When citing a YouTube video, the general rule is that you place the author’s name in square brackets at the end of the sentence. The only exception is when the video has no author or credits.
Citing a YouTube video is usually accomplished by citing the date it was written, the name of the author and either the title or description of the video. It should also list where to find it, which in this case would be YouTube.
Citing in YouTube video comes in three formats: APA style, MLA style, and Chicago style.
- In APA, the citation is typically written as follows: “Title of video.” Youtube.com. Web. Date of upload. For example, “How to do a cartwheel.” Youtube.com. Web. 20 May 2015 <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7O_WnF5ywNQ>.
- In MLA, the citation is typically written as follows: “Video Title.” Youtube.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 June 2015 <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7O_WnF5ywNQ>.
- In Chicago, the citation is typically written as follows: “Video Title.” Youtube.com. Uploaded by author, n.d. Web. 25 June 2015 <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7O_WnF5ywNQ>.
For a complete listing of information on citing YouTube videos in different style manuals, keep on reading ahead.
How to Cite YouTube Video in APA Format
A video that is featured on YouTube can be cited within an APA formatted paper by following these steps:
Step 1: Detach the URL of the YouTube video and place it in between quotation marks.
Step 2: Add a comma and after the quotation marks, add “Online Video” or “Video” to indicate that it is a video, not just text.
Step 3: Add information about the author, such as their name.
Step 4: Cite the medium, such as “online video” or “video.”
Step 5: Briefly mention the type of video and whether it is a re-upload or not.
An example of the full citation is as follows:
“Double Rainbow – Paul Vasquez (Online Video).” Double Rainbow. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2014.<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPq4JojQbLA>.
If this citation is used within a paper, it should be cited as follows:
Vasquez, Paul. “Double Rainbow – Paul Vasquez.” Double Rainbow. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2014.<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPq4JojQbLA>. Or,
“Double Rainbow.” Double Rainbow. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2014.<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPq4JojQbLA>.
APA Format for YouTube Video Citations:
- Title of video
- Name or Pseudonym of the creator
- YouTube channel URL (if not already linked)
- Date of Publication
- Time of publication
- Name of the text
How to Cite YouTube Video in MLA Format
Step 1: Right-click on the video and select “Copy Video URL.”
Step 2: Open up a word processing program like Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or Pages.
Step 3: Select the menu option “Format” then “Insert,” then “Paste URL,” then “OK.”
Step 4: Select the menu option “View,” then click Cite YouTube Video in MLA Format.
Step 5: Copy the MLA formatted code and paste it into your assignment. When you are finished, select the menu option “File” then “Save.”
Example of YouTube video citation in MLA format:
Aardman Animations. “Creative Thinking.” YouTube, uploaded by Aardman Animations, 17 Apr. 2013. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc2P61wq5nM Accessed 5 Mar. 2019.
MLA Format for YouTube Video Citations:
The first step is to determine what information from the video you need to cite. You will need:
- Creator name
- Video title
- Format (Web Video)
- Publication Date
- Publisher name
- Location
How to Cite YouTube Video in Chicago Format
The following are steps on how to cite a YouTube video in Chicago style:
Step 1: Find the two pieces of information needed to cite the video. Insert the name of the person that recorded or uploaded the video. If you are not sure, then leave this blank.
Step 2: Type “YouTube” and a space and then include: Step 2: Insert the date when the video was uploaded.
Step 3: List down any title for this video or what it is about (if not available, leave it blank).
Step 4: Insert whether there are comments on these videos (yes/no).
Step 5: Insert the URL to the video (you can just copy and paste it).
Step 6: Insert how or where this video is available. If there are no restrictions for its use, leave it blank.
Step 7: Type the citation.
You should include as much information as you can because it makes it easier for readers to find your video. If there are any restrictions on where the video will be viewed, then type that in this box. For example, “Available at http://youtube.com/watch?v=dc0CfBQ-Xkc (Accessed May 5, 2012).”
Example of YouTube video citation in MLA format:
“Vanessa Hudgens’ ‘Grease’ Audition Tape” uploaded by “kevron2001” on 25 May 2007.
Chicago Format for YouTube Video Citations:
To cite a YouTube video in Chicago form, the following format should be used:
- Author Initials
- Last name
- Title of video
- Date, month, and year you accessed it
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