How to Cite a YouTube Video in APA/MLA/Chicago

While referring to citing information, you might think of journals or books. YouTube, however, as one of the video sharing sites, provides numerous informative visual contents. Even though there are channels posting questionable content, YouTube video is the most direct way to explain or prove your idea.

In order to help you out, we now summarized three ways to cite a YouTube video, including in APA, MLA and Chicago format. These methods also work when you need to cite videos from other sites. Refer to the part you need.

Also Read: How to Add Music to Instagram Story >

Cite a YouTube Video

Cite a YouTube Video in APA Format

APA is the most general format to cite online videos. The information need to be included are as follows:

* Video creators’ name and the screen name. The screen name should include brackets. If you only know the screen name, then only write the screen name without brackets.

* Date. The date when the video is uploaded. (year, month, day).

* Title of the video and video file.

* URL. Where did you retrieve the video.

APA is the most general format to cite online videos. The information need to be included are as follows:

Example of a citation with creator’s full name:

Britney Spears. [1 Million Dance Studio]. (2020, December, 9). Toxic [Video File]. Retrieved from http://URL.com

Example of a citation with creator’s full name:

1 Million Dance Studio. (2020, December, 9). Toxic [Video File]. Retrieved from http://URL.com

In-text: (1milliondancestudio, 2020)

Cite a YouTube Video in MLA Format

MLA is also one of the formats for citing online videos. Information that must be included are as follows.

* Author’s name.

* Title of the video.

* The people’s name who uploaded the video.

* Date when the video was uploaded. (day, month, year)

* URL.

Example of citation with the same author and uploader or unknown uploader:

“Toxic.” YouTube, uploaded by 1 Million Dance Studio, 09, 12, 2020, https://www.URL.com.

Example of citation with different author and uploader:

Britney Spears. “Toxic.” YouTube, uploaded by 1 Million Dance Studio, 09, 12, 2020, https://www.URL.com.

In-text: (“1 Million Dance Studio,” 00:00:00-00:01:30).

Cite a YouTube Video in Chicago Format

To cite a YouTube video in Chicago format, you need to have the following information.

* The people’s name who post it.

* Title of the video.

* YouTube video name.

* Video length.

* Date published.

* URL.

Example of citation in Chicago:

1 Million Dance Studio. “Toxic.” YouTube video, 00:12:20. March, 20, 2020. http://www.URL.com.

Bonus Tip: How to Create an Excellent Video for Citation

If you can’t find a quality YouTube video for citing, why not create a video of your own? Don’t be frightened by this idea, as a matter of fact, creating a video for citing only takes a few minutes with FlexClip video maker.

FlexClip video maker contains all necessary video editing tools. You can use it to add text, music, transition, effect, and change aspect ratio, video speed and more. All edits can be realized in clicks. Moreover, FlexClip provides a stock library with millions of photos, video clips and music. They are all free to use. Last but not least, we have numerous pre-made templates for you to edit directly. Why Not Give It A Try Now>

Elena /

Member of PearlMountain Limited. Has a mania for video editing. Love to share photo/video shooting tips and ideas.