Are you an avid Instagram user using the platform for work or studies?
We know how important it is to properly cite information from Instagram to give credit where it’s due and avoid the dreaded “plagiarism” label.
This article will explore the exciting world of citing Instagram posts using popular citation styles such as APA, MLA, and Chicago.
Whether you’re a student researching for your paper, a professional looking to use Instagram as a credible source, or simply someone fascinated by the art of citing Instagram posts, this article is your go-to source for guidance and expert tips.
So, let’s get started and learn How to cite an Instagram post?
Introduction to citing Instagram posts
Citing information from Instagram is increasingly important in this digital age, especially as the platform becomes a key source for research and academic work.
Properly citing an Instagram post enables you to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original creator. Still, it can seem daunting if you need to become more familiar with the citation styles.
APA, MLA, and Chicago are popular citation styles used by professionals and students alike.
While each citation style has its unique formatting guidelines, the basic information required to cite an Instagram post includes the account holder’s name or username, photo title or description, names of other contributors, and the date the photo was published.
In this way, Instagram users and content creators can rest assured that their work is being given the proper credit it deserves. In contrast, those referencing Instagram content will have the tools to cite the platform accurately.
Why is it important to cite Instagram posts?
To maintain the integrity of the research or academic work referencing Instagram material, properly citing Instagram posts is crucial in today’s digital age, serving as a significant information source for researchers, professionals, and students.
Accurate citation allows reliable information access, precision source acknowledgment, and intellectual property protection.
Ethical information use is emphasized, highlighting the significance and value of each author’s work.
How to cite an Instagram post in APA style?
When citing an Instagram post in APA style, include the author’s name or username, the date the post was published, the sentence-cased title, and the post format in square brackets, such as “[Instagram post].”
You should also include the URL of the post and the date you accessed it, as Instagram posts can be deleted or made private.
For example, a proper APA-style reference for an Instagram post may look like this:
- Johnson, K. [kimjohnson]. (2023, June 2). My new favorite dessert! [Instagram post]. Retrieved June 2, 2023, from https://www.instagram.com/p/123456/.
Also see How To Make Instagram Chat Purple and How to Make Text Appear & Disappear on Instagram Reels on our website.
How to cite an Instagram post in MLA style?
If you need to cite an Instagram post in MLA style, you should include the author’s name or username, the post’s title in quotation marks, the date of publication, the name of the platform in italics with a comma, and the post’s URL.
You can use the username if there’s no author’s name. If the post doesn’t have a title, use a brief description in quotation marks. Remember to include the post’s URL to ensure reference validity.
As an example, an MLA-style citation for an Instagram post might be formatted like this:
- Zhang, Emily. “Best pizza in town!” Instagram, June 2, 2023, https://www.instagram.com/p/123456/.
How to cite an Instagram post in Chicago style?
To create a correct Chicago-style citation for an Instagram post, be sure to include the author’s name or username, the date that the post was published, the title or description of the post in quotation marks, the Instagram in italics, the format of the post in brackets, and the URL of the post.
If the author’s name is not available, use their username instead.
As an example, a properly formatted citation in Chicago style for an Instagram post could look like this:
- Smith, John. “My cute new puppy!” Instagram, [Photograph], June 2, 2023, https://www.instagram.com/p/123456/.
How to cite an Instagram story?
When citing an Instagram story, remember to include the name or username of the author, the date the story was posted, a description of the story’s content in quotation marks, the Instagram in italics, the format of the story in brackets, and the URL of the user’s Instagram profile.
If quoting from a specific slide within the story, indicate the slide number in your citation.
For instance, a proper citation in Chicago style for an Instagram story might appear as follows:
- Clark, Michael. “Excited to start my new job next week!” Instagram, [Instagram story slide 3], June 1, 2023, https://www.instagram.com/michaelclark/.
Tools to help you cite Instagram posts
To create accurate citations for Instagram posts, you can use a variety of tools available online.
A social media citation generator is one option, such as the one provided by EasyBib.
When generating a citation, Instagram only requires the content creator’s username, post title, postdate, and URL.
An alternative approach would be to use a browser extension, such as Zotero.
This option allows you to save and sort sources and automatically generate citations.
Common mistakes to avoid when citing Instagram posts
Several common mistakes should be avoided to ensure your work is academically sound when citing Instagram posts.
These include failing to provide comprehensive information required for citations, not following your preferred citation format, and not verifying the credibility and integrity of the source.
It’s also essential to remember to double-check any citations generated by automated tools before including them in your work.
Recap
We tried to provide you with complete information about citing an Instagram post.
In conclusion, properly citing Instagram posts is crucial to maintaining academic integrity and giving appropriate credit to content creators.
By following these guidelines, researchers, students, and writers can ensure their work is sound and properly supported by credible sources.
Your thoughts and feedback are valuable to us, so leave a comment below for any questions.
