How to MLA Cite an Instagram Post
The rise of Instagram has revolutionized the way we consume information, with many sources of information available at our fingertips. As a student of the humanities, you may be wondering how to properly cite Instagram posts in your academic work. In this article, we will explore the best practices for MLA citation when citing Instagram posts.
Understanding MLA Citation
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s quickly review the basics of MLA citation. MLA stands for Modern Language Association, and it is a widely accepted citation style used in the humanities, such as literature, language, and cultural studies. MLA uses a standard format to cite sources, including books, articles, websites, and other types of publications.
What Constitutes an Instagram Post?
Instagram posts can be considered sources of information, but they are not typically considered traditional sources of citation. However, they can still be cited in academic works, particularly in online sources where traditional citation guidelines are not universally adopted.
Types of Instagram Posts
When it comes to citing Instagram posts, the type of post you cite depends on the platform and the specific features of the post. Here are some common types of Instagram posts that may be cited:
- A single image or photo with a caption
- A video with a caption or hashtag
- A photo with a quote or attribution
- A story with a caption or quote
- A Reel with a caption or attribution
MLA Citation Guidelines for Instagram Posts
To cite Instagram posts in MLA style, follow these guidelines:
- Single Image/Photo
- Caption: "Image with caption ‘ [Caption].’"
- In-text citation: [1]
- Video with Caption or Hashtag
- Caption: "Video with caption ‘ [Caption].’"
- In-text citation: [2]
- Photo with Quote or Attribution
- Quote: " ‘[Quote].’"
- In-text citation: [3]
- Attribution: ‘[4]’
- Story with Caption or Quote
- Caption: "Caption for story ‘ [Caption].’"
- In-text citation: [5]
- Reel with Caption or Attribution
- Caption: "Caption for Reel ‘ [Caption].’"
- In-text citation: [6]
| Note: |
| If the Instagram post includes more than one image or photo, use a comma to separate each image or photo.
| If the Instagram post includes a quote or attribution, use the quote or attribution in the in-text citation.
Key differences between MLA and APA citation
When citing Instagram posts, you will need to know the difference between MLA and APA citation styles. Here are some key differences:
- MLA vs. APA citation style
- MLA citation style uses parenthetical citations, while APA citation style uses an author-date system.
- MLA uses an author-date system, while APA uses a hanging indent and separate paragraph for the bibliography.
| MLA vs. APA citation style |
| MLA (Parenthetical citations) |
| | e.g. (1) |
| | e.g. 1. John Smith, "The Importance of Social Media," Social Media, Education and Human Behavior, 2015, 10-15. |
| | e.g. (2) |
| | e.g. 2. Smith, 2015 |
| | e.g. 2. Smith, 2015 |
| | e.g. 2. Smith, 2015 |
| APA (Author-date system) |
| | e.g. (1) |
| | e.g. 1. Smith, J. (2015). The importance of social media. Social Media, Education and Human Behavior, 10(1), 10-15. |
| | e.g. (2) |
| | e.g. 2. Smith, J. (2015). The importance of social media. Social Media, Education and Human Behavior, 10(1), 10-15. |
| | e.g. (3) |
| | e.g. 3. Smith, J. (2015). The importance of social media. Social Media, Education and Human Behavior, 10(1), 10-15. |
Additional Tips
When citing Instagram posts, keep the following tips in mind:
- Use a consistent citation style throughout the citation
- Use a citation guide or stylebook
- Consult the MLA or APA website for additional guidance
- Avoid plagiarism by properly attributing the Instagram post to the creator
Conclusion
Citing Instagram posts in MLA style requires a basic understanding of the guidelines and the different types of posts that can be cited. By following these guidelines and tips, you can properly cite Instagram posts and ensure that your academic work is accurate and properly cited. Remember to always consult the MLA or APA website for additional guidance and to ensure that your citations are consistent and accurate.