How to Cite X: Post and Profile in APA

• Tomas Elliott (Ph.D.)
• Published on 12/18/2023
• Updated on01/13/2024

Learn how to cite X posts (formerly tweets) and X profiles. 

• X Post: Follow APA format by including the author’s name, X handle, date, and a concise post title (first 20 words). Credit X as the site with the complete post URL.
• X Profile: Incorporate the author’s name, X handle, and retrieval date, while specifying the profile type. Given the dynamic nature of profile content, use n.d. (no date). Additionally, include the full profile page URL for a comprehensive and accurate citation.

Handling X Profile Citations: While citing X profiles, be mindful of the changing nature of content. Specify the default tab as posts or mention other tabs used. Include the retrieval date to acknowledge the evolving content on X profiles and provide the full URL for accurate referencing. Navigating Unarchived Live streams: When citing an unarchived livestream on X, which cannot be retrieved elsewhere, treat it as a personal communication. Clearly indicate this in your citations, emphasizing the limitations in archiving. Include relevant details such as the X handle, date, and any available context for a comprehensive and accurate citation. Consider using our APA citation generator to ensure proper formatting and adherence to citation guidelines.

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HOW TO CITE X POST

Citing X posts, formerly known as tweets, involves a structured approach to ensure accuracy and adherence to scholarly standards. Present the author’s name like in any reference, and for groups, use the name as it’s shown for easy finding. Put the X handle in square brackets after the author’s name. Include the date of the post in brackets. Italicize the first 20 words, including things like links or emojis. If there’s a picture or video, say so like [Image attached]. Finish with [Post]. Give credit to X as the source and add the URL, which still has twitter.com.

The following key elements are required for citing X post effectively:

• Author Information: Present the name of the individual or group author in the same way you would for any other reference. If a group is identified by an abbreviation, use the group name as shown on the work for easy retrieval.
• Handle in Square Brackets: After the author’s name, provide the X handle (beginning with the @ sign) in square brackets, followed by a period.
• Date of the Post: Provide the specific date of the post in parentheses.
• Title in Italics: Italicize the first 20 words of the post, including URLs, hashtags, or emojis. If the post includes an image, video, poll, or thumbnail image with a link, indicate that in brackets after the title.
• Include [Post] in Square Brackets: Conclude the citation by including the descriptor [Post] in square brackets after the title.
• Site Name and URL: Credit X as the site name in the source element, and provide the URL of the post. As of now, URLs for X posts still include the twitter.com domain name.

CITE A POST USING AN AUTHOR

Citation	Edwards, P. [@EcoExplorer]. (2023, April 20). Embarking on a nature journey to uncover the hidden wonders of the Amazon rainforest 🌿🦋 #EcoAdventure [Image attached] [Post]. X. https://twitter.com/EcoExplorer/status/1625349876543210987
Structure	Surname, Initial(s). [X Handle]. (Year, Month Day). Title of post [Attached description] [Post]. X. URL

CITE A POST USING A GROUP OR ORGANIZATION

Citation	GourmetEpicure [@GourmetEpicure]. (2023, March 15). Delighting our taste buds with the perfect blend of spices in our new recipe: Spicy Citrus Shrimp Skewers! 🔥🍤 #culinaryadventure [Thumbnail with link attached] [Post]. X. https://twitter.com/GourmetEpicure/status/1523467890123456789
Structure	Group/Organization [X Handle]. (Year, Month Day). Title of post [Attached description] [Post]. X. URL

HOW TO CITE X PROFILE

Cite the X profile by presenting the author’s name as it appears on the profile, including the X handle in square brackets. Specify the tab name (e.g., Replies, Highlights) when citing content from other tabs, use “n.d.” for the creation date, and provide the retrieval date due to the dynamic, unarchived nature of X profiles. Use the notation [X profile] and include the URL of the X profile page.

The following key elements are required for citing X profile:

• Author Information: Present the name of the individual or group author as it appears on the X profile.
• Handle in Square Brackets: Include the X handle (beginning with the @ sign) in square brackets.
• X Profiles Start: On the Posts tab by default. To cite content from other tabs like Replies, Highlights, Media, or Likes, use the specific tab name in the title element.
• Publication Date: Use no date (n.d.) for the creation date.
• Date of Retrieval: Provide the retrieval date as the content on X profiles is subject to change over time and is not archived.
• Profile Type Notation: Use the notation [X profile] in square brackets to specify the content is from an X profile. 
• URL: Include the URL of the X profile page.

CITE A PROFILE USING AN AUTHOR

Citation	Zach, K. P. [@ArtEnthusiast]. (n.d.). Likes [X profile]. X. Retrieved December 18, 2023, from https://twitter.com/ArtEnthusiast
Structure	Surname, Initial(s). [X Handle]. (n.d.). Title of tab [X profile]. X. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from URL

CITE A PROFILE USING A GROUP OR ORGANIZATION

Citation	SciTechInsights [@SciTechInsights]. (n.d.). Replies [X profile]. X. Retrieved December 15, 2023, from https://twitter.com/SciTechInsights
Structure	Group/Organization [X Handle]. (n.d.). Title of tab [X profile]. X. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from URL

Explore our guides for creating APA in-text citations and APA reference list.