How to cite a Tweet in MLA
To cite a tweet in a reference entry in MLA style 9th edition include the following elements:
- Twitter handle: Give online screen names as presented in the source (e.g. @michelleobama).
- Tweet's entire text: Titles are italicized when independent. If part of a larger source add quotation marks and do not italize.
- Date, time 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 a tweet in MLA style 9th edition:
Twitter handle. "Tweet's entire text." Twitter, Date, time of posting, URL.
Take a look at our works cited examples that demonstrate the MLA style guidelines in action:
Examples
Tweet by an individual user
@BillGates. 2018 National Teacher of the Year @MandyRheaWrites told me about the remarkable resilience of her students. I was inspired by their stories and Mandy’s ability to connect with them: b-gat.es/2WxKkX1 #ThankATeacher. Twitter, 9 May 2019, 6:33 pm, twitter.com/BillGates/status/1126525681788014592.
Tweet by a group
@educationweek. See how each state performed on school spending and equity in our latest #QualityCounts installment. edwk.it/2MVKqat. Twitter, 9 June 2019, 9:33 AM, twitter.com/educationweek/status/1141370050269646854.
This citation style guide is based on the MLA Handbook (9th edition).