Properly attributing sources found on the TikTok platform, adhering to the American Psychological Association (APA) style guide, involves specific elements. A typical citation includes the author (either the TikTok user’s display name or real name, if available), the date of posting, the title (which may be the video caption or a brief description), and the source information (TikTok platform and URL). For example: @username. (Year, Month Day). Video caption or brief description [Video]. TikTok. URL
Accurate and consistent referencing maintains academic integrity and avoids plagiarism. This practice gives credit to the content creator and allows readers to locate the original source material. Applying a recognized citation style, such as APA, to ephemeral content, such as short-form videos, establishes credibility and reinforces the importance of acknowledging intellectual property in digital environments. Further, as social media becomes an increasingly important source of information and influence, knowing how to reference this information accurately is vital for researchers and students alike.
