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How to Cite an Instagram Post: A Definitive Guide

Alright, let’s cut through the noise. Citing an Instagram post might seem trivial, but in the academic and professional worlds, proper attribution is everything. So, how do you cite an Instagram post? The short answer: You follow a specific citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) and adapt its guidelines to the unique elements of an Instagram post. This includes the author’s name (username), the post’s caption (or a description if no caption exists), the date of posting, and the URL. However, the specifics really matter. Let’s dive into the details and nuances, because believe me, there are some.

Understanding Citation Styles and Instagram

Different citation styles have varying rules, and Instagram presents unique challenges. There’s no DOI or ISBN, for instance. Therefore, you’ll need to be resourceful and adapt the existing guidelines. Let’s examine some popular styles:

APA Style

APA (American Psychological Association) style focuses on the author, date, and then the work. For an Instagram post, this typically translates to:

Author, A. A. [@Username]. (Year, Month Day). Content of the post [Instagram post]. Retrieved from URL
- Author, A. A.: This is the real name of the account holder, if available. If not, use the username.
- [@Username]: Include the Instagram handle in square brackets.
- (Year, Month Day): The date the post was published.
- Content of the post: This is the caption. If the caption is very long, you can shorten it, but ensure you capture the essence of the post. If there is no caption, provide a brief description of the image or video (e.g., “[Photograph of a sunset]”). Italicize the entire caption or description.
- [Instagram post]: This clarifies the source type.
- Retrieved from URL: The direct link to the Instagram post.
Example: Smith, J. [@JohnSmithFitness]. (2023, October 26). Just crushed a new personal best on my deadlift! Feeling stronger than ever! #fitness #gymlife [Instagram post]. Retrieved from [https://www.instagram.com/p/EXAMPLEPOSTID/]

MLA Style

MLA (Modern Language Association) emphasizes the author and the work. For an Instagram post:

Author, A. A. “[Content of the Post].” Instagram, Day Month Year, URL.
- Author, A. A.: Again, use the real name if available, otherwise the username.
- “[Content of the Post].”: The complete caption enclosed in quotation marks. If the caption is extremely long, you can shorten it using ellipses (…) to indicate omitted text.
- Instagram: Italicize the platform name.
- Day Month Year: The date of publication in day-month-year format.
- URL: The direct link.
Example: Smith, John. “Just crushed a new personal best on my deadlift! Feeling stronger than ever! #fitness #gymlife” Instagram, 26 Oct. 2023, [https://www.instagram.com/p/EXAMPLEPOSTID/].

Chicago Style

Chicago style has two main forms: Notes and Bibliography and Author-Date.

Notes and Bibliography:

Note:
- 1. Author First Name Last Name, “Content of the Post,” Instagram, Day Month Year, URL.
Bibliography:
- Author Last Name, First Name. “Content of the Post.” Instagram, Day Month Year. URL.

Author-Date:

Author Last Name, First Name [@Username]. Year. “Content of the Post.” Instagram, Day Month Year. URL.

Example (Author-Date): Smith, John [@JohnSmithFitness]. 2023. “Just crushed a new personal best on my deadlift! Feeling stronger than ever! #fitness #gymlife.” Instagram, October 26, 2023. [https://www.instagram.com/p/EXAMPLEPOSTID/].

Key Considerations

Archiving: Instagram posts can disappear. Consider archiving the post using a service like the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine and cite the archived version.
Username vs. Real Name: Always try to find the real name of the author. If it’s unavailable, the username is your best bet.
Captions: Treat the caption like the title of a work. Be accurate in transcribing it (or summarizing it if it’s excessively long).
Access Dates: Some styles (like older versions of MLA) may require an access date. Include it if the style guide mandates it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What if the Instagram post has no caption?

If there’s no caption, provide a brief, descriptive title in square brackets. For example, “[Photograph of a vibrant sunset over the ocean]” or “[Video of a cat playing with a laser pointer]”.

2. How do I cite an Instagram Story?

Officially, citing an Instagram story is tricky because they disappear after 24 hours. However, if the Story is saved as a Highlight, you can cite it similarly to a regular post, but indicate it’s a Highlight. If it isn’t a highlight, acknowledge the information in your text and state that the content was only available for 24 hours on Instagram Stories on [Date].

3. What if the Instagram account is private?

If the account is private and you can’t access the post without being a follower, you generally shouldn’t cite it, as it’s not publicly accessible. You need explicit permission to share content from private accounts. If you have permission and the information is crucial, mention in your citation that access was granted by the account holder on a specific date.

4. Do I need to include hashtags in the citation?

Yes, if they are integral to the meaning of the caption or if they provide important context. Include them as they appear in the original post.

5. How do I cite multiple Instagram posts from the same account?

Cite each post individually. If you have multiple posts from the same account in the same year in APA style, you’ll need to add a letter (a, b, c, etc.) after the year to differentiate them.

6. What if the author has changed their username since the post was published?

Use the username that was active at the time of the post. You can add a note in your citation like “(currently @NewUsername)” if you feel it’s necessary for clarity.

7. How important is it to get the capitalization correct in the citation?

Very important! Follow the capitalization rules of the citation style you’re using. For captions, reproduce the capitalization from the original post as accurately as possible.

8. Should I include the number of likes or comments on the post?

Generally, no. Likes and comments are not essential for identifying the source and are subject to change.

9. How do I cite an Instagram Reel?

Cite it the same way you would cite a regular Instagram post, but specify “[Instagram Reel]” instead of “[Instagram post]” to denote the video format.

10. What if the URL is very long and contains tracking parameters?

You can use a URL shortener (like bit.ly or tinyurl.com) to create a shorter, more manageable URL. However, be sure to check with your instructor or publisher to see if they allow shortened URLs.

11. How do I cite an Instagram comment?

Citing a comment requires a similar approach. Treat the commenter as the author, the comment as the “title,” and include the date of the comment and the URL of the original post where the comment appears.

12. What if the Instagram post includes a link to an external website? Should I cite the Instagram post or the external website?

If the information you are using is primarily from the external website, cite the external website directly. If the information is primarily from the Instagram post’s caption or the visual content, cite the Instagram post, even if it includes a link. If you’re drawing information from both, you may need to cite both sources.

By understanding these nuances and applying them diligently, you can ensure accurate and professional citation of Instagram posts in your work. Remember, clarity, accuracy, and consistency are the cornerstones of proper citation. Good luck!