How to Cite LinkedIn in MLA 9 Format

What MLA 9 expects when you cite LinkedIn

LinkedIn content can function like several different source types in MLA 9, depending on what you are using. Most often, you will cite either:

• A LinkedIn post (a short work, similar to a social media post).
• A LinkedIn profile page (a web page that can change over time).
• A LinkedIn article or newsletter post (a longer web article hosted on LinkedIn).

MLA 9 is built around a simple idea, give readers enough information to find the source and understand what it is. LinkedIn citations should clearly show who posted the content, what the content is called, where it appears, when it was posted (if available), and how to access it.

Because LinkedIn pages can change, MLA also values details that help a reader locate the exact material you used.

Core elements you will usually use for LinkedIn

MLA 9 citations are assembled from “core elements” in a consistent order. For LinkedIn sources, you will most often use these elements:

1. Author (person or organization responsible for the content)
2. Title of source (the post text as a title, the profile name, or the article title)
3. Title of container (LinkedIn)
4. Publication date (if available)
5. Location (URL)

You may also include an access date if the content is likely to change, if there is no date, or if your instructor requests it.

Author rules for LinkedIn, using your requirements

Your rules focus on names, which is important because LinkedIn often shows names in multiple ways, including initials, shortened names, or handles. In MLA, the author is the first element, so it controls alphabetizing and it signals credibility.

Full first names, not initials

• Use full first names when you can determine them from the post, profile, or linked page.
• Avoid initials like “J. K.” if the full name is visible.

Why this matters: initials can make it hard to identify the author, especially on a platform where many people share the same last name. Full names improve clarity and help readers locate the correct account.

First author is inverted

• The first author must be inverted: Last, First Middle.

Why this matters: MLA Works Cited entries are alphabetized by the first element, often the author’s last name. Inversion ensures consistent sorting.

Two authors use “and,” second author is not inverted

• Format: Last, First Middle and First Middle Last.

Why this matters: MLA uses “and” for readability and consistency across source types. Not inverting the second name prevents awkwardness and matches MLA’s standard pattern.

Three or more authors, use “et al.” after the first author only

• Format: Last, First Middle, et al.

Why this matters: LinkedIn posts can involve multiple contributors, especially for company accounts or collaborative announcements. “Et al.” keeps the citation readable while still crediting the lead author.

No author, start with the title

• If no author is listed, start with the title of the source.
• Do not use “Anonymous” or “n.d.”
• For alphabetizing, ignore “A,” “An,” “The,” but keep them in the citation itself.

Why this matters: MLA treats the title as the identifying element when authorship is unclear. This avoids guessing, and it keeps citations consistent.

How to format the “title of source” for LinkedIn

LinkedIn content does not always have a neat title, so MLA formatting depends on what you are citing.

LinkedIn post (short work)

• Treat the post as a short work, put it in quotation marks.
• If the post has no formal title, use the first sentence or a clear opening phrase as a title.
• End the quoted title with a period inside the quotation marks.

Practical tip: choose enough words to uniquely identify the post, usually the first 8 to 15 words. Do not copy the entire post into the title.

LinkedIn profile page

• A profile is usually treated like a web page. You can use the profile name as the title, often in italics if you treat it as a standalone page, or in quotation marks if you treat it as a page within a larger site. Many MLA instructors accept either approach, but consistency matters.
• A clear, common approach is to italicize the profile name as the page title.

Practical tip: if the profile has a tagline like “Marketing Manager at X,” do not treat that as the title. Use the person’s name.

LinkedIn article (longer work)

• Use the article’s headline in quotation marks, like a standard web article.

The container is usually LinkedIn

For most LinkedIn citations, the container is:

• LinkedIn

Why this matters: the container tells readers where the content lives. Even if the URL is copied elsewhere, the container helps identify the platform.

Dates and access dates

Publication date

• Use the date shown on the post or article when available.
• MLA typically uses day month year, for example: 5 Oct. 2024.
• If LinkedIn only shows month and year, use what is available.

Access date

Consider adding an access date when:

• The post has no date.
• The content is likely to change (profiles, edited posts).
• Your instructor or department expects it.

Format: Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

Common pitfall: using the access date as a substitute for a missing publication date without labeling it. In MLA, access dates should be clearly marked with “Accessed.”

