How to Cite LinkedIn in APA

• Tomas Elliott (Ph.D.)
• Published on 03/15/2024

In today’s world, websites like LinkedIn are super helpful for students. They connect us with professionals and share useful info. When we use stuff from LinkedIn in our college work, it’s important to cite it properly, following the rules of APA. This guide will show you how to do that in simple steps, whether it’s a post or a profile you’re citing.

HOW TO CITE LINKEDIN POST IN APA

When citing a LinkedIn post in APA format, it’s crucial to include specific details to accurately reference the content. Follow these steps.

• Identify the Author: Begin the citation by stating the name associated with the LinkedIn account.
• Date of the Post: Include the exact date when the post was published. LinkedIn doesn’t give the exact date a post was made, it tells you how long ago it was posted. Use this info to figure out the specific publication date.
• Title: Use the first 20 words, including any links, hashtags, or emojis.
• Post Asset: When a post includes images, videos, links to other websites, or shares content from another post, note that in square brackets after the title.
• Post Label: Specify the type of post in square brackets.
• Include the Source Element: Credit LinkedIn as the site name in the source element and provide the URL of the post.

LINKEDIN POST CITATION EXAMPLE

Getting the Date Right: Make sure to figure out the date a post was published accurately. Since LinkedIn only tells you how long ago the post was made, pay attention to these time clues. By doing this, you can work out when the post was actually published. For example, if LinkedIn says a post was made 2 weeks ago, you can figure out the rough date by counting back from today. Adding Important Stuff: When you cite a LinkedIn post, include all the important details so people can easily find what you’re talking about. This means mentioning who wrote it, the title of the post, and when it was published. Remember to also include any extra stuff like pictures or links by putting them in square brackets. This makes your citation complete and helpful for others. Consistency in Format: Consistency is key when it comes to formatting citations. Whether you’re using parenthetical citations within the text or narrative citations integrated into your sentences, ensure that your citations follow the same format throughout your paper. This consistency enhances readability and makes it easier for readers to understand and navigate your references. Adhere to APA guidelines for citation formatting to maintain uniformity and professionalism in your academic writing.

HOW TO CITE LINKEDIN PROFILE IN APA

When citing a LinkedIn profile in APA format, the process differs slightly.

• Identify the Author: Begin the citation by stating the name associated with the LinkedIn account.
• Date of Publication: LinkedIn profiles do not typically provide a specific date of publication. In such cases, use n.d. (no date) to indicate the absence of date information.
• Page Title: Use the title of the LinkedIn page, such as Home  or About.
• Notation: Add [LinkedIn page] after the title.
• Include the Source Element: Credit LinkedIn as the site name in the source element. 
• Provide the Retrieval Date: Since LinkedIn content can change over time, include the date you accessed the page. The format is required to follow Retrieved Month Day, Year.
• Include the URL: Provide the URL of the LinkedIn page.

LINKEDIN PROFILE CITATION EXAMPLE