How to Cite a Social Media Post in MLA (9th edition)
Learn how to cite tweets, Instagram posts, Facebook posts, and TikToks in MLA format (9th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
MLA Works Cited Format
Here is the standard MLA format for citing a social media post in your Works Cited page:
Author or @Username. "Content of post or description." Platform, Day Month Year, URL.
MLA Example for a Social Media Post
A complete MLA reference for a social media post, formatted by the official MLA CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
University Library. “Our new open-access policy takes effect today.” Instagram, 4 Oct. 2024, https://www.example.org/post/12345.
Matching in-text citation: (University Library)
MLA In-Text Citation
Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:
Parenthetical
(@username)
Narrative
@username writes that...
Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your social media post.
- Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the MLA (9th edition) template shown above.
- Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
- Add to your Works Cited: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
- Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match MLA requirements.
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