How to Cite an X (Twitter) Post in Harvard (Cite Them Right)
Learn how to cite tweets and posts on X (formerly Twitter) in Harvard format (Cite Them Right). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
Harvard Reference List Format
Here is the standard Harvard format for citing an X post in your reference list:
Author/@username (Year) Full text of the post [X]. Day Month. Available at: https://x.com/username/status/xxxxx (Accessed: Day Month Year).
Harvard Example for an X (Twitter) Post
A complete Harvard reference for an X post, formatted by the official Harvard CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
Petrov, I. (2024) “New preprint out today - reference accuracy in LLM output.,” X. Available at: https://x.com/ipetrov/status/1234567890.
Matching in-text citation: (Petrov, 2024)
Harvard In-Text Citation
Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:
Parenthetical
(@username, 2024)
Narrative
@username (2024) explains...
Key Harvard Formatting Rules
- Use the author's name or handle as the author and give the year of the post.
- Reproduce the full text of the post and add the [X] descriptor.
- Add 'Available at:' followed by the direct URL of the post.
- Include an '(Accessed: Day Month Year)' date at the end.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your X post.
- Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the Harvard (Cite Them Right) 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 reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
- Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match Harvard requirements.
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