Citing sources properly is essential in academic writing, and YouTube videos have become a common source of information for research papers. In APA (American Psychological Association) format, citing a YouTube video follows specific guidelines. This topic will explain how to create an in-text citation for a YouTube video in APA style, ensuring that your references are formatted correctly.
1. Why Cite YouTube Videos in APA Style?
Using YouTube as a source requires proper citation to:
- Give credit to the original creator
- Avoid plagiarism
- Provide clear references for readers to verify information
- Follow academic integrity guidelines
The 7th edition of the APA Manual provides clear rules for citing online videos, including those from YouTube.
2. General Format for YouTube In-Text Citations
a) Basic Structure
An in-text citation in APA format includes:
- The author’s last name (or the channel name if no real name is available)
- The year of publication
- The timestamp (if quoting a specific part of the video)
Example 1: Author Name Available
(Smith, 2022)
Example 2: No Author Name (Use Channel Name)
(National Geographic, 2021)
Example 3: With a Timestamp
(Smith, 2022, 2:15) → This means the cited information appears at 2 minutes and 15 seconds into the video.
3. How to Cite YouTube Videos in APA References List
In addition to the in-text citation, the full reference for a YouTube video must be included in the references section of your paper. The format follows:
Author or Channel Name. (Year, Month Date). Title of video [Video]. YouTube. URL
Example of a Reference List Entry:
National Geographic. (2021, March 10). The mystery of the ocean’s deep [Video]. YouTube.
If the real name of the author is available, it should be used before the channel name in square brackets.
Example with a Real Author Name:
Smith, J. [Science Daily]. (2022, June 5). How black holes are formed [Video]. YouTube.
4. Different Cases for YouTube Citations
a) No Author Name Available
If the video does not have a specific author, use the channel name instead.
In-Text Citation Example:
(NASA, 2020)
Reference List Example:
NASA. (2020, October 15). Exploring Mars: The journey so far [Video]. YouTube.
b) No Date Available
If no date is available, use n.d. (no date) instead.
In-Text Citation Example:
(History Channel, n.d.)
Reference List Example:
History Channel. (n.d.). Ancient civilizations: The lost cities [Video]. YouTube.
c) Citing a YouTube Comment
If citing a comment from a YouTube video, use the commenter’s username, the date, and a direct URL to the comment.
Example:
JohnDoe123. (2021, July 8). This explanation was really helpful! [Comment on the video “Understanding Quantum Physics”]. YouTube.
5. Where to Place In-Text Citations
In-text citations for YouTube videos should be placed within the sentence where the information is referenced.
Example in a Sentence:
According to NASA (2020), Mars exploration has provided significant insights into planetary science.
Or, if placed at the end of a sentence:
Mars exploration has led to major scientific discoveries (NASA, 2020).
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
a) Can I Use a YouTube Video as a Primary Source?
Yes, YouTube videos can be used as primary sources, especially if they contain original research, interviews, or expert opinions.
b) How Do I Cite a YouTube Video in APA If I Used Multiple Parts of the Video?
Use multiple timestamps to indicate different sections.
Example:
(Smith, 2022, 1:05, 3:45, 7:20)
c) Can I Cite a YouTube Video Without a URL?
No. The URL is required in the reference list so that readers can access the source.
7. Conclusion
Citing YouTube videos in APA format is essential for academic and professional writing. In-text citations should include the author or channel name, year, and timestamp, while the full reference list should follow APA guidelines with the video title, publication date, and URL.
By following these rules, you ensure that your sources are properly cited, maintaining credibility and academic integrity in your work.