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How to Properly Cite Posts on Social Media Platforms

Posted by Open Access Learning PH on

In this age of social media, we should consider the reliability and source of information shared on these platforms. That’s why proper citing is important.

1. Giving Credit: Just like citing any other source, citing social media gives credit to the original creator or poster of the content. It acknowledges their contribution and helps avoid plagiarism.

2. Verification: Social media content can often be controversial or misleading. By citing social media sources, you allow readers to verify the information and assess its credibility.

3. Context: Social media posts can provide valuable context or firsthand accounts of events, making them important sources for research or reporting.

Below are examples of how to properly cite posts from social media platforms from American University Library.

twitterTwitter 

 

MLA (Modern Language Association)

  • Lastname, Firstname [or single username]. (handle). “Full text of tweet.” Day month year posted, time posted. Tweet.
  • Example– American U Library (AULibrary). “2015 winners of Library Research Awards. Don’t miss your chance to win $1k this year! #tbt http://bit.ly/1XKYPBf.” 3 Mar 2016, 12:31 PM. Tweet.

APA (American Psychological Association)

Chicago Manual of Style

facebookFacebook (or other similar sites, like Google+) 

MLA (Modern Language Association)

  • Lastname, Firstname. “First several words of Facebook post…” Day month year posted, time posted. Facebook.
  • Example– American University Library. “One week left to apply for your chance to win $1,000!” 11 Mar 2016, 12:15 PM. Facebook.

APA (American Psychological Association)

  • Lastname, Firstname. (Year, month day posted). First several words of Facebook post… [Facebook update]. Retrieved from URL
  • Example– American University Library (2016, March 11). One week left to apply for your chance to win $1,000!  [Facebook post]. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/AULibrary/posts/10153431856787157

Chicago Manual of Style

  • Lastname, Firstname. Year. “Text of first sentence or phrase Facebook post.” Facebook, Month day, year posted. URL.
  • Example– American University Library. 2016. “One week left to apply for your chance to win $1,000!”  March 11, 2016. https://www.facebook.com/AULibrary/posts/10153431856787157.

youtube

MLA (Modern Language Association)

  • Lastname, Firstname [or single username]. “Title of YouTube Video.” Online video. Day month year posted. YouTube.
  • Example– AU Library. “This semester on… AU Library!” Online video. 25 Aug 2015. YouTube.

APA (American Psychological Association)

  • Lastname, Firstname [or single username]. (Year, month day posted). Title of YouTube Video. [Video file]. Retrieved from URL
  • Example– AU Library. (2015, August 25). This semester on… AU Library! [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/0dXw2RWqzpk

Chicago Manual of Style

  • Lastname, Firstname [or single username]. “Title of YouTube Video.” Video, length of video, Month day, year posted. URL.
  • Example– AU Library. “This semester on… AU Library!” YouTube video, 2:23, August 25, 2015. https://youtu.be/0dXw2RWqzpk.
     

insta Instagram

MLA (Modern Language Association)

  • Lastname, Firstname [or single username]. (handle). “First several words of Instagram post (if any)…” Day month year posted. Instagram.
  • Example– American University Library (aulibrary). “Our view of the busy quad…” 24 Mar 2016. Instagram.

APA (American Psychological Association)

  • (Year, month day posted). First several words of Instagram post (if any)… [Instagram post]. Retrieved from URL
  • Example–  (2016, March 24). Our view of the busy quad… [Instagram post]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/BDWURHtoCbG/

Chicago Manual of Style

  • Lastname, Firstname [or single username] (@handle). Year. “Text of first sentence or phrase Instagram post.” Instagram, Month day, year posted. URL.
  • Example– American University Library (@aulibrary). 2016. “Our view of the busy quad today!” Instagram, March 24, 2016. https://www.instagram.com/p/BDWURHtoCbG/.

 

References: American University Library, Gould Library

See also Sentro ng Karunungan Library – Facebook Page

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