Example 1, Citing a LinkedIn post by one author

Works Cited entry (correct formatting)

Nguyen, Alicia Marie. “Thrilled to share our team’s new community partnership launching this fall.” LinkedIn, 18 Sept. 2024, https://www.linkedin.com/posts/alicia-marie-nguyen_thrilled-to-share-activity-1234567890123456789/.

Why it is formatted this way

• Author: “Nguyen, Alicia Marie.” The first author is inverted, and the first name is fully spelled out.
• Title of source: The post is a short work, so it is in quotation marks. The title is taken from the opening words of the post.
• Container: LinkedIn identifies the platform.
• Date: The posting date helps readers locate the post and understand when it appeared.
• URL: MLA 9 allows URLs. Use the stable link to the post when possible.

Practical tips

• Use the post’s direct URL (often found by clicking the timestamp or “Copy link to post”), not a general profile URL.
• Keep the quoted post title brief. If you quote too much, the citation becomes cluttered.

Example 2, Citing a LinkedIn post with two authors

LinkedIn posts sometimes appear under an organization page with multiple credited authors, or a collaborative post may clearly identify two authors. If two authors are explicitly credited, format the names using your rule.

Works Cited entry (correct formatting)

Martinez, Sofia Elena and Daniel Thomas Reed. “We are excited to announce our joint research internship program for 2025.” LinkedIn, 7 Jan. 2025, https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sofia-elena-martinez_joint-research-internship-activity-2345678901234567890/.

Why it is formatted this way

• First author inverted: “Martinez, Sofia Elena.”
• Second author not inverted: “Daniel Thomas Reed.”
• “and” between names: MLA uses “and,” not an ampersand.
• The rest follows the standard LinkedIn post pattern.

Common pitfall

• Incorrect: “Martinez, Sofia Elena, and Reed, Daniel Thomas.” This wrongly inverts the second author.
• Incorrect: using “&” instead of “and.”

Example 3, Citing a LinkedIn profile with no author listed

Sometimes you use a LinkedIn profile as evidence of a person’s role, credentials, or employment history. If the page does not clearly present an author in a way that makes sense for MLA, you can start with the title.

Works Cited entry (correct formatting)

“Jordan Alexis Carter.” LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-alexis-carter/. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

Why it is formatted this way

• No author: The citation starts with the title of the page, which is the profile name.
• Container: LinkedIn.
• No publication date: Profiles often do not provide a clear publication date. Instead of inventing one, you include an access date.
• Access date: Helps readers understand when you viewed the profile, since it may change.

Practical tip

If the profile clearly indicates the account holder and you want to treat that person as the author, you can also cite it with the person as author. The key is consistency and clarity. If you do use an author, remember the first author must be inverted, for example: Carter, Jordan Alexis.

In-text citations for LinkedIn (brief and practical)

In MLA, in-text citations usually use the author’s last name.

• One author post: (Nguyen)
• Two authors: (Martinez and Reed)
• No author: use a shortened title in quotation marks: (“Jordan Alexis Carter”)

If you mention the author in your sentence, you often do not need to repeat it in parentheses.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Using initials when the full first name is available.
• Inverting the second author in a two-author citation.
• Listing all authors for three or more authors instead of using et al.
• Citing the LinkedIn handle as the author when the real name is visible. MLA generally prefers the real name.
• Using a generic LinkedIn URL that does not lead to the specific post.
• Forgetting quotation marks around a post title, since posts are short works.

Quick checklist before you finalize a LinkedIn citation

• Did you use the author’s full first name?
• Did you invert the first author only?
• If there are two authors, did you use and, and keep the second author in normal order?
• If there are three or more authors, did you use et al. after the first author only?
• Did you format the title correctly, quotation marks for posts and articles?
• Did you include LinkedIn as the container and provide a working URL?
• Did you add an access date when the page is undated or likely to change?

If you tell me which LinkedIn item you are citing, a post, a profile, or an article, and you paste the URL and the visible author name, I can format the exact MLA 9 Works Cited entry using your name rules.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Common Errors for Linkedin Citations

Validation Checklist

Special Cases

Why LinkedIn citations have so many special cases

LinkedIn is not one single “source type.” It contains short posts, long-form articles, profiles, company pages, job ads, newsletters, and comment threads. MLA 9 works best when you identify what you are citing, then build a citation from MLA’s core elements, author, title, container, publisher, date, and URL.

