How to reference a social media post in APA 7
A post reference in APA 7 has 5 parts. See them labelled on an example, then build your own and copy it.
- In your essay: (Author, year)
- Checked 23 October 2026
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The 5 parts
Account. (Date). Post [Post]. Platform. Web address
. 2 · DATE(2025, January 12). 3 · POSTOpen until midnight all exam week [Post]. 4 · PLATFORMX. 5 · WEB ADDRESShttps://x.com/campuslibrary/status/1
- 2 · DateThe date, written like this: 2025, January 12. In round brackets.The date it was posted.
- 3 · PostIn italics. Then “[Post]”.The post’s first words, as written.
- 4 · PlatformAs the source gives it.The platform, like X or Instagram.
- 5 · Web addressThe full web address.Copy the post’s own link from the Share button.
Two places, one source
The library stays open late in exam weeks (Campus Library, 2025).
The author and the year, in brackets.Campus Library [@campuslibrary]. (2025, January 12). Open until midnight all exam week [Post]. X. https://x.com/campuslibrary/status/1
The full reference, in A to Z order by surname.Build your reference
Fill in what you have. Anything still missing is highlighted. Nothing you type leaves this page.
What if…
No date
Write “n.d.” where the date goes. And add the date you looked at it, after “Retrieved”.
Campus Library [@campuslibrary]. (n.d.). Open until midnight all exam week [Post]. X. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://x.com/campuslibrary/status/1
In your essay: (Campus Library, n.d.)
Two authors
Give both names, joined with “&”.
Green, A., & Patel, R. (2025, January 12). Open until midnight all exam week [Post]. X. https://x.com/campuslibrary/status/1
In your essay: (Green & Patel, 2025)
Four or more authors
Name all four in the reference list. In your essay, give the first author and “et al.”.
Green, A., Patel, R., Okafor, D., & Lee, H. (2025, January 12). Open until midnight all exam week [Post]. X. https://x.com/campuslibrary/status/1
In your essay: (Green et al., 2025)
Easy to get wrong
A web address in your essay
NOT QUITEThe library stays open late in exam weeks (x.com).
RIGHTThe library stays open late in exam weeks (Campus Library, 2025).
The title not in italics
NOT QUITECampus Library [@campuslibrary]. (2025, January 12). Open until midnight all exam week [Post]. X. https://x.com/campuslibrary/status/1
RIGHTCampus Library [@campuslibrary]. (2025, January 12). Open until midnight all exam week [Post]. X. https://x.com/campuslibrary/status/1
Check your university’s version
Some universities and departments make small changes to APA. Your module handbook always wins.
This guide follows the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th edition.
Questions
How do I cite a social media post in the text?
Give the author and the year, in brackets: (Campus Library, 2025)
What if there’s no date?
Check the page or document again first. If there really is none, here’s how APA 7 sets it out: Campus Library [@campuslibrary]. (n.d.). Open until midnight all exam week [Post]. X. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://x.com/campuslibrary/status/1
Is APA 7 the same at every university?
Some universities and departments make small changes to APA. Your module handbook always wins.
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