Citation Guide
How to Cite an Instagram Post
Learn how to cite Instagram photos, videos, and reels in APA, MLA, Chicago, and other citation styles with correct formatting.
Compare formats across styles
| Style | Template | Example Reference | In-Text | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APA 7th Edition | Author, A. A. [@handle]. (Year, Month Day). Caption or description [Photograph]. Instagram. URL | NASA [@nasa]. (2024, November 15). The Pillars of Creation in stunning new detail from the James Webb Space Telescope [Photograph]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/DC5examplepost/ | (NASA, 2024) | Generate →Full guide → |
| MLA 9th Edition | Author [@handle]. "Caption." *Instagram*, Day Month Year, URL. | NASA [@nasa]. "The Pillars of Creation in stunning new detail from the James Webb Space Telescope." *Instagram*, 15 Nov. 2024, www.instagram.com/p/DC5examplepost/. | (NASA) | Generate →Full guide → |
| Chicago 17th Edition | Author Name (@handle). "Caption." Instagram, Month Day, Year. URL. | NASA (@nasa). "The Pillars of Creation in stunning new detail from the James Webb Space Telescope." Instagram, November 15, 2024. https://www.instagram.com/p/DC5examplepost/. | (NASA 2024) | Generate →Full guide → |
Template
Author, A. A. [@handle]. (Year, Month Day). Caption or description [Photograph]. Instagram. URLExample
NASA [@nasa]. (2024, November 15). The Pillars of Creation in stunning new detail from the James Webb Space Telescope [Photograph]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/DC5examplepost/
In-Text
(NASA, 2024)Template
Author [@handle]. "Caption." *Instagram*, Day Month Year, URL.Example
NASA [@nasa]. "The Pillars of Creation in stunning new detail from the James Webb Space Telescope." *Instagram*, 15 Nov. 2024, www.instagram.com/p/DC5examplepost/.
In-Text
(NASA)Template
Author Name (@handle). "Caption." Instagram, Month Day, Year. URL.Example
NASA (@nasa). "The Pillars of Creation in stunning new detail from the James Webb Space Telescope." Instagram, November 15, 2024. https://www.instagram.com/p/DC5examplepost/.
In-Text
(NASA 2024)Tips for citing an instagram post
- 1Use the account's display name and handle (e.g., NASA [@nasa]).
- 2Describe the post type in brackets: [Photograph], [Video], or [Instagram post].
- 3Include the exact publication date of the post.
- 4Use the permalink URL from the Instagram post — not the profile URL.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find the permalink for an Instagram post?
On desktop, click the post to open it — the URL in your browser is the permalink. On mobile, tap the three-dot menu on a post and select "Copy Link."
Do I need to describe what type of post it is?
APA 7 requires a description in brackets (e.g., [Photograph] or [Video]). MLA and Chicago do not require this but it can clarify the source for your reader.
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