How to Cite a LinkedIn Post in APA Format (7th Edition)
Complete guide to citing LinkedIn posts in APA 7. Covers individual posts, articles, and company page content.
📋 Quick Reference
Tip: Copy this template and replace with your source details.
🔍 Try It Out
Paste a linkedin citation citation to check your formatting
Understanding LinkedIn Citation Format in APA 7th Edition
Citing sources correctly is a fundamental skill in academic writing. The American Psychological Association (APA) style provides clear guidelines for formatting citations, including those from professional networking sites like LinkedIn. This guide will explain how to cite LinkedIn profiles in APA 7th edition format.
General Rules for Author Formatting
In APA style, the way you format an author's name is crucial for maintaining consistency and ensuring that your reference list is organized alphabetically. Here are key points to remember:
-
Single Author: The author's last name is followed by a comma and then their first and middle initials, which should be separated by periods but not spaces. For example, if the author's name is Jane Marie Smith, it should be formatted as Smith, J.M.
-
Two Authors: When citing a work with two authors, both names should be inverted and separated by an ampersand (&). For example, for authors John Doe and Mary Johnson, format it as Doe, J. & Johnson, M.
-
Multiple Authors: If there are 21 or more authors, list the first 19 authors, insert an ellipsis (...), and then include the final author's name. This keeps citations concise while still giving credit to key contributors.
Including Author Titles and Suffixes
When citing authors, it is important to include any titles, suffixes, or credentials. For instance, if an author is named John Doe Jr., you would format it as Doe, J., Jr. However, academic and professional degrees (like Ph.D. or M.D.) are generally omitted unless specifically needed for clarity.
Citing LinkedIn Profiles
When it comes to citing a LinkedIn profile, the format is similar to that of other online sources. Here’s how to do it.
Format
The general format for a LinkedIn profile citation is as follows:
Author's Last Name, Initials. (Year, Month Day). Title of the profile. LinkedIn. URL
Example Citations
- Single Author LinkedIn Profile
Suppose you want to cite a profile for an individual named Emily Rose, who updated her profile on July 15, 2023. The citation would look like this:
Rose, E. (2023, July 15). Profile of Emily Rose. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyrose
Explanation: In this example, "Rose" is the last name, "E." is the initial for the first name, and the date follows the author's name. The title is simply "Profile of Emily Rose," which clearly indicates whose profile is being cited. The URL should be a live hyperlink in digital documents, making it easily accessible.
- Two Authors LinkedIn Profiles
If both John Doe and Jane Smith have profiles you want to cite, you would format it like this:
Doe, J. & Smith, J. (2023, August 10). Profiles of John Doe and Jane Smith. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndoe https://www.linkedin.com/in/janesmith
Explanation: Since there are two authors, both names are inverted and separated by an ampersand. The date follows the author names, and the title indicates that both profiles are discussed. Each URL should be a live hyperlink, directing readers to the respective profiles.
Importance of Following APA Rules
Adhering to APA style rules is not merely a matter of preference; it serves several important purposes:
-
Consistency: Using a uniform format across citations helps readers locate sources more easily. This is particularly important in academic settings where many works may be referenced.
-
Credibility: Proper citations lend credibility to your work. They demonstrate that you have engaged with relevant sources and acknowledge the contributions of others.
-
Avoiding Plagiarism: Correctly attributing sources helps prevent plagiarism. By clearly indicating where your information comes from, you respect the intellectual property of the original authors.
Practical Tips and Common Pitfalls
-
Check Dates: Ensure that the date you include for a LinkedIn profile corresponds with the last update or relevant information provided on the profile.
-
Profile Titles: If a profile has a specific title or headline, consider including it in the citation for clarity.
-
Hyperlinking: When preparing a document, make sure the URLs are functional hyperlinks. This will enhance the user experience for readers accessing your work digitally.
-
Consistency in Formatting: Always follow the same format for similar sources. If you choose to include a title for one profile, do so for all others cited in the same document.
Conclusion
Citing LinkedIn profiles in APA 7th edition format may seem straightforward, but attention to detail is important. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your citations are accurate, consistent, and useful to your readers. Proper citation practices not only enhance the quality of your work but also uphold the standards of academic integrity.
Step-by-Step Instructions
What You Need
- A LinkedIn profile or page of the author you want to cite
- Access to a computer or mobile device with internet connectivity
- Basic knowledge of APA format
- A word processing application (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs) for drafting your citation
Step-by-Step Instructions to Create a LinkedIn Citation in APA Format
1. Find the Author's LinkedIn Profile
Action: Navigate to LinkedIn and search for the individual whose profile you want to cite.
Verification: Ensure you have located the correct profile by confirming the author’s name and any relevant credentials or professional details displayed.
Estimated Time: 2-5 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: Use specific keywords related to the person’s profession or organization to narrow down the search results quickly.
