How to Cite: Social Media

X (previously known as Twitter)

If the source you are citing was published by an organization or corporation, use the organization or corporation as the author.

Include the first 20 words of the X post as the title, in italics.

If the post includes an image, video, poll, or linked thumbnail image (such as for a news article), indicate that element in brackets after the title: [Image attached], [Video attached], [Poll attached], or [Thumbnail with link attached].

Depending on whether you are citing a specific X post or a full X profile, include [Post] or [X profile].

Reference Page Format:

Author, A. A. [@username]. (Year, Month Day). First 20 words of post [Description of additional non-textual elements, if necessary] [Post]. X. URL

Reference Page Example:

Tyson, N. G. [@neiltyson]. (2019, November 9). I wonder if the Batmobile has cup holders [Image attached] [Post]. X. https://twitter.com/neiltyson/status/1193344382998654978

In-text Citation Examples:

Tyson (2019) shared that ...

...(Tyson, 2019).

More examples can be seen here.

Instagram

If the source you are citing was published by an organization or corporation, use the organization or corporation as the author.

Include the first 20 words of the post as the title, in italics.

Include a description of the post in square brackets after the title: [Photo}, [Video], [Highlight], or [Instagram profile]

Reference Page Format:

Uploader [@username]. (Year, month day).  First 20 words of post [Photograph]. Instagram. URL

Reference Page Example:

Hennepin County Library [@hclib]. (2019, November 29). Our patrons have spoken! Come check us out @ #saintanthonylibrary ^cj​ [Photograph]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/B5dsnINFHJI/

In-text Citation Examples:

Hennepin County Library (2019) shared that ...

...(Hennepin County Library, 2019).

More examples can be seen here.

TikTok

Include the name associated with the account as the author, then provide the TikTok handle (beginning with the @ sign) in square brackets.

Provide the first 20 words of the caption as the title, in italics.

Include the description “[Video]” in square brackets after the title.

Reference Page Format:

Author, A. A. [@username]. (Year, Month Day). First 20 words of caption [Video]. TikTok. URL

Reference Page Example:

Myers, E. [@elysemyers]. (2021, October 6). I haven’t been to a @tacobell since. #coffeetalk #theadhdway #firstdatefail #tacobell [Video]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@elysemyers/video/7016002945082871046

In-text Citation Examples:

Myers (2021) shared that ...

...(Myers, 2021).

More examples can be seen here.

Facebook

Use the name associated with the account as the author.

Include the first 20 words of the post as the title, in italics.

If a post includes images, videos, or thumbnail links to outside sources, indicate that in square brackets after the title: [Image attached], [Video attached], [Thumbnail with link attached].

Include a second bracket designating the type of content being cited, for example: [Status update], [Facebook post], [Infographic], [Video], [Facebook page]. 

Reference Page Format:

Uploader. (Year, Month Day). First 20 words of content [Description of additional non-textual elements, if necessary]. [Content type]. Facebook. URL

Reference Page Example:

Saint Paul Public Library. (2019, December 20). Advocate for nixing library book late fees gives her take on what’s becoming a national trend" #FineFree​ [Thumbnail with link attached]. [Status Update]. Facebook. https://bit.ly/2EH9GdD

In-text Citation Examples:

Saint Paul Public Library (2019) shared that ...

...(Saint Paul Public Library, 2019).

More examples can be seen here.

Forums / Message Boards (e.g. Reddit)

When the real name of the poster is known, provide it first, in inverted format (Last, First Initial), followed by the username in brackets. If the poster's real name is unknown, include the username without brackets.

Include the first 20 words of the post as the title, in italics.

Reference Page Format:

Poster' real name [username]. (Year, month day). First 20 words of post [Online forum post]. Reddit. URL

Reference Page Example:

onewhosleepsnot. (2020, January 23). TIL the Senate Majority Leader in 1939 decried the Academy Award-winning Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, saying the movie [Online forum post]. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/essx3x/til_the_senate_majority_leader_in_1939_decried/

In-text Citation Examples:

According to onewhosleepsnot (2020) ...

...(onewhosleepsnot, 2020).

More examples can be seen here.