referring to the most current edition.
- Be Mindful of Privacy: When citing social media, ensure that the content is public. Do not cite private posts or accounts without permission.
- Avoid Overloading Information: Stick to the first 20 words of the post. Including too much text can detract from the citation's purpose.
- Use Direct Links: Always test your URLs to ensure they direct to the correct post. Broken links can frustrate readers and undermine your credibility.
Conclusion
Citing Instagram posts in APA format is a straightforward process when you understand the essential components. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can create clear and accurate citations that enhance your academic writing. Remember to pay attention to detail, as proper citation is a mark of scholarly integrity.
Step-by-Step Instructions
What You Need
To create an Instagram citation in APA 7th edition, you will need the following items:
- Access to the Instagram post you want to cite.
- The author's name (username) of the Instagram account.
- The date of the post.
- The content or description of the post.
- The URL of the post.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Identify the Author
Action: Find the author of the Instagram post. This is usually the person or organization that created the content.
Verification: Make sure you have the author's username or full name as it appears on Instagram.
Time Estimate: 1 minute.
Tip for Efficiency: If the author is a well-known figure or organization, you might already know their username.
2. Note the Date of the Post
Action: Record the exact date the post was made. You can find it under the post, usually displayed in a format like "March 10, 2023."
Verification: Confirm the date by checking the post details directly on Instagram.
Time Estimate: 1 minute.
Tip for Efficiency: If you are citing multiple posts, keep a document open to note the dates for all posts at once.
3. Gather the Content Description
Action: Write a brief description of the post content. This could be a summary or the text included in the post.
Verification: Ensure your description captures the essence of the post without copying it verbatim.
Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: Use bullet points or short phrases to jot down key points quickly.
4. Collect the URL
Action: Copy the URL link of the Instagram post. You can do this by clicking on the three dots on the top right corner of the post and selecting "Copy Link."
Verification: Paste the URL into a web browser to ensure it directs to the correct post.
Time Estimate: 1 minute.
Tip for Efficiency: If you are citing multiple posts, copy all URLs in one go.
5. Format the Citation
Action: Begin formatting your citation according to APA 7th edition rules. Start with the author's name in inverted format, followed by the date in parentheses, the description in italics, and the URL.
- Example format:
Lastname, F.M. (Year, Month Day). Description of the post. https://www.instagram.com/postlink
Verification: Check that your citation follows the APA format precisely, ensuring the necessary punctuation and italics are used correctly.
Time Estimate: 3-5 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: Use a template to avoid reformatting for each citation.
6. Include Additional Information if Necessary
Action: If the author has a title (e.g., Dr., Professor), include it after the last name and initials. If they have a suffix (e.g., Jr., Sr.), place it after the initials.
Verification: Confirm that the additional information follows the citation format without disrupting the clarity.
Time Estimate: 1 minute.
Tip for Efficiency: Only include titles and suffixes if they are relevant and known.
7. Compile Your Reference List
Action: Add your completed citation to your reference list. Ensure it is organized alphabetically by the author's last name.
Verification: Double-check your reference list for correct formatting and alphabetical order.
Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: If you are compiling multiple citations, keep them in a separate document for easy access.
8. Review Your Citations
Action: Go through each citation to ensure that it adheres to APA guidelines. Check for any missing information, formatting errors, and make sure URLs are active.
Verification: Consider using an online citation checker or APA manual for final verification.
Time Estimate: 5 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: It may be helpful to have a peer review your citations for additional accuracy.
Following these steps will help you create accurate and properly formatted citations for Instagram posts in accordance with APA 7th edition guidelines. With practice, this process will become quicker and more intuitive.
