Internet Materials and Social Media
Web pages, blog posts, online documents, URLs and social media posts.
AGLC4 rules 7.15 and 7.16 cover online materials that do not fit into another citation category, including web pages, blog posts, online documents, URLs and social media posts.
The first step is always to identify what type of source you are using. An online source is not automatically a web page citation. An online journal article is cited as a journal article, an online newspaper article is cited as a newspaper article, and a podcast episode is cited as a broadcast source.
Rule 7.15 applies only where the material does not fit another AGLC category.
Web pages and blog posts
A web page or blog post citation includes:
- the author (if identified);
- the title of the document;
- the website name;
- the document type and date;
- the URL; and
- a pinpoint reference (if available).
Author, ‘Title of Document’, Site Name (Document type, day month year) pinpoint <URL>.
Authors
Include an author only where the webpage identifies one. This commonly occurs with blog posts, articles and commentary pieces.
If the author and website name are the same, do not repeat the name.
Document type
The document type tells the reader what kind of online material they are viewing. Examples include Blog Post, Forum Post and Web Page.
If the document type is unclear, use Web Page.
Dates
Use the date the webpage was last updated, where available. Where only part of the date is provided, include only the information available, such as the year alone, or the month and year.
A retrieval date is not included under AGLC4.
URLs
The URL appears at the end of the citation in angle brackets. When providing a URL:
- use a stable webpage rather than a search result;
- provide the specific page where possible;
- avoid unnecessary tracking links.
Where a very long URL is difficult to use and the page can still be easily found, the website homepage may be used instead.
Archived webpages
Some webpages may disappear or change over time. Where necessary, an archived version may be cited using the AGLC4 archived at format.
This helps ensure that the reader can verify the material relied on.
Social media posts
Social media posts have their own citation format because usernames, platforms and posting times are important identifying information. A social media citation includes:
- the username;
- the account holder’s name (if different);
- the platform;
- the date and time of posting; and
- the URL.
Username (Name), ‘Title’ (Platform, day month year, time) <URL>.
Social media titles
Some posts do not have a title. In that case, omit the title. Do not create a description of the post.
Usernames
Where a platform uses the @ symbol, include it as part of the username.
Time of posting
The time is included because a single account may publish multiple posts on the same day.
Generative AI outputs
AGLC4 was published before widespread use of generative AI and does not contain a specific citation rule for AI-generated outputs.
The interim approach from the AGLC4 editors is to treat AI output similarly to written correspondence. The citation identifies the program, the creator, the recipient and the date.
Output from Program, Creator to Recipient, day month year.
Recording AI use
Citation and acknowledgement are separate issues. Even where an AI output is cited, universities may have separate requirements about whether AI may be used, how AI assistance must be disclosed, and whether prompts or outputs must be provided.
Always check the relevant unit guide or assessment instructions. It is also good practice to keep a record of:
- the prompts used;
- the date of access; and
- the generated output.
Quick identification guide
| Source | Citation approach |
|---|---|
| Online journal article | Cite as a journal article |
| Online news article | Cite as a newspaper article |
| Blog post | Web material citation |
| General webpage | Web material citation |
| Social media post | Username + platform + date and time |
| AI output | Written correspondence format |
Last reviewed 4 August 2026