How to Cite an Instagram Post (MLA): A Definitive Guide

Citing sources rigorously is the bedrock of academic integrity. In today’s digital landscape, Instagram, with its vast ocean of visual and textual information, has become a valuable resource for research. To properly cite an Instagram post in MLA format, you need to include the following elements, if available, in this order: Author (Username). “Post Content (Up to 20 words).” Instagram, Date of Post, URL. Accessed Date. Let’s dissect this structure and explore its nuances in detail.

Unpacking the MLA Citation for Instagram

The key to a flawless MLA citation lies in understanding each component and its role. Let’s delve deeper:

1. Author (Username)

Start with the author’s username. This is the name displayed at the top of the post and should be presented exactly as it appears on Instagram. If the actual name of the individual or organization is known and differs from the username, you can include it before the username in parentheses, like this: (Jane Doe) @janedoephotography. Prioritize clarity and accuracy.

2. Post Content (“Up to 20 Words”)

The next crucial element is a brief description of the post’s content. This isn’t a literal transcription; rather, it’s a concise summary, ideally capturing the essence of the image, video, or accompanying text. MLA recommends using the first 20 words of the caption. If the caption is shorter than 20 words, include the entire caption. Enclose the description in double quotation marks. For image-centric posts with minimal text, describe the image as objectively as possible (e.g., “Close-up of a blooming rose”).

3. Instagram

The platform itself, Instagram, should be italicized as it represents the container of the source material. Think of it like citing a chapter within a book; Instagram is the book in this analogy.

4. Date of Post

Include the date the post was published in the format: Day Month Year (e.g., 15 Aug. 2024). Be precise; accuracy matters.

5. URL

Provide the direct URL to the Instagram post. This ensures easy access for your readers. You can obtain the URL by clicking the three dots in the top-right corner of the post and selecting “Copy Link.”

6. Accessed Date

Finally, conclude with the date you accessed the post, formatted as Day Month Year (e.g., 16 Aug. 2024). This is crucial because online content can change or disappear. Including the access date provides a snapshot of the information as it existed when you used it.

Example Citation

Here’s a complete example:

@natgeo. “A majestic lion rests in the shade of an acacia tree during the midday sun. Filmed…” Instagram, 14 Aug. 2024, www.instagram.com/p/randomstringofcharacters/. Accessed 16 Aug. 2024.

FAQs: Mastering Instagram Citations in MLA

Let’s tackle some common questions to further solidify your understanding.

1. What if the Instagram post has no caption?

If the post lacks a caption, create a brief, descriptive summary of the image or video, enclosed in double quotation marks (e.g., “Black and white photograph of a bustling city street”). Be objective and concise.

2. How do I cite an Instagram Story?

Instagram Stories are ephemeral and disappear after 24 hours, making formal citation difficult. If the Story is crucial and publicly archived (e.g., as a Highlight), cite it similarly to a regular post, noting in your Works Cited entry that it’s a Story and, if applicable, a Highlight. If it’s not archived, you can mention it parenthetically within your text (e.g., “According to an Instagram Story posted on August 15, 2024”).

3. What if the author is an organization?

Use the official organization’s username. For example, cite a post from Nike using “@nike.” If the organization has a registered name that differs, include it as you would for an individual: (Nike) @nike.

4. How do I handle hashtags in the post description?

Include hashtags if they’re integral to the post’s meaning. However, omit hashtags that are purely decorative or serve no contextual purpose. Treat them as part of the initial 20-word description.

5. What if the post is a video? Should I specify that?

No, specifying the media type (video or image) isn’t generally required in the citation itself. The descriptive summary should inherently convey whether it’s an image or video.

6. Do I need to include the number of likes or comments?

No, the number of likes or comments is generally not included in an MLA citation. Focus on the author, content, platform, date, and URL.

7. What if the Instagram post is no longer available when my reader tries to access it?

This is a common issue with online sources. While you can’t control content removal, your accessed date documents when you viewed the information. You can also consider archiving the post using a service like the Wayback Machine for future reference.

8. How do I cite multiple Instagram posts from the same author?

Create separate entries for each post, even if they are from the same author. MLA emphasizes the uniqueness of each source.

9. What if the username includes special characters or emojis?

Transcribe the username exactly as it appears, including any special characters or emojis. Accuracy is paramount. If technical limitations prevent you from reproducing a specific character, you can describe it parenthetically (e.g., @user[heart emoji]).

10. Where does the citation go in my paper?

The complete citation goes in your Works Cited page at the end of your paper. Within the body of your paper, you’ll use parenthetical citations (also known as in-text citations) to refer to the source.

11. How do I create an in-text citation for an Instagram post?

The in-text citation typically includes the author’s username and, if necessary for clarity, a shortened version of the post description. For example: (@natgeo) or (@natgeo, “majestic lion rests”).

12. Is citing Instagram posts considered a reliable source for academic research?

The reliability of an Instagram post as a source depends on the author’s credibility and the nature of the information. While Instagram can be a valuable source for certain types of research (e.g., studying visual culture, analyzing social media trends), it’s crucial to critically evaluate the content and consider alternative, more established sources whenever possible. Always prioritize sources with demonstrable expertise and a commitment to accuracy.

By adhering to these guidelines and addressing these common questions, you can confidently and accurately cite Instagram posts in your academic work, maintaining both the integrity and credibility of your research. Remember, diligent citation is not merely a formality, but a cornerstone of scholarly communication.