How to Cite a Social Media in AMA Citation Style
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
1. Creator [@handle]. First 20 words of post. Platform. Published Month Day, Year. https://URL
Citation Components
Superscript Number
Superscript 1, 2, 3, etc.
Creator/Account
Full name or organization [@handle].
Post Text
First 20 words. Sentence case. Use [...] for truncation.
Platform
Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok.
Published Date and URL
Published Month Day, Year. https://URL
Real-World Example
Example Source
1
American Heart Association [@Heart]
New research shows that plant-based diets significantly reduce cardiovascular [...]
June
15
2023
https://twitter.com/heart/status/1234567890
Formatted Citation
1. American Heart Association [@Heart]. New research shows that plant-based diets significantly reduce cardiovascular [...]. Twitter. Published June 15, 2023. https://twitter.com/heart/status/1234567890
In-Text Citation
1
Superscript 1
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
1. @Heart. (June 15, 2023). "Plant-based diets and heart health." Twitter. https://twitter.com/heart
Right:
1. American Heart Association [@Heart]. New research shows that plant-based diets significantly reduce cardiovascular [...]. Twitter. Published June 15, 2023. https://twitter.com/heart/status/1234567890
Why: Use creator name (not just @handle), first 20 words of actual post (not shortened summary), published date format, and complete post URL.
Wrong:
1) Twitter. Heart Health Post. June 2023.
Right:
1. American Heart Association [@Heart]. New research shows that plant-based diets significantly reduce cardiovascular [...]. Twitter. Published June 15, 2023. https://twitter.com/heart/status/1234567890
Why: Creator/organization first, then actual post text, platform, complete date, and full URL to specific post.
Wrong:
1. AHA [@Heart]. Plant diet tweet. 6/15/23. https://twitter.com/heart
Right:
1. American Heart Association [@Heart]. New research shows that plant-based diets significantly reduce cardiovascular [...]. Twitter. Published June 15, 2023. https://twitter.com/heart/status/1234567890
Why: Use full organization name, first 20 words of actual post, date format Month Day, Year (not numerical), and complete post URL.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the post is very long? ▼
Include the first 20 words or first complete sentence (whichever is shorter), then use [...] to indicate truncation.
Should I include both @handle and account name? ▼
Yes, Account Name [@handle] helps readers locate the specific account.
Do I include post date or access date? ▼
Use the publication date: Published Month Day, Year. Include the specific URL.
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