LinkedIn also creates edge cases because content is easy to edit, repost, and personalize. A post can be updated without notice. A profile can change daily. A company page can display a brand name instead of a person. These features affect what you treat as the “author,” what you use as the “title,” and whether you should include an access date.

Your name rules matter here because LinkedIn often displays abbreviated names or only a first name. For your guide, you are prioritizing full first names for clarity and identity. That means you should expand initials when you can verify the person’s full name from the profile itself.

Decide what you are citing first

1) A LinkedIn post (a short update in the feed)

Treat it like a short web work. The post text often functions as the title, but it may be long. MLA allows you to use a shortened version as the title in quotation marks.

Key edge case: posts sometimes have no formal title. In that case, use a descriptive title based on the first words of the post, shortened, in quotation marks.

2) A LinkedIn article or newsletter post (long-form writing)

These have clear titles. Treat the article title as the “Title of source.” LinkedIn is the container.

Key edge case: newsletters can have both a newsletter title and an individual post title. Cite the post title as the source title, then give the newsletter title and LinkedIn as containers if needed. If that feels too complex, prioritize the individual post and use LinkedIn as the container, since that is where your reader will retrieve it.

3) A LinkedIn profile or company page

A profile is not a typical authored “work,” it is a page about a person. In MLA, you can still cite it as a web page. The author is usually the person or organization the page represents.

Key edge case: profiles change frequently. Use an access date when content is likely to change, which is almost always true for profiles and job listings.

4) A comment, repost, or shared post

A comment is its own small text. A repost can include the reposter’s text plus the original post.

Key edge case: if you are quoting the reposter’s added text, cite the reposter’s post. If you are quoting the original content, cite the original author’s post even if you found it through a repost.

Author name edge cases on LinkedIn

Personal names that appear as initials

LinkedIn sometimes shows “J. Smith” or a display name. Under your rules, use the person’s full first name, not an initial, but only if you can confirm it from the profile page. If you cannot confirm, do not guess. In that case, treat it as the name as shown on the page, even if it is incomplete, because accuracy beats completeness.

Practical tip: click the author name and check the profile header. If the full first name appears there, use it.

Organizations as authors

Company pages, university pages, and nonprofit pages often post content. In MLA, the organization can be the author.

Common pitfall: listing a staff member who appears in the post image or in the “About” section as the author. If the post is clearly from the organization account, the organization is the author.

Multiple authors

LinkedIn posts are usually single-author, but some LinkedIn articles show multiple authors or “co-authored” content.

Apply your rules exactly:
- Two authors: first author inverted, second author in normal order, joined by “and.”
- Three or more authors: first author inverted, then “et al.”

Title and “no title” situations

Posts without titles

Most posts do not have a headline. MLA allows you to create a title from the opening words. Keep it short, and end with an ellipsis only if your style guide permits it. If you want to avoid ellipses for simplicity, you can shorten without marking it, but be consistent.

Common pitfall: using “LinkedIn post” as the title. That is too vague. Your reader needs identifying words to locate the post.

Hashtags, emojis, and link-only posts

If a post is mostly hashtags or a shared link with no meaningful text, use a descriptive title such as “Post sharing [topic] link” in quotation marks. Keep it neutral and factual.

No author shown

Sometimes you view a post preview off-platform or see a screenshot without an author. If you truly cannot identify the author from the page you used, start with the title.

Do not use “Anonymous” or “n.d.” under your rules. If the date is missing, omit it.

Dates, edits, and access dates

When to include an access date

MLA 9 says access dates are optional, but they are useful when content is likely to change or disappear. LinkedIn content often changes or becomes unavailable due to privacy settings, deleted posts, or edited profiles. Access dates are strongly recommended for:
- Profiles and resumes
- Job postings
- Company pages that update frequently
- Posts you suspect may be edited or removed
- Anything you accessed while logged in, since visibility can vary

“Edited” or updated posts

LinkedIn sometimes shows “Edited” without giving a clear edit date. MLA does not require you to track edit history. Use the posted date shown. If no date is shown, omit it and include an access date.

URLs and privacy barriers

Clean URLs

Use the direct URL to the post, article, or profile. If the URL is extremely long with tracking parameters, you can shorten it to the stable portion, as long as it still works.

Common pitfall: citing the URL from your browser after copying from a tracking redirect, which can break later.