Common Errors for Instagram Citation Citations
Students focus on sentence case rules but forget that proper nouns are always capitalized regardless of case rules
How to Avoid It:- Identify all proper nouns in the title including names of people
- Ensure names of places, organizations, and institutions are capitalized
- Capitalize specific geographic names and locations mentioned
- Maintain capitalization of brand names and historical events referenced
Students forget that subtitles are treated as separate sentences for capitalization purposes
How to Avoid It:- Locate all colons in the title that separate main title from subtitle
- Capitalize the first word immediately following each colon without exception
- Apply sentence case or title case rules to remaining subtitle words appropriately
- Ensure subtitle capitalization matches the type of title case being used
Students don't know when acronyms should be in all capitals versus following sentence case rules
How to Avoid It:- Identify well-known acronyms like CDC, NASA, APA, FBI that are widely recognized
- Keep these acronyms in all capitals regardless of sentence case rules
- For lesser-known acronyms, follow standard usage or title case rules
- Check if acronym is commonly written in all caps in professional contexts
Students partially apply rules but are inconsistent, mixing sentence and title case
How to Avoid It:- Choose correct case type for the source type first
- Apply rules consistently throughout the entire title without exception
- Double-check all words against the chosen case rules
- Review title for consistent application of capitalization throughout
Students focus on sentence case rules but forget the basic rule to always capitalize the first word
How to Avoid It:- Always capitalize the first word of any title without exception
- This applies regardless of sentence case or title case formatting used
- Check the very first character of the title for proper capitalization
- Ensure first word is capitalized even if it's a minor word type
Students extend italics beyond appropriate boundaries or apply them inconsistently
How to Avoid It:- Review italics boundaries carefully in citation formatting
- Italicize only titles and volume numbers in reference lists
- Keep all other elements like publisher location in plain text
- Ensure italics start and stop at appropriate points
Students omit periods after initials, especially when multiple initials are present
How to Avoid It:- Add period after each initial in author name formatting
- Ensure all initials have periods following them consistently
- Check that no initials are missing periods in reference lists
- Verify spacing between initials with periods is correct
Students space initials like regular words, not realizing they should be compact
How to Avoid It:- Remove spaces between initials in author name formatting
- Keep initials together without spacing between them
- Maintain periods after each initial without extra spacing
- Check that initials appear as M.K. not M. K. in citations
Students focus on the year in parentheses but forget the period after closing parenthesis
How to Avoid It:- Add period after closing parenthesis of year in citations
- Ensure year is in parentheses followed by period consistently
- Check that year information is complete with proper period
- Verify spacing between year period and title is correct
Students focus on internal punctuation but forget the citation must end with a period
How to Avoid It:- Add period at the very end of the citation reference
- Ensure citation ends with proper punctuation consistently
- Check that no citation is missing final period in reference list
- Verify that final period is not preceded by extra spacing
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Validation Checklist
Before submitting your Instagram Citation citation, verify:
- In APA 7th edition, single authors are formatted with last name followed by a comma and first and middle initials. The initials should be separated by periods but not spaces. This format applies to all reference types including journal articles, books, and webpages. The author's name should be inverted (last name first) in the reference list only. This rule ensures consistency across all citation formats and makes alphabetical ordering more efficient in reference lists.
- For works with two authors, both names should be inverted (last name first) and separated by an ampersand (&) rather than the word 'and'. Each author's name follows the single author format (Last name, initials). The ampersand should be preceded by a comma. This format is used in both reference lists and parenthetical citations, but narrative citations use 'and' instead of '&'. This rule distinguishes APA from other citation styles and maintains consistency across multi-author works.
- For works with 21 or more authors, list the first 19 authors, insert an ellipsis (...), then list the final author. The ellipsis replaces authors 20 through the second-to-last author. All listed authors follow the standard inverted format. This rule prevents extremely long citation lists while still providing key attribution information. The ellipsis should not be italicized or bracketed. This change from APA 6th edition's 7+ author rule provides more comprehensive author listing.
- Author titles, suffixes, and credentials (like Jr., Sr., II, III, Ph.D., M.D.) should be included in the reference list. Suffixes like Jr., Sr., II, and III follow the initials, separated by commas. Academic and professional credentials are generally omitted from reference list entries but may be included in special circumstances. Titles like Dr., Professor, or military ranks are not included in reference list citations. This rule provides complete identification when needed while avoiding unnecessary credential inflation.
