How to cite an Instagram post in MLA
To cite an Instagram post in a reference entry in MLA style 9th edition include the following elements:
- Author or username: Give the name of the author or user name.
- First words of Instagram post: Add the first sentence or the most important words to describe the post.
- Date of posting: Give the day, month and year of publication. All months, excluding June and July, are abbreviated as three letters (e.g. 9 Aug. 2019.)
- URL: Copy URL in full from your browser, include http:// or https:// and do not list URLs created by shortening services.
Here is the basic format for a reference list entry of an Instagram post in MLA style 9th edition:
. "First words of Instagram post." Instagram, Date of posting, URL.
Take a look at our works cited examples that demonstrate the MLA style guidelines in action:
Examples
The Instagram post of an illustrator
. ".....#webcomicname." Instagram, 26 June 2019, instagram.com/p/BzLoUCWHZse/.
The Instagram post of a celebrity
. "To the launch of #HAUSLABORATORIES. Cheers to a wonderful day 1." Instagram, 16 July 2019, instagram.com/p/Bz9q87wlxGl/.
This citation style guide is based on the MLA Handbook (9th edition).