how to cite an instagram page mla

2 min read 15-01-2025

Instagram has become a significant platform for sharing information, images, and videos. As such, it's increasingly common to need to cite Instagram posts in academic papers. This guide explains how to correctly cite an Instagram post using the MLA (Modern Language Association) format. Knowing how to cite an Instagram post correctly is crucial for avoiding plagiarism and giving credit where it's due.

Understanding MLA Citation Basics

Before diving into Instagram citations, it's helpful to understand some basic MLA principles. MLA style prioritizes brevity and clarity. Citations usually include the author's name, the work's title, and publication information. For online sources, the URL is essential.

Citing an Instagram Post: The Essentials

The key information you need to cite an Instagram post includes:

Author's Name: This is the username of the Instagram account that posted the content. If the account is a business or organization, use the account name.
Post Title/Caption: If the post has a clear title or caption, include this in your citation. Otherwise, you can use a descriptive title in quotation marks.
Date of Access: The date you accessed the post is important, as Instagram content can be modified or deleted.
URL: The direct link to the Instagram post.

MLA Citation Format for Instagram Posts

Here's the general format for citing an Instagram post in MLA:

Author's Username. "Post Title/Caption." Instagram, Date of Posting, URL. Accessed Date.

Example:

Let's say you're citing a post from the National Geographic Instagram account (@natgeo). The post has a caption, "Amazing wildlife photography from the Serengeti." You accessed it on October 26, 2023. The URL is: https://www.instagram.com/p/yourpostid/ (Replace yourpostid with the actual post ID).

The MLA citation would look like this:

natgeo. "Amazing wildlife photography from the Serengeti." Instagram, 20 October 2023, https://www.instagram.com/p/yourpostid/. Accessed 26 October 2023.

Important Considerations:

Missing Information: If some information (like a caption) is missing, omit that element from the citation. However, always include the username, date of access, and URL.
Multiple Authors/Accounts: If multiple accounts collaborated on a post, list all usernames, separated by commas.
Image-Only Posts: If a post is primarily an image without a caption, use a descriptive title in quotation marks within the citation. For example: "Serengeti Lion Pride".
Re-posted Content: If citing a post that's been re-posted, cite the original poster if possible. If the original poster is unknown, cite the account that you accessed the post from.
Instagram Stories: Instagram Stories are ephemeral by nature. While they can be cited if you have a screen capture, it is better to use a more stable source if possible.

Works Cited Page Entry

Your Instagram citations should be included in your "Works Cited" page, alphabetized by the first element of the citation (usually the username). The entire "Works Cited" page should follow standard MLA formatting guidelines.

Using In-Text Citations for Instagram Posts

When referring to an Instagram post within your paper's text, use a parenthetical citation that includes the username. For example:

(natgeo)

This concise citation directs the reader to the full citation on your Works Cited page.

Staying Updated with MLA Style

The MLA handbook is updated periodically. It's crucial to consult the most current edition for the most accurate and up-to-date citation guidelines. You can find the latest information on the official MLA website.

By following these guidelines, you can accurately and effectively cite Instagram posts in your MLA-formatted papers, ensuring proper attribution and academic integrity. Remember to always double-check your citations for accuracy and consistency.