In today’s digital age, YouTube has become a popular source for research, education, and entertainment. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or content creator, citing a YouTube video in your work is essential to avoid plagiarism and provide proper attribution. In this article, we’ll discuss how to cite a YouTube video and provide examples of different citation styles.
In addition to its popularity, YouTube also offers a wide range of videos covering various topics. One advantage of YouTube is that it allows you to easily combine videos online, making it a great resource for research and education. When citing a YouTube video, it’s important to include the necessary information to give credit to the original creator.
What is a citation?
A citation is a reference to a source of information used in your work, such as a research paper, article, or presentation. It helps readers locate and evaluate the information you used, and it provides credit to the original creator or author.
Why is it important to cite sources?
Citing sources is essential to avoid plagiarism, which is the act of presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own. Plagiarism is unethical and can result in serious consequences, such as failing a course, losing a job, or facing legal action. The proper citation also demonstrates academic integrity and respect for intellectual property.
How to cite a YouTube video in APA style
So, how to cite a Youtube video?
The American Psychological Association (APA) style is a commonly used citation style in the social sciences. To cite a YouTube video in APA style, follow the format below:
Author, A. A. [Screen name]. (Year, Month, Day). Title of video [Video]. YouTube. URL
Here’s an example:
Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell. (2018, March 20). Addiction [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao8L-0nSYzg
In this example, the author is Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell, the screen name is the same, the year is 2018, the month and day are March 20, the title of the video is “Addiction,” and the URL is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao8L-0nSYzg.
How to cite a YouTube video in MLA style
The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is a commonly used citation style in the humanities. To cite a YouTube video in MLA style, follow the format below:
Author’s Last name, First name. “Title of Video.” YouTube, uploaded by Screen name, Day Month Year, and URL.
Here’s an example
Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell. “Addiction.” YouTube, uploaded by Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell, 20 March 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao8L-0nSYzