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Nathan D.
Nathan D.

How to Cite Videos in Common Formats - Examples and Guidelines

6 min read

Published on: Jun 24, 2024

Last updated on: Jul 22, 2024

how to cite a video examples

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:

Doe, J. (2023, January 15). The Art of Coding [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXXXXX

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:

Smith, A. [Artisan Coder]. (2022, March 20). Mastering Python [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYYYYY

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:

Doe, John. “The Art of Coding.” YouTube, uploaded by Doe Productions, 15 Jan. 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXXXXX.

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 Science of Cooking.” YouTube, uploaded by Culinary Explorations, 20 Nov. 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYYYYY.

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:

According to Smith (2020), the exploration of the cosmos requires an artistic approach.

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

The exploration of the cosmos requires an artistic approach (Smith, 2020).

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:

  1. John Smith, “Exploring the Universe: A Journey Through Space,” January 10, 2023, documentary, 0:15:45, https://www.example.com/universe-video.
  2. Smith, “Exploring the Universe,” 0:45:30.

Bibliography Entry Example:

Smith, John. “Exploring the Universe: A Journey Through Space.” January 10, 2023. Documentary, 1:30:25. https://www.example.com/universe-video.

Expert Tip

Check out our blog on citation examples to get various other examples of citations according to different citation styles. 

Utilize PerfectEssayWriter.ai for Quick and Accurate Citations

Struggling with video citations? Simplify your academic journey with PerfectEssayWriter.ai's Citation Machine. Say goodbye to citation stress and ensure your references are flawless. 

Whether it's APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago style, our user-friendly tool guarantees quick and accurate citations. Elevate your writing game – try the Citation Machine now and enjoy a seamless citation process. Your citations, perfected in just a few clicks!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a video with multiple creators?

For APA style, if you're citing a video with multiple creators, you would list up to 20 creators in the reference list. Here's how you would do it:

APA Format:

Lastname1, Firstname1., Lastname2, Firstname2., Lastname3, Firstname3., ... Lastname20, Firstname20. (Year). Title of the Video [Video]. Platform Name. URL

Example:

Smith, J., Johnson, A., & Brown, K. (2021). The Evolution of Technology [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXXXX

For MLA style, the citation format for a video with multiple creators is slightly different:

MLA Format:

Lastname1, Firstname1, et al. "Title of the Video." Platform Name, Year, URL.

Example:

Smith, John, et al. "The Evolution of Technology." YouTube, 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXXXX.

Can I cite a video without an author?

Yes, you can. Use the name of the organization or the username associated with the video as the author. If neither is available, you can omit the author and begin the citation with the title.

Here is an APA Format Example:
Doe, J. (n.d.). Introduction to Quantum Mechanics [Video]. Vimeo. https://vimeo.com/XXXXXX

How do I cite a video with no publication date?

In both APA and MLA styles, "n.d." is used to indicate that no publication date is available for the video. Other than that, this rule also applies to Chicago and Harvard style. 

How do I cite a video from a streaming platform like Netflix or Hulu?

In APA and MLA formats, cite the video as you would any other online video, including the title, platform (e.g., Netflix), and URL (if available).

Here is an APA Format Example:

Netflix. (2020). The Social Dilemma [TV Show]. https://www.netflix.com/title/XXXXX

How to Cite a video game in MLA?

In MLA format, cite a video game like this:

Author (if known). Title of Game. Version number, Publisher, Year of Publication. Platform. URL or DOI (if online).

Example:

Rockstar North. Grand Theft Auto V. Xbox One, Rockstar Games, 2014.

Nathan D.

WRITTEN BY

Nathan D. (Literary analysis)

Introducing Nathan D., PhD, an esteemed author on PerfectEssayWriter.ai. With a profound background in Literary Analysis and expertise in Educational Theories, Nathan brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to his writings. His passion for dissecting literature and exploring educational concepts shines through in his meticulously crafted essays and analyses. As a seasoned academic, Nathan's contributions enrich our platform, offering valuable perspectives and engaging content for our readers.

Introducing Nathan D., PhD, an esteemed author on PerfectEssayWriter.ai. With a profound background in Literary Analysis and expertise in Educational Theories, Nathan brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to his writings. His passion for dissecting literature and exploring educational concepts shines through in his meticulously crafted essays and analyses. As a seasoned academic, Nathan's contributions enrich our platform, offering valuable perspectives and engaging content for our readers.

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