- When including URLs for websites, online documents, or other sources without DOIs, present them as live hyperlinks without any special formatting or punctuation. APA 7 removes the 'Retrieved from' prefix that was required in APA 6 for most URLs. URLs should be presented in their simplest form, beginning with http:// or https://, and should be hyperlinks in digital documents. Do not add a period at the end of a URL unless it is part of the original URL. This simplification makes citations cleaner while maintaining functionality for digital access to sources.
- When a URL or DOI leads to a broken or inactive link, APA 7 provides several options for handling the citation. If the source is available through an archive like the Internet Archive, include the archived URL. If the source cannot be located, include as much information as possible and note that the resource is no longer available. For journal articles with broken DOIs, include the DOI but add a note indicating it's inactive. The principle is to provide enough information for readers to locate the source if possible, while acknowledging access limitations. This represents more detailed guidance than APA 6 provided for handling broken links.
Special Cases
Introduction to Citing Instagram in APA Style
Citing social media sources, such as Instagram, in APA format can present unique challenges. While the APA 7th edition provides clear guidelines for academic citations, Instagram posts can vary significantly in content, authorship, and context. This guide will explore special cases and edge cases when citing Instagram posts, ensuring that you can format your references correctly.
Basic Format for Citing Instagram Posts
The general format for citing an Instagram post in APA style is as follows:
Format:
Author's Last Name, Initials. (Year, Month Day). Content of the post [Instagram post]. Instagram. URL
Example:
Smith, J. (2023, January 15). Exploring the beauty of nature during winter [Instagram post]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/XYZ123
This format includes the author's name, the date of the post, a brief description of content, the platform, and the URL. It is essential to follow this structure for clarity and consistency.
Special Cases in Instagram Citations
Multiple Authors
When citing an Instagram post created by more than one author, it is important to follow the rules for multiple authors in APA style.
Example with Two Authors:
Smith, J., & Doe, A. (2023, January 15). A day at the beach [Instagram post]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/XYZ123
In this example, both authors are listed with their last names first, followed by their initials. The ampersand is used to connect the two authors, and the entire citation is formatted according to APA guidelines.
Group Authors
In some cases, a post may be attributed to a group or organization rather than an individual. The name of the group should be written out in full, without inverting the name.
Example with Group Author:
Wildlife Conservation Society. (2023, January 15). Protecting endangered species [Instagram post]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/XYZ123
This example highlights that the group name is not inverted and is presented in its natural form. Make sure to follow this guideline to ensure proper attribution.
Special Characters and Emojis
Instagram posts often include emojis or special characters. When citing these posts, it is vital to accurately reflect the content. Emojis can be described in the citation if necessary but should not be included in the reference itself.
Example with Emoji:
Johnson, R. (2023, January 15). Celebrating the holidays with family 🎉 [Instagram post]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/XYZ123
In this example, the emoji is mentioned in the content description but does not affect the citation format. Be sure to maintain the integrity of the post's content while following APA guidelines.
Edge Cases in Instagram Citations
No Author
Sometimes, posts on Instagram may not have a clear author, such as promotional posts or content shared from other accounts. In such cases, use the name of the account as the author.
Example with No Clearly Identified Author:
National Geographic. (2023, January 15). Amazing wildlife shot [Instagram post]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/XYZ123
Here, National Geographic is treated as the author, and the citation follows the standard format. It is important to attribute the source correctly, even if it does not belong to an individual.
Usernames and Display Names
When citing an Instagram post, you may encounter instances where the author's display name differs from their username. In APA citations, use the author's real name or the name they are most commonly known by.
Example with Display Name:
Doe, J. (@john_doe). (2023, January 15). Morning coffee ritual [Instagram post]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/XYZ123
In this example, the author's real name is used followed by their Instagram username in parentheses. This approach ensures clarity and helps your readers find the original source.
Why These Rules Matter
Following APA citation rules is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it lends credibility to your work by demonstrating that you have engaged with relevant sources. Secondly, it allows readers to locate the original sources easily. Finally, adhering to these rules fosters consistency and professionalism in academic writing.
