For further information on citing social media material, see pages 348-350 of the Publication manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th ed., 2020.
Author, A. (Year, Day of Posting).Content of post up to first 20 words [Type of post]. Facebook. URL
Brand, R. (2020, February 20). Russell Brand's definition of God [Video]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/RussellBrand/videos/191757971919620/?eid=ARBSw-LmDlIwXLZHWWUvFxBRnw4BnMeWeBl9RQc0bgFH6A8tNP84Mn_DXo3mIg5Y2OHAm09MuELDs_ps
In Text
Parenthetical citation: (Brand, 2020)
Narrative citation: Brand (2020)
"This format can be used for posts to other social media services, including Tumblr, LinkedIn, and so forth...If a status update includes images, videos, thumbnail links to outside sources, or content from another Facebook post (such as when sharing a link), indicate that is square brackets." (Publication manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th ed., 2020, p. 349).
Author, A. [@username]. (Year, Day of Posting). Content of post up to first 20 words [Tweet]. Twitter. URL
The New York Times [@nytimes]. (2020, March 5). If nurses aren't safe, then really our community isn't safe [Tweet]. Twitter. https://twitter.com/nytimes/status/1235686554514776065
In Text
Parenthetical citation: (New York Times, 2020)
Narrative citation: New York Times (2020)
"If the tweet includes images (including animated gifs), videos, thumbnail links to outside sources, links to other tweets (as in a retweet with comment), or a poll, indicate that in square brackets. For tweet replies, do not include the "replying to" information; if that is important to note, do so within the in-text citation. .. Replicate emojis if possible." (Publication manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th ed., 2020, p. 349)
Atmosphere Apps. (2022). Intramuscular injections sites. In Davis drug guide for nurses (Version 6.4.0.539). Google Play Store. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.usbmis.reader.dadg&hl=en_CA&gl=US
In Text
Parenthetical citation: (Atmosphere Apps, 2022)
Narrative citation: Atmosphere Apps (2022)
Entries are treated like a chapter in a book where one author is responsible for all entries
For in-depth information on citing software and apps, see pages 338-340 of the Publication manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th ed., 2020 (Section 10.10).
Many instructors will not allow the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools (i.e. ChatGPT, et cetera) in assignments. If you do use tools like this, it is important that you check with your instructors first and then that you include citations in your assignment.. Since most text generated by AI tools cannot be linked to or read by the reader of your assignment, it's best to cite it as a "personal communication" (see the examples in the Personal Communications tab in this guide).
Alternatively, you could include the generated text in an appendix and provide a full citation. To cite a tool like ChatGPT, use the example in the Software box above. Be sure to give credit to the company (OpenAI), not the tool itself (ChatGPT).
The APA Style website currently has no specific guidelines around citing artificial intelligence tools but many of these tool are new and rapidly evolving so guidelines and examples may be available in the future.
Last name, F. M. or Name of Group [@username]. (Year, Day of posting). Content of the post up to the first 20 words [Type of post]. Instagram. URL
BBC News [@bbcnews]. (2020, February 20). Laughing in the face of war [Video]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/tv/B8yVB5LJ0yD/
In Text
Parenthetical citation: (BBC News, 2020)
Narrative citation: BBC News (2020)
Nicole Schiller Palmisano. (n.d.). LinkedIn [LinkedIn profile]. Retrieved July 19, 2020, from http://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolepalmisano
Provide a retrieval date because the contents of the page can change over time.
Author. (Version publication year). Title (Version #.#). [Software type]. Publisher/App store name. Store URL
Tableau Software. (2022). Tableau desktop (Version 2022.3) [Computer software]. Salesforce. https://www.tableau.com/products/desktop
In Text
Parenthetical citation: (Tableau Software, 2022)
Narrative citation: Tableau Software (2022)
“Common software and mobile apps mentioned in text, but not paraphrased or quoted, do not need citations, nor do programming languages. ‘Common’ is relative to your field and audience—examples of software or apps that do not require citations include Microsoft Office... social media apps... survey software... Adobe products... Java, and statistical programs (e.g., R, SPSS, SAS). If you used common software or mobile apps during your research, simply give the proper name of the software or app along with the version number in the text, if relevant.” Apps with limited access or distribution must be cited. (Publication manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th ed., 2020, p.338)
Kahl, S. (2022). BirdNET (Version 1.0.7) [Mobile app]. Apple Store.https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birdnet/id1541842885
In Text
Parenthetical citation: (Kahl, 2022)
Narrative citation: Kahl (2022)
“Common software and mobile apps mentioned in text, but not paraphrased or quoted, do not need citations, nor do programming languages. ‘Common’ is relative to your field and audience—examples of software or apps that do not require citations include Microsoft Office... social media apps... survey software... Adobe products... Java, and statistical programs (e.g., R, SPSS, SAS). If you used common software or mobile apps during your research, simply give the proper name of the software or app along with the version number in the text, if relevant.” Apps with limited access or distribution must be cited. (Publication manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th ed., 2020, p.338)