How to Cite YouTube Videos in APA

• Hannah Berry (Ph.D.)
• Published on 12/15/2023
• Updated on01/13/2024

This article navigates the intricacies of citing YouTube videos, presenting examples and step by step instructions for referencing both individual videos and entire channels in the APA format.

• YouTube Video Citation: Include uploader’s real name and channel, clarify content creation, italicize video title, and note upload date and URL.
• Citing Entire Channels: For complete channels, use uploader details, n.d. for creation date, specify the channel tab, and include [YouTube channel] in square brackets.
• Retrieval Date Inclusion: Add a retrieval date for entire channels to account for potential content changes over time.

Precision and Consistency: Ensure precision by citing the exact location of content, whether in a specific tab or video. Maintain consistency in formatting, including italics for titles, square brackets for descriptors, and proper citation structure. Livestream Citation: Treat unarchived live streams as personal communication and explicitly note their irretrievability. Consider the Video Description: Check the video description for additional context or relevant information to include in your citation. Staying Current with Precision: Stay current by providing specific upload or retrieval dates, acknowledging the dynamic nature of online content.

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HOW TO CITE YOUTUBE VIDEO

When citing YouTube videos, accuracy is paramount. Include the uploader’s account as the author, specifying both the real name and channel name if different, along with the upload date, italicized video title, and the video’s URL.

Here is a more detailed explanation of each component of the citation:

• Contributor: The individual(s) who uploaded the video is considered the author. If the uploader has a known real name, include both the real name and the channel name in square brackets.
• Publication Date: Specify the date the video was uploaded in the format (Year, Month Day).
• Title of Video: Italicize the title of the video, capitalizing the first letter of the first word and any subtitles (for videos only).
• Description: Include [Video] in square brackets after the title.
• Source: Indicate YouTube after the source description.
• URL: Provide the URL of the video.

SINGLE AUTHOR 

Citation	Baker, L. [LucySciFacts]. (2023, September 21). A journey into the future [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wxyz12345
Structure	Surname, Initial(s). [Channel name]. (Year, Month Day). Title of video [Video]. YouTube. URL

GROUP OR ORGANIZATION 

Citation	Nature World. [NatWrld]. (2023, October 25). The great elephant [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?q=heRoPPYfbt12xM
Structure	Group/Organization. [Channel name]. (Year, Month Day). Title of video [Video]. YouTube. URL

HOW TO CITE YOUTUBE CHANNEL

When citing an entire YouTube channel, include the uploader’s account as the author, specifying both the real name and channel name if different, use no date (n.d.) for the creation date. It’s important to note the title element uses the Home tab by default. If your citation content is found in another tab, such as Travel Vids or Music, it is advisable to use the name of that specific tab. Include [YouTube channel] in square brackets after the italicized channel title, and provide a retrieval date.

Here is a more detailed explanation of each component of the citation:

• Contributor: The individual(s) who uploaded the video is considered the author. If the uploader has a known real name, include both the real name and the channel name in square brackets.
• Publication Date: Use no date (n.d.) for the creation date.
• Title of Channel Tab: Uses Home tab by default or another tab title in italics.
• Description: Include [YouTube channel] in square brackets after the title.
• Source: Indicate YouTube after the channel description.
• Retrieval Date: The date the channel was accessed, as channel content may change over time.
• URL: Provide the from URL of the channel.

SINGLE AUTHOR 

Citation	Tailor, R .Y. [D&KHrncy]. (n.d.). Home [YouTube channel]. YouTube. Retrieved December 13, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/user/D&KHrncy/
Structure	Surname, Initial(s). [Channel name]. (n.d.). Home [YouTube channel]. YouTube. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from URL

GROUP OR ORGANIZATION 

Citation	Explorer Group. [Explrfreesp]. (n.d.). Travel vids [YouTube channel]. YouTube. Retrieved June 20, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/user/Explrfreesp/travelvids
Structure	Group/Organization. [Channel name]. (n.d.). Title of tab [YouTube channel]. YouTube. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from URL

IN-TEXT CITATION FOR YOUTUBE VIDEO

In addition to crafting accurate references for YouTube videos and channels, APA in-text citations are crucial for seamlessly integrating sourced information. 

Here are examples for parenthetical and narrative in-text citations when citing YouTube videos.

PARENTHETICAL IN-TEXT CITATION

In-text citation for a video by the uploader Tailor, R .Y.: 

Example	(Tailor, 2023)
Structure	(Contributor, Year)

In-text citation for a channel by the Explorer Group:

Example	(Explorer Group, n.d.)
Structure	(Contributor, n.d.)

NARRATIVE IN-TEXT CITATION

In-text citation for a video by the uploader Nature World: 

Example	Nature World (2023)
Structure	Contributor (Year)

In-text citation for a channel by the Baker, L.:

Example	Baker (n.d.)
Structure	Contributor (n.d.)