How to cite an Instagram post in MLA

MLA Instagram post citation

To cite an Instagram post in a reference entry in MLA style 9th edition include the following elements:

  1. Author or username: Give the name of the author or user name.
  2. First words of Instagram post: Add the first sentence or the most important words to describe the post.
  3. 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.)
  4. 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:

Author or username. "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

Norris, Alex. ".....#webcomicname." Instagram, 26 June 2019, instagram.com/p/BzLoUCWHZse/.

The Instagram post of a celebrity

Lady Gaga. "To the launch of #HAUSLABORATORIES. Cheers to a wonderful day 1." Instagram, 16 July 2019, instagram.com/p/Bz9q87wlxGl/.

Automatic citations in seconds

Alternative to