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.

Template + Example

MLA Instagram Post Citation Template

Learn how to cite Instagram photos, videos, and reels in MLA 9th edition. Includes template, real example, and formatting tips.

Copy-ready template

Author [@handle]. "Caption." *Instagram*, Day Month Year, URL.

Filled example

Reference

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 citation

(NASA)

Field mapping

author: NASA [@nasa]
title: The Pillars of Creation in stunning new detail from the James Webb Space Telescope
site: Instagram
year: 15 Nov. 2024
url: www.instagram.com/p/DC5examplepost/

Common mistakes

⚠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.

Need the full citation guide?

Open the complete guide for formatting rules, before/after examples, and detailed FAQ.

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