Practical Tips and Common Pitfalls
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Check Spelling and Dates: Always double-check the spelling of names and the accuracy of dates. A small error can lead to confusion or misattribution.
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Use Hyperlinks: Ensure that URLs are presented as live hyperlinks in digital documents. This allows readers to access the content directly.
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Avoid Overcomplicating: Keep your descriptions concise. A simple summary of the content is usually sufficient. Avoid excessive detail, which can clutter your citation.
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Be Mindful of Accessibility: If a post's content is crucial to your argument, provide a brief summary or context in your text. This helps readers understand the relevance of the citation.
Conclusion
Citing Instagram posts in APA format requires attention to detail and an understanding of the specific cases that can arise. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and professional. Whether you are dealing with multiple authors, group authors, or unique content features, maintaining consistency and clarity will enhance the quality of your academic writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cite an Instagram post in APA format?
To cite an Instagram post in APA format, you need to include the author's real name followed by their Instagram handle in brackets. Then, provide the date of the post, the first 20 words of the caption as the title, and the URL of the post. For example: Doe, J. [@janedoe]. (2023, January 1). Caption of the post [Instagram post]. Instagram. URL. Make sure to adjust the citation based on whether the account is personal or professional. For more detailed guidance, refer to the APA Style website or the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.
What if the Instagram account is private? How do I cite it?
If the Instagram account is private and the content is not accessible to the public, you should still cite it, but you must note that the account is private. You can do this by indicating 'Private account' in your citation. For example: Doe, J. [@janedoe]. (2023, January 1). Caption of the post [Instagram post, Private account]. Instagram. URL. However, because the content is not viewable by the public, consider whether the information is essential for your work. Refer to the APA guidelines for more information on citing private social media accounts.
How do I format the citation for an Instagram story?
Citing an Instagram story in APA format requires a similar approach to citing a regular post, but there are some differences. Instagram stories are ephemeral, meaning they disappear after 24 hours. If you wish to cite a story, include the author's real name, Instagram handle, and the date of the story. You can describe the content briefly in the title section. For instance: Doe, J. [@janedoe]. (2023, January 1). Description of the story [Instagram story]. Instagram. URL. Note that it is crucial to ensure the story is still accessible or has been saved as a highlight for it to be cited effectively. For further details, visit the APA Style website.
Can I cite an Instagram post as a secondary source?
Yes, you can cite an Instagram post as a secondary source if it references primary source material. In this case, you would cite both the Instagram post and the original source. Begin with the Instagram post citation, followed by 'as cited in' and then the original source. For example: Doe, J. [@janedoe]. (2023, January 1). Caption of the post [Instagram post]. Instagram. URL. As cited in Smith, A. (2022). Title of the original source. Publisher. Make sure to provide a complete citation for both sources in your reference list. For more information, check the APA guidelines on secondary sources.
What if I cannot find the author's real name for an Instagram post?
If you cannot find the author's real name for an Instagram post, you can use the Instagram handle as the author's name. Place the handle in the author position, followed by the date and the caption. For example: @janedoe. (2023, January 1). Caption of the post [Instagram post]. Instagram. URL. While it is preferable to use the real name when available, using the handle is acceptable when the real name is not disclosed. Ensure you format the citation correctly to maintain clarity and consistency. For guidance on this matter, refer to the APA Style Manual.
How do I list multiple Instagram posts from the same account in my references?
When citing multiple Instagram posts from the same account, list each post separately in your reference list. Each citation should include the author's real name and Instagram handle, the date of the specific post, the caption, and the URL. Arrange them in chronological order, starting with the earliest date. For example: Doe, J. [@janedoe]. (2023, January 1). Caption of the first post [Instagram post]. Instagram. URL. Doe, J. [@janedoe]. (2023, January 5). Caption of the second post [Instagram post]. Instagram. URL. This method ensures that each post is properly credited and can be easily located by readers. For more details, consult the APA Style guide.
Last Updated: 2025-10-26
Reading Time: 10 minutes
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