Last Updated: Aug 25, 2026 Views: 24013

The proper way to cite Instagram photos or videos can be found in section 10.15 Social Media This link opens in a new window of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). The general format follows the social media content template found on page 348.The APA Style website also has a great page on Instagram References This link opens in a new window.

General Format

Author, A. A. [@username]. (Year, Month Day). Content of the post up to the first 20 words. [ of audiovisuals]. Site Name. https://xxxxxx

For Example

Fox, M. J. [@realmikejfox]. (2018, June 5). It takes < than a min to learn how to save a life. Watch the video at handsonly.nyc #ICanSaveALife with #HandsOnlyCPR [Photograph]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/BjppDLDBxRF/

EarthPix. [@earthpix]. (2019, January 8). Snow train ride in Lago Bianco Switzerland 🇨🇭 by @yingxingdelia [Video]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/BsY81cZlVLJ/

Corresponding In-Text Citation

(Fox, 2018)

(EarthPix, 2019)

General Format

Name of Group [@username]. (n.d.). Highlight title [Highlight]. Instagram. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from https://xxxxxx

Note: Although each story within the highlight is dated, the highlight itself is not dated, so use "n.d." in the reference. Because the highlight can be changed at any time, with content added or removed, include the retrieval date with the URL.

For Example

APA Style [@officialapastyle]. (n.d.). FAQs [Highlight]. Instagram. Retrieved February 25, 2020, from https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE3OTc2ODkwNTk5MTc5MTY1/

Corresponding In-Text Citation

(APA Style, n.d.)

General Format

Author, A. A. [@username]. (n.d.). Page name. [Instagram profile]. Site Name. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from https://xxxxxx

Note: Depending on the part of the profile you are citing, use the name of the profile page (e.g. "Posts," "Tagged," or the profile name.

PageName. [@username]. (n.d.). Page name. [Instagram profile]. Site Name. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from https://xxxxxx

For Example

Hamill, M. [@hamillhimself]. (n.d.). Posts [Instagram profile]. Retrieved January 23, 2019 from https://www.instagram.com/hamillhimself/

Shapiro Library. [@snhulibrary]. (n.d.). Posts [Instagram profile]. Retrieved January 23, 2019 from https://www.instagram.com/snhulibrary/

Downey, R., Jr. [@robertdowneyjr]. (n.d.). IGTV [Instagram profile]. Retrieved January 23, 2019 from https://www.instagram.com/robertdowneyjr/channel/

Corresponding In-Text Citation

(Hamill, n.d.)

(Shapiro Library, n.d.)

(Downey, n.d.)

More Information

Disclaimer

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.

References

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000

FAQ Actions
Was this helpful? 3 2

About FAQs

About FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are a self-serve option for users to search and find answers to their questions. 

Use the search box above to type your question to search for an answer or browse existing FAQs by group, topic, etc.

Tell Me More

Link to Question Form

More Assistance

Submit a Question

Related FAQs

Related FAQs