FAQ: How do I cite an X (formerly Twitter) post in MLA Style?
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Last Updated: Jun 02, 2025
Views: 1325
X
Note:
- According to the MLA Style Handbook 9th Edition you can truncate the post text if they conclude with nontextual elements like emojis. Use an ellipsis at the end.
- If the author's X handle is similar (e.g. Ijeoma Oluo @IjeomaOluo) you can omit the handle.
- If you access the post from the X app you can omit the URL.
X Post
General Format
Author [handle]. "Post text." X, Date, Time of Post, URL.
For Example
Elon Musk (@elonmusk). “Starship SN20 lands on Mars, a historic day for humanity.” X, 15 Nov. 2022, 1:30 p.m., twitter.com/elonmusk/status/123456.
In-Text Citation
Parenthetical Citation
(Elon Musk)
Citation in Prose
Elon Musk's X post celebrates the landing that...
X Post Without Text
General Format
Author [handle]. Description of photo/media. X, Date, URL.
For Example
Gorman, Amanda. Image of a poem written by Amanda Gorman. X, 16 July 2019, twitter.com/TheAmandaGorman/status/1151237898189938688/photo/1.
In-Text Citation
Parenthetical Citation
(Gorman)
Citation in Prose
Amanda Gorman wrote the poem..."When they tell you to go back to where you come from, tell them proudly that you come from America"...
X Profile
General Format
Author [handle]. X, URL.
For Example
Kendi, Ibram X. [@DrIbram]. X, twitter.com/DrIbram.
Stop AAPI Hate. X, twitter.com/StopAAPIHate.
In-Text Citation
Parenthetical Citation
(Kendi)
(Stop AAPI Hate)
Citation in Prose
Ibram X. Kendi posts many great resources on his X account...
Visit the Stop AAPI Hate X account to find more information...
More Information
- MLA Guide (Shapiro Library)
- MLA Style Center This link opens in a new window (MLA)
Further Help
This information is intended to be a guideline. Please be sure to speak to your professor about the appropriate way to cite sources in your class assignments and projects.
Campus Students
To access Academic Support, visit your Brightspace course and select “Tutoring and Mentoring” from the Academic Support pulldown menu.
Online Students
To access help with citations and more, visit the Academic Support via modules in Brightspace:
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