2. Gather Key Information
Action: Once you are on the author's LinkedIn profile, take note of the following details:
- Full name
- Professional title
- Organization (if applicable)
- URL of the LinkedIn profile
Verification: Double-check that the information you have collected is accurate and complete.
Estimated Time: 3-5 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: Use a note-taking app or document to quickly jot down the information as you find it.
3. Format the Author's Name
Action: Apply APA format to the author's name. For a single author, write the last name followed by a comma and the initials of the first and middle names.
Example: If the author’s name is "John Michael Doe," it should be formatted as "Doe, J.M."
Verification: Confirm that the name is correctly inverted and that initials are properly formatted with periods and no spaces.
Estimated Time: 2 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: Use a template to format names, which can save time when citing multiple authors.
4. Create the Citation Structure
Action: Construct the citation using the following structure:
Author's Last name, Initials. (Year). Title of the page. Site Name. URL
Example: If John Doe's LinkedIn page has no specific title, you can use "LinkedIn Profile" as a placeholder.
Verification: Ensure that each component matches the APA format, including punctuation and spacing.
Estimated Time: 3-5 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: Keep an APA guide handy or use online citation tools for reference.
5. Insert the Year of Access
Action: In APA format, include the year you accessed the LinkedIn profile. Place it in parentheses right after the author's name.
Example: "Doe, J.M. (2023). LinkedIn Profile. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndoe"
Verification: Check that the year is correctly noted and matches the current year.
Estimated Time: 1 minute.
Tip for Efficiency: Create a shortcut in your word processor for frequently accessed profiles to save time in the future.
6. Add the URL
Action: Copy the complete URL of the LinkedIn profile and insert it at the end of your citation. Ensure that it begins with "http://" or "https://".
Verification: Click on the URL to confirm it directs to the correct LinkedIn profile.
Estimated Time: 2 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: Keep the URL in a text document for quick access when creating multiple citations.
7. Review Your Citation
Action: Go through your citation to ensure it adheres to APA formatting rules. Check for proper punctuation, spacing, and order of information.
Verification: Compare your citation to an APA citation guide to confirm accuracy.
Estimated Time: 3-5 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: Use a checklist to ensure you cover all aspects of the citation format.
8. Final Adjustments and Save
Action: Make any necessary adjustments based on your review, and save your document or citation list.
Verification: Ensure the document is saved in a location where you can easily access it later.
Estimated Time: 2 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: Create a dedicated folder for all your citations to keep them organized and easily retrievable.
By following these detailed steps, you can effectively create a LinkedIn citation in APA format. Remember, practice makes perfect, so the more citations you create, the more comfortable you will become with the process.
Common Errors for Linkedin 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
✨ Ready to Check Your Full Reference List?
Validate your entire bibliography at once with our citation checker
Validation Checklist
Before submitting your Linkedin 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
Understanding Special Cases and Edge Cases in LinkedIn Citations for APA 7th Edition
Citing sources correctly is crucial in academic writing. The APA 7th edition provides specific guidelines for different types of sources, including social media platforms like LinkedIn. This guide will explain special cases and edge cases when creating LinkedIn citations in APA format. We will also provide examples and tips to help you avoid common pitfalls.
General Format for LinkedIn Citations
Before diving into special cases, it is essential to understand the general format for citing a LinkedIn profile in APA 7th edition. The basic structure of a LinkedIn citation includes the following elements:
- Author: The name of the individual whose profile you are citing
- Date: The year of the profile's last update
- Title: The title of the profile or the description of the individual
- Website Name: LinkedIn
- URL: The direct link to the profile
The format looks like this:
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of profile. LinkedIn. URL
Special Cases
Multiple Authors
When citing a LinkedIn profile that represents multiple authors or contributors, such as a company page or a group profile, follow these guidelines:
- Two Authors: List both authors using the inverted format, separated by an ampersand.
Example:
Smith, J. D., & Doe, A. B. (2022). Marketing experts. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketing-experts
-
Three to Twenty Authors: Use the same format as for two authors, listing each author in inverted format and separated by an ampersand.
-
More than Twenty Authors: List the first 19 authors, followed by an ellipsis, and then the final author.
Example:
Smith, J. D., Doe, A. B., Johnson, C. D., Lee, E. F., Martin, G. H., ..., White, Z. Y. (2023). Team of experts. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/team-of-experts
Edge Cases
No Date Available
In some instances, a LinkedIn profile may not have a clear date of last update. In this case, you should use "n.d." (no date) in place of the year.
Example:
Smith, J. D. (n.d.). Freelance graphic designer. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/freelance-graphic-designer
Author with Suffix
When citing an author who has a suffix, such as Jr. or III, include the suffix in the reference. Follow the initials with a comma before the suffix.