Content behind login

If your reader may not be able to access the content, you can still cite it, but make your citation as precise as possible. Adding an access date helps. If the post is private or only visible to connections, consider whether you should also describe it in your text so the reader understands what it is.

2 to 3 formatted examples with explanations

Example 1, Citing a LinkedIn post with no formal title (single author)

Works Cited entry

Chen, Melissa. “Hiring managers, if you want better candidates, post the salary range.” LinkedIn, 18 Sept. 2024, https://www.linkedin.com/posts/melissa-chen_hiring-managers-if-you-want-better-candidates-activity-7240000000000000000-ABcd/. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

Why this formatting works
- Author: The name is inverted for the first author, Chen, Melissa. Your rule about full first names is met because “Melissa” is written out.
- Title: The post has no headline, so the opening words of the post become the title in quotation marks. This helps a reader identify the post quickly.
- Container: LinkedIn is italicized as the website container.
- Date: The date shown on the post is used.
- URL: A direct post link is included.
- Access date: Added because posts can be edited, deleted, or hidden by privacy settings.

Practical tip
Copy the post’s direct link using the post menu, often labeled “Copy link to post,” rather than copying from a feed view that may add extra parameters.

Example 2, Citing a LinkedIn article with two authors (apply your two-author rule)

Works Cited entry

Patel, Rina, and Jordan Alvarez. “Building an Ethical AI Review Process in Small Teams.” LinkedIn, 6 May 2023, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/building-ethical-ai-review-process-small-teams-patel-alvarez/.

Why this formatting works
- Two authors: The first author is inverted, Patel, Rina. The second author is not inverted, Jordan Alvarez, and the names are joined by “and,” matching your rules.
- Title: Articles have clear titles, so you cite the title as written, in quotation marks.
- Container and date: LinkedIn and the publication date help locate the article.
- No access date: Optional here. Many guides omit access dates for stable articles, but you can include one if the content is likely to change or if you accessed it while logged in.

Common pitfall
Do not invert the second author. Writing “Alvarez, Jordan” would violate your rule and MLA’s standard two-author pattern.

Example 3, Citing a LinkedIn profile (page about a person, content changes often)

Works Cited entry

Robinson, Taylor Morgan. LinkedIn Profile. LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-morgan-robinson/. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

Why this formatting works
- Author: The person is treated as the author because the page is about them and maintained by them. The first name is written in full, Taylor Morgan, and the first author is inverted.
- Title: Since profiles do not have a standard “article title,” a clear descriptive title, LinkedIn Profile, identifies the source. Italics are appropriate because this is effectively the title of a stand-alone page you are naming.
- No date: Profiles often do not provide a clear publication date. Under MLA, you omit the date rather than invent one.
- Access date: Essential because profile content changes frequently.

Practical tip
If you are using the profile for a specific claim, such as a job title or credential, consider quoting or paraphrasing that detail in your writing, since the profile may change after you viewed it.

Why these rules matter

• Full first names reduce confusion. LinkedIn has many users with the same last name and similar initials. Full first names help your reader find the correct person and respect the author’s identity.
• Inverting the first author supports alphabetizing. Works Cited entries are sorted by the first element, usually the author’s last name. Inversion makes that consistent across your list.
• Consistent handling of multiple authors improves readability. Using “and” for two authors and “et al.” for three or more authors prevents clutter while still giving proper credit.
• Clear titles help retrieval. Because posts often lack formal titles, using the opening words or a descriptive title is the difference between a usable citation and a dead end.
• Access dates protect you against change. LinkedIn content can be edited, removed, or hidden. An access date shows when you saw it and supports transparency.

Common pitfalls to warn readers about

• Guessing a full first name when LinkedIn only shows an initial. Verify on the profile, or keep the name as displayed.
• Citing the reposter when you are actually using the original author’s words. Cite the source you are quoting.
• Using a vague title like “LinkedIn post.” Use identifying words from the post or a neutral description.
• Forgetting access dates for profiles, job ads, and frequently updated pages.
• Copying a broken URL from a mobile app share sheet or a tracking redirect. Prefer the “Copy link” option and test the link.

Quick practical checklist for LinkedIn sources

• Identify the content type, post, article, profile, company page, comment.
• Confirm the author name and expand initials only when verified.
• Create a usable title if none exists.
• Use LinkedIn as the container.
• Include the date if shown, otherwise omit it.
• Use a stable URL.
• Add an access date for anything likely to change or disappear, especially profiles and posts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a LinkedIn profile in MLA 9?

