How to Cite Videos in Common Formats - Examples and Guidelines

Videos are becoming increasingly prevalent as sources of information. Citing videos correctly is essential for academic integrity and giving credit where it's due. 

In this guide, we'll explore how to cite videos in popular citation formats such as APA 7th Edition, MLA, Harvard, and Chicago. With our guide, you will learn how to cite a video in-text and on the reference page.

Let’s get started.

How to Cite A Video in APA 7th. Edition

APA 7th Edition provides specific guidelines for citing videos, especially when the author and the uploader are the same or different entities.

When the Author/Creator is Same as Uploader

When the author of the video is the same as the person or entity who uploaded it, you need to include the following: 

• The creator's name
• The publication date
• The title of the video
• The URL of the video

Reference List Format:

Author Last Name, First Initials. (Year, Month Day). Title of video [Video]. Website. URL

Example:

Here is the in-text citation for YouTube video in APA style: (Doe, 2023, 9:27)

Note that you have to add the timestamp in the in-text citation if you are using a direct quote. 

When the Author is Different from Uploader

If the author/creator and the uploader are different entities, you still follow an almost similar format, including the author's name, publication date, video title, and URL. The difference is that you have to include both the author’s name and the channel name in squared brackets, respectively. 

Reference List Format:

Author Last Name, First Initials. [Username]. (Year, Month Day). Title of video [Video]. Website. URL

Example:

In-text citation for the above reference would be: (Smith, 2022, 2:16)

How to Cite A Video in MLA Format

In MLA format, citing a youtube video involves specific elements that must be included in the citation to provide comprehensive information. Here’s how you do it:

Works Cited Entry Format:

Author Last Name, First name. “Title of Video.” Website, uploaded by Username Publication Date, URL.

Example:

In-text citation for a YouTube or any other video in MLA format typically includes:

• Author's last name or the name of the organization responsible for the video
• Followed by the timestamp or minute/second range in parentheses

This format helps readers locate the referenced segment within the video.

For example, for citing a specific segment of the above video, the in-text citation would be: (Doe 00:02:30) or (Doe 2:30-3:15).

When the Author is the Same as the Uploader

In instances when the person who uploaded the video and the one who owns the channel is the same, MLA style guides you to start the reference with the video title. This formatting approach avoids repetition in the works cited entry.

Works Cited Entry Format:

“Title of the Video.” Website, uploaded by Uploader, Publishing Date, URL.

Example

The in-text citation for the above works cited reference would be: (“The Science of Cooking” 5:15)

How to Cite a Video in Harvard Format

The Harvard citation style for videos follows a general format, but it's important to note that specific details may vary depending on the source type and the platform where the video is accessed.

Here’s what the format will include: 

• Author's name
• Publication year
• Title of the video
• Source or platform where it is found

Reference List Entry Format:

Smith, J. (2020) 'The Art of Science: Exploring the Cosmos', [Video]. Available at: https://www.example.com/science-video (Accessed: 15 February 2024).

If you’re mentioning the author's name within the sentence, the in-text citation would be:

In case the author's name is not mentioned in the sentence, the in-text citation would be: 

How to Cite a Video in Chicago Format

In Chicago style, citing an online video involves creating a bibliography entry providing full details of the video and using footnotes to cite it in the text. 

The bibliography entry should:

• Enclose the video title in quotation marks
• Indicate that the source is a video
• Specify its total duration

Footnotes might include a timestamp to pinpoint a specific part of the video, if necessary.

Chicago Note-Bibliography Format

Author Name. “Title of The Video.” Publication Date. Video, Length. URL.

Chicago Style Footnote Example:

Bibliography Entry Example:

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