Example:
Johnson, R. T., Jr. (2021). Software engineer. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/software-engineer
Practical Tips for Citing LinkedIn Profiles
-
Check for Updates: Always ensure you are citing the most recent information available on the profile. LinkedIn profiles are often updated, and using outdated information can lead to inaccuracies.
-
Use the Correct Format: Pay close attention to the format rules, especially when it comes to author names, dates, and the use of ampersands versus 'and'.
-
Avoid Personal Information: While citing LinkedIn, focus on professional details and avoid including personal anecdotes or irrelevant information.
Common Pitfalls
-
Forgetting the Ampersand: One of the most common mistakes is forgetting to use an ampersand between two authors. This can lead to confusion about the number of contributors.
-
Incorrect URL Formatting: Ensure that the URL is presented without any additional punctuation at the end. This can affect the functionality of the link.
-
Omitting the Date: Failing to include the date can make your citation less credible. Always confirm that you have the date, or use "n.d." when necessary.
Conclusion
Citing LinkedIn profiles in APA format requires attention to detail and an understanding of specific guidelines, especially regarding special and edge cases. By following these rules, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent. Remember to use the correct format for authors, dates, and URLs. With practice, you can avoid common pitfalls and create effective citations that enhance the credibility of your academic work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cite a LinkedIn profile in APA format?
To cite a LinkedIn profile in APA format, you should include the author's name, the year of the profile update, the title of the profile as 'LinkedIn profile,' the website name, and the URL. The format looks like this: Lastname, First initial. (Year). Title of profile: LinkedIn profile. Website name. URL. For example: Smith, J. (2023). John Smith: LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsmith. Make sure to double-check the profile for the latest update date, as this is essential for accuracy. For more detailed guidelines on citing online profiles, you can refer to the APA Style website at https://apastyle.apa.org.
What if the LinkedIn profile does not have a specific publication date?
If the LinkedIn profile does not have a specific publication date, you can use 'n.d.' for 'no date' in your citation. The format would change slightly to: Lastname, First initial. (n.d.). Title of profile: LinkedIn profile. Website name. URL. For example: Brown, A. (n.d.). Alice Brown: LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicebrown. It is important to clearly indicate that there is no publication date available. Always ensure you have permission to cite the profile, as not all LinkedIn profiles are public. More information can be found at https://apastyle.apa.org.
Can I cite a LinkedIn post in my paper?
Yes, you can cite a LinkedIn post in APA format. To do so, you will need the author's name, the date of the post, the content of the post (up to 20 words), and the URL. The format is as follows: Lastname, First initial. (Year, Month Day). Content of the post [LinkedIn post]. URL. For example: Johnson, L. (2023, January 15). Excited to share my latest project! [LinkedIn post]. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:123456789. Remember to include the specific date of the post and ensure that the post is publicly accessible. For more details on citing social media, visit https://apastyle.apa.org.
Is it appropriate to cite a LinkedIn profile for academic research?
Citing a LinkedIn profile for academic research can be appropriate, depending on the context. If the profile provides significant insights into a professional's expertise or contributions relevant to your research topic, it can be a valuable source. However, ensure that the profile includes verifiable information and is publicly accessible. It is also important to cross-reference the information with other reputable sources to maintain academic integrity. If you are using the profile to support claims about a person's professional background, be transparent about the citation. For guidance on evaluating sources, check out https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/using_research/evaluating_sources.html.
What if I want to reference a LinkedIn group or event?
When citing a LinkedIn group or event in APA format, the citation will differ slightly from a profile. For a LinkedIn group, you would use: Name of group. (Year). Title of group [LinkedIn group]. URL. For example: Marketing Professionals. (2023). Marketing Professionals [LinkedIn group]. https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1234567. For an event, the format is: Organizer. (Year, Month Day). Title of event [LinkedIn event]. URL. For example: Smith, J. (2023, May 10). Annual Marketing Conference [LinkedIn event]. https://www.linkedin.com/events/1234567. Always ensure that the group or event is publicly accessible and provide accurate URLs for your references. More information can be found at https://apastyle.apa.org.
How do I handle a LinkedIn profile that has multiple authors?
When citing a LinkedIn profile with multiple authors, list all authors in the citation. Use an ampersand (&) before the last author's name. The format should look like this: Lastname, First initial., Lastname, First initial., & Lastname, First initial. (Year). Title of profile: LinkedIn profile. Website name. URL. For example: Taylor, R., Johnson, L., & Brown, A. (2023). Team Marketing: LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/team-marketing. If there are more than 20 authors, list the first 19, then add an ellipsis (...) and the last author's name. This ensures clarity and accuracy in your citation. For further details, refer to the APA Style guidelines at https://apastyle.apa.org.
Last Updated: 2025-10-26
Reading Time: 10 minutes
Quick Check Your Citation
Validate APA formatting instantly