How to Cite Social Media in APA Style
Citing Social Media in APA 7th Edition
To cite social media in APA, list the author's name, their handle in brackets, the specific date, the first 20 words of the post as the title, the site name, and the URL. This guide covers the formatting rules for X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to ensure your references are accurate and professional.
Step 1: Identify the Author and Handle
Start your citation with the author's real name, if available, followed by their social media handle in brackets. If the author is an individual, use the format: Lastname, F. M. [@handle]. If only the handle is known, start the entry with the handle without brackets. For organizations or companies, use the full name as it appears on the profile. Always retain the original capitalization of the handle to ensure the account remains searchable for your reader.
Step 2: Provide the Specific Date
Social media content is ephemeral and frequently updated, so APA requires a specific date. Place the date in parentheses immediately following the author information. Use the format (Year, Month Day). If the post does not have a date, use (n.d.) for 'no date.' However, most social media platforms provide a timestamp that you can convert into this standard format. Do not use the date you accessed the post; use the date the content was originally published.
Step 3: Format the Content Title and Type
For the title of the post, use the first 20 words of the caption or post text. Italicize this text. If the post includes emojis, try to replicate them if possible, or describe them in brackets if they are essential to the meaning. After the title, include a description of the medium in square brackets, such as [Post], [Video], [Tweet], or [Status update]. This helps the reader understand what kind of content they are looking for before they click the link.
Step 4: Include the Platform and URL
Identify the name of the social media site (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, X) after the bracketed description. End the citation with the direct URL to the post. Do not put a period after the URL, as this can interfere with the link's functionality. Ensure the URL is a 'permalink' (the specific address for that individual post) rather than the general profile page of the user.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Omitting the handle: Even if you have the author's real name, you must include the @handle in brackets to help researchers find the exact account.
- Using the wrong date: Never use the date you viewed the post. Always use the original publication date found on the post's timestamp.
- Generic URLs: Do not link to the platform's homepage (e.g., twitter.com). You must provide the direct link to the specific post cited.
- Incorrect italics: Only the title (the first 20 words) should be italicized. Do not italicize the platform name or the author's name.
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