How to Cite Instagram in APA
- Tomas Elliott (Ph.D.)
- Published on 02/02/2024
The APA provides guidelines for referencing online content from Instagram. This guide outlines the steps to cite Instagram in APA format, ensuring accuracy and adherence to citation standards.
- Account Information: Present the name of the individual or group author.
- Instagram Handle: Provide the Instagram handle (beginning with the @ sign) in square brackets, followed by a period.
- Date of the Post: Provide the specific date of the post.
- Title: Provide the first 20 words of the title. Count a URL, a hashtag, or an emoji as one word each.
- Description: Include a description e.g., “[Photo],” “[Video]” in square brackets after the title.
- Source Element: Credit Instagram as the site name in the source element.
- URL: Provide the URL.
HOW TO CITE INSTAGRAM PHOTO
| Citation | StarGazer [@StarGazerPhoto]. (2024, February 1). Sunset magic over the mountains 🌄✨ [Photograph]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/stargazer/120 |
| Structure |
Account Name [@Handle]. (Year, Month Day). Title of photo [Photograph]. Instagram. URL
|
HOW TO CITE INSTAGRAM VIDEO
| Citation |
BlueSky Adventures [@BlueSkyAdventures]. (2023, April 15). Soaring above the clouds on our latest adventure! 🌥️🚁 #AdventureAwaits [Video]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/bsadv/video/79/
|
| Structure |
Account Name [@Handle]. (Year, Month Day). Title of video [Video]. Instagram. URL
|
 |
Username and Handle Consistency: Ensure consistency in citing Instagram profiles by including both the username and handle in the reference. The username provides the profile’s name as seen on the platform, while the handle, starting with the @ symbol, adds a unique identifier. Story Highlight Duration: When citing Instagram Story Highlights, be aware of their temporary nature. Provide a retrieval date as users can add or remove stories from highlights, ensuring your reference reflects the dynamic nature of this content. |
HOW TO CITE INSTAGRAM HIGHLIGHT
Include the description ‘[Highlight]’ in square brackets and include a retrieval date, given the dynamic nature of highlight content.
| Citation |
Bike Adventures [@BikeAdventures]. (n.d.). Bike Expedition [Highlight]. Instagram. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from https://www.instagram.com/adventures/highlights/bexp/
|
| Structure |
Account Name [@Handle]. (n.d.). Title of highlight [Highlight]. Instagram. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from URL
|
HOW TO CITE INSTAGRAM PROFILE
Include the name of the Instagram profile page (e.g., “Posts,” “IGTV,” “Tagged”) into the title element, add the description “[Instagram profile]” in square brackets, and include a retrieval date to account for the dynamic nature of the content.
| Citation |
StudyExplorer [@StudyExplorer]. (n.d.). IGTV [Instagram profile]. Instagram. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from https://www.instagram.com/studyexplorer/
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| Citation |
StudyVibes [@StudyVibes]. (n.d.). Posts [Instagram profile]. Instagram. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from https://www.instagram.com/studyvibes/
|
| Citation |
StudyGuru [@StudyGuru]. (n.d.). Tagged [Instagram profile]. Instagram. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from https://www.instagram.com/studyguru/
|
| Structure |
Account Name [@Handle]. (n.d.). Title of profile page [Instagram profile]. Instagram. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from URL
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Tomas Elliott (Ph.D.)
Tomas Elliott is an assistant Professor of English at Northeastern University London. His research specialisms include the history of theatre and film, European modernism, world literature, film adaptation, transmedia studies and citation practices. He read English and French Literature at Trinity College, Oxford, before completing a PhD in Comparative Literature and Literary Theory at the University of Pennsylvania.