How to Cite an X (Twitter) Post in MLA (9th edition)
Learn how to cite tweets and posts on X (formerly Twitter) 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 an X post in your Works Cited page:
@username. "Full text of the post." X, Day Month Year, Time, x.com/username/status/xxxxx.
MLA Example for an X (Twitter) Post
A complete MLA reference for an X post, formatted by the official MLA CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
Petrov, Ivan. “New preprint out today - reference accuracy in LLM output.” X, 2 Mar. 2024, https://x.com/ipetrov/status/1234567890.
Matching in-text citation: (Petrov)
MLA In-Text Citation
Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:
Parenthetical
(@username)
Narrative
In the post, @username writes...
Key MLA Formatting Rules
- Use the account handle as the author (e.g. "@username"); add the real name in parentheses only if it aids identification.
- Quote the full text of the post as the title; reproduce it exactly, including spelling and punctuation.
- Italicize X as the container, then give the day-month-year date and the time of posting.
- End with the URL (omit the https:// scheme).
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 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.
Generate This Citation Automatically
Skip the manual formatting. Paste a DOI, URL, or ISBN into CitationEasy and get a perfectly formatted MLA citation in seconds.
Cite in MLA Now →