Citation Guide
How to Cite a Tweet or X Post
Learn how to cite tweets and X (formerly Twitter) posts in APA, MLA, Chicago, and other citation styles with real formatting examples.
Compare formats across styles
| Style | Template | Example Reference | In-Text | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APA 7th Edition | Author, A. A. [@handle]. (Year, Month Day). Tweet text [Tweet]. X (formerly Twitter). URL | NASA [@NASA]. (2024, November 15). Today marks 25 years since the launch of the first International Space Station module, Zarya [Tweet]. X (formerly Twitter). https://x.com/NASA/status/1857344100000000000 | (NASA, 2024) | Generate →Full guide → |
| MLA 9th Edition | Author [@handle]. "Tweet text." *X (formerly Twitter)*, Day Month Year, URL. | NASA [@NASA]. "Today marks 25 years since the launch of the first International Space Station module, Zarya." *X (formerly Twitter)*, 15 Nov. 2024, https://x.com/NASA/status/1857344100000000000. | (NASA) | Generate →Full guide → |
| Chicago 17th Edition | Author Name (@handle). "Tweet text." X (formerly Twitter), Month Day, Year. URL. | NASA (@NASA). "Today marks 25 years since the launch of the first International Space Station module, Zarya." X (formerly Twitter), November 15, 2024. https://x.com/NASA/status/1857344100000000000. | (NASA 2024) | Generate →Full guide → |
Template
Author, A. A. [@handle]. (Year, Month Day). Tweet text [Tweet]. X (formerly Twitter). URLExample
NASA [@NASA]. (2024, November 15). Today marks 25 years since the launch of the first International Space Station module, Zarya [Tweet]. X (formerly Twitter). https://x.com/NASA/status/1857344100000000000
In-Text
(NASA, 2024)Template
Author [@handle]. "Tweet text." *X (formerly Twitter)*, Day Month Year, URL.Example
NASA [@NASA]. "Today marks 25 years since the launch of the first International Space Station module, Zarya." *X (formerly Twitter)*, 15 Nov. 2024, https://x.com/NASA/status/1857344100000000000.
In-Text
(NASA)Template
Author Name (@handle). "Tweet text." X (formerly Twitter), Month Day, Year. URL.Example
NASA (@NASA). "Today marks 25 years since the launch of the first International Space Station module, Zarya." X (formerly Twitter), November 15, 2024. https://x.com/NASA/status/1857344100000000000.
In-Text
(NASA 2024)Tips for citing a tweet or x post
- 1Include the author's real name and their handle (e.g., NASA [@NASA]).
- 2Quote the full tweet text — do not paraphrase.
- 3Include the exact date of the post.
- 4Always include the direct URL (permalink) to the tweet.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use "Twitter" or "X" in the citation?
APA 7 recommends "X (formerly Twitter)" in citations published after the platform rebranded. MLA and Chicago allow "Twitter" or "X" — follow your institution's preference. Consistency is key.
What if the tweet has been deleted?
If you captured the content before deletion, cite it with a note "(tweet deleted)" or use an archived version (e.g., from the Wayback Machine) as the URL.
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