Mistakes Checklist
Common MLA Instagram Post Citation Mistakes
Published studies report citation/reference error rates between 25-54%. Use this page to catch the most frequent formatting failures before submission.
Top mistakes to avoid
- ⚠Linking to the profile instead of the individual post.
- ⚠Not italicizing the platform name.
- ⚠Leaving out the handle alongside the real name.
- ⚠Using the year only instead of the full date.
Fix checklist
- ✓Use the post's caption as the title, in quotation marks.
- ✓Italicize *Instagram* as the container title.
- ✓Link to the specific post, not the account profile.
- ✓Use day-month-year format and abbreviate months longer than four letters.
Frequently asked questions
What do I use as the title if an Instagram post has no caption?
Write a brief description of the image or video in square brackets (e.g., [Photograph of the Pillars of Creation]).
Is an Instagram post a credible source for academic work?
Instagram posts are primary sources when analyzing social media content, public statements, or visual culture. For factual claims, prefer peer-reviewed sources.
Build the corrected citation now
Use the template and guide, then generate the final citation from verified academic sources.