To cite a LinkedIn profile in MLA 9, treat it like a web page. Start with the person or organization as the author, then put the profile name in quotation marks. List the website name as LinkedIn in italics, include the URL, and add an access date because profiles can change. Example template: Last Name, First Name. “Profile Name.” LinkedIn, URL. Accessed Day Month Year. Use the profile name exactly as it appears, which is often the person’s name followed by a short descriptor. In your paper, a parenthetical citation usually uses the author name, for example (Nguyen). Practical scenario: if you refer to someone’s current job title from their profile, include an access date to show when you viewed it. For MLA guidance on web sources, see the MLA Style Center: https://style.mla.org/works-cited-a-quick-guide/ .

How do I cite a LinkedIn post (someone’s update) in MLA format?

Cite a LinkedIn post as a social media post. Begin with the author’s name, then include the text of the post in quotation marks. If the post is long, use the first sentence or a short, identifying phrase. Then list LinkedIn in italics, the date and time of posting (if available), the URL, and an access date. Template: Last Name, First Name. “Text of Post.” LinkedIn, Day Month Year, Time, URL. Accessed Day Month Year. Practical scenario: if you quote a recruiter’s post about hiring timelines, use the exact wording in your quotation, and cite it with a parenthetical citation like (Last Name). If the author name is not clear, use the account name as shown. For more on formatting social media in MLA, see: https://style.mla.org/citing-social-media/ .

How do I cite a LinkedIn article (published on LinkedIn) in MLA 9?

A LinkedIn article is usually treated like an online article hosted on a website. Start with the author, then the article title in quotation marks. List LinkedIn in italics as the container, include the publication date shown on the article, then add the URL and an access date. Template: Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” LinkedIn, Day Month Year, URL. Accessed Day Month Year. Practical scenario: if you use a LinkedIn article as background for an industry trend, cite the article itself, not the author’s profile page. If the article lists a company page as the author, use the organization name in the author position. If no date is provided, omit it and include an access date. For general MLA web page rules, consult: https://style.mla.org/works-cited-a-quick-guide/ .

What if I cannot find a date on a LinkedIn page or post, do I still cite it in MLA?

Yes, you can still cite LinkedIn content in MLA 9 when a date is missing. MLA allows you to omit elements you cannot find, as long as the citation still leads readers to the source. If there is no publication date, leave it out and include an access date, since LinkedIn pages and posts can be edited, deleted, or updated. Practical scenario: you cite a company’s LinkedIn “About” section for a mission statement, but the page has no visible date. Your Works Cited entry can include the author (company), the page title or description in quotation marks, LinkedIn in italics, the URL, and “Accessed” with the date you viewed it. For missing information guidance, see MLA Style Center’s general advice on Works Cited entries: https://style.mla.org/works-cited-a-quick-guide/ .

How do I cite a LinkedIn company page or organization profile in MLA?

Cite a LinkedIn company page as a web page authored by an organization. Put the company name in the author position. Use the page title in quotation marks, often the organization name plus “LinkedIn,” or the exact title shown in the browser tab if it is clear and accurate. Then list LinkedIn in italics, the URL, and an access date. Template: Organization Name. “Title of Page.” LinkedIn, URL. Accessed Day Month Year. Practical scenario: if you reference a company’s headquarters location or stated specialties from its LinkedIn page, include an access date because those details can change. In text, your parenthetical citation typically uses the organization name, for example (Organization Name). For MLA rules on corporate authors and web sources, see: https://style.mla.org/author/ and https://style.mla.org/works-cited-a-quick-guide/ .

How do I do in-text citations for LinkedIn sources in MLA, and what if there are no page numbers?

In MLA, in-text citations usually use the author’s last name, plus a page number when available. LinkedIn sources rarely have page numbers, so you typically cite only the author or account name in parentheses, for example (Patel). If the author is an organization, use the organization name, for example (World Health Organization). Practical scenario: you paraphrase a LinkedIn post about internship application deadlines. You would cite the author name at the end of the sentence, and your Works Cited entry provides the full URL. If you cite multiple LinkedIn items by the same author, distinguish them in the Works Cited with different titles, and in text you can add a shortened title if needed. For MLA in-text citation guidance, see: https://style.mla.org/in-text-citations/ .

Last Updated: 2026-01-01
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