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APA 7th referencing style Examples

This is a guide to using the APA 7th referencing style from the American Psychological Association. It is based on the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.

Referencing social media

  • Do not change or correct nonstandard spelling and capitalization.
  • Include any links or hashtags.
  • If emojis are used, replicate them where possible or include its name in square brackets. For example, [winking face].

Post on Facebook or similar eg. Tumblr

Elements of the reference

Author of post - last name, initial(s). (Year, Month Day). Content or caption of the post - up to the first 20 words - italicised [Image attached - if needed] [Content form eg. Video, Status update, Infographic]. Social media service eg. Facebook. Web address - short web address can be used
In-text reference

(University of Queensland, 2017)

The University of Queensland (2017) found that ....
Reference list

University of Queensland Library. (2017, October 4). The winners of the 2017 Queensland Literary Awards will be revealed at tonight’s ceremony. Good luck to all shortlisted writers! [Status update]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/pg/uniofqldlibrary/posts/
EndNote reference type

Social media

Tweet

Elements of the reference

Author of post - last name, initial(s) [Twitter Name]. (Year, Month Day). Content or caption of the post – up to the first 20 words - italicised [image attached - if needed] [Tweet]. Twitter. Web address 
In-text reference

(University of Queensland Library, 2017)

The University of Queensland Library (2017) noted that ....
Reference list

University of Queensland Library [@UQ_Library]. (2017, October 4). Turtles down by UQ St Lucia lakes today. Air conditioned library or enjoying the sun and the view - tough choice! [Image attached] [Tweet]. Twitter. https://twitter.com/uqlibrary/status/915782138905034752
EndNote reference type

Social media

Add Image Attached to Original Post field.

Instagram photograph

Elements of the reference

Author(s) - use & to combine authors [Instagram name]. (Year, Month Day). Title or content up to first 20 words - italicised [Photograph(s)]. Instagram. Web address
In-text reference

(The University of Queensland Library, 2019)

The University of Queensland Library (2019) showed that....
Reference list

The University of Queensland Library [uniofqldlibrary].(2019, October 21). St Lucia is looking extra gramable this morning. Happy Monday everyone! [Photograph]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/B32v1CUFTQ3/
EndNote reference type

Social media

Facebook page

Elements of the reference

Author – last name, initials OR group name. (Year). Title of page - italicised (eg. Home, Photos) [Facebook page]. Facebook. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from Web address
In-text reference

(The University of Queensland Library, n.d.)

The University of Queensland Library (n.d.) mentioned that.....
Reference list

The University of Queensland Library. (n.d.). Home [Facebook page]. Retrieved November 29, 2019, from https://www.facebook.com/uniofqldlibrary
EndNote reference type

Social media