Mastering the Insta-Citation: A Comprehensive Guide to Citing Instagram Accounts in MLA Style

Citing social media has become as crucial as citing books and journals in academic work. Instagram, with its blend of visual content and textual commentary, presents unique challenges. To cite an Instagram account in MLA style, you’ll generally follow this format: Handle (Instagram handle of the account). “Description of Account.” Instagram, Date of publication, URL. The “Description of Account” refers to the general content the account publishes. You can use information from the “About” section of the Instagram profile. Let’s delve into the specifics and address common questions.

Deciphering the Instagram Citation Code

MLA (Modern Language Association) style emphasizes clarity and consistency in citations. Applying this to dynamic platforms like Instagram requires a nuanced understanding. The key is to provide enough information for your readers to locate the source you used.

The Anatomy of an Instagram Account Citation

Here’s a breakdown of each component of the citation:

• Handle: This is the Instagram username, preceded by the @ symbol. It serves as the primary identifier for the account. For example, @NatGeo.
• Description of Account: Briefly describe the type of content typically posted by the account. This could be “Official Instagram account of National Geographic” or “Personal blog focused on sustainable living.” Use the account’s “About” section for reference.
• Instagram: This indicates the platform where the content is hosted. It’s italicized because it’s the title of a larger container.
• Date of Publication: Because it is an account citation, the date of publication refers to the date that you accessed the Instagram account.
• URL: The direct web address of the Instagram profile. This ensures readers can easily find the account.

Example Citation

Here’s a complete example:

@NatGeo. "Official Instagram account of National Geographic." *Instagram*, 15 Oct. 2024, instagram.com/natgeo/.

This citation tells your readers:

• You’re referencing the Instagram account of National Geographic.
• The account’s purpose is to provide official content from National Geographic.
• You accessed this information on October 15, 2024.
• The account can be found at the provided URL.

FAQs: Instagram Citations Unveiled

Navigating the intricacies of citing Instagram in MLA can be tricky. Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify common concerns:

1. How do I cite a specific Instagram post in MLA?

The format changes significantly. Use this template: Author (Handle). “First few words of the caption.” Instagram, Date of Publication, URL. Remember to cite the specific date of the post, not the date you accessed the account.

• Example: @nasa. "This breathtaking image of the Pillars of Creation..." *Instagram*, 12 July 2022, instagram.com/p/Cf4v6WLuB-Q/.

2. What if the Instagram account doesn’t have a real name, only a handle?

That’s perfectly fine! The handle is the author in this case. Just use the handle as the first element of the citation.

3. Where do I find the URL for an Instagram account?

Simply visit the Instagram profile on a web browser and copy the URL from the address bar.

4. How do I handle accounts with frequent posts? Should I cite every single one?

No, you only need to cite the specific posts you’re referencing. If you are citing the account as a whole, use the account citation described above.

5. What if the post I’m citing has been deleted?

If possible, try to find an archived version using the Wayback Machine or similar services. If that’s not possible, include a note in your citation: “Post deleted.”

6. How should I cite an Instagram Story in MLA?

Citing Instagram Stories is tricky because they disappear after 24 hours. It’s generally best to avoid citing ephemeral content unless it’s absolutely critical to your argument. If you must, attempt to save a screenshot (with permission if needed) and cite it as an image, noting that it was originally an Instagram Story. Mention the date it was posted and the date you accessed it.

7. What if an Instagram account is private?

If you can’t access the account, you can’t cite it directly. You might describe the account based on secondary sources or other publicly available information, but avoid making claims based on content you haven’t personally seen.

8. How do I cite an Instagram Highlight?

Highlights are curated collections of Stories. To cite an Instagram Highlight, you would cite it similarly to citing an Instagram post. Provide the handle, a brief description of the content within the highlight, the date the highlight was created or last updated (if available), and a note indicating it’s a Highlight. “Highlight” after the title of the description.

9. Can I use shortened URLs (like bit.ly) in my citation?

No, MLA prefers the full, original URL whenever possible. This ensures readers can access the source directly without any intermediary steps.

10. What if the Instagram account changes its handle or name?

Use the handle and name that were current at the time you accessed the account. If significant changes have occurred, you might include a brief note explaining the situation.

11. Do I need to include the number of followers an account has?

No, this is generally not necessary for MLA citations. Focus on the account’s content and purpose.

12. How does citing an Instagram account differ from citing other social media platforms like Twitter or Facebook?

While the basic principles are similar, the specific elements might vary. For Twitter, you’d cite tweets, not necessarily the entire account unless the account itself is the subject of your analysis. For Facebook, you’d cite individual posts or pages. Always consult the MLA Handbook or a reliable MLA style guide for platform-specific instructions. In each case, you need to emphasize the author, the specific content, the platform, the publication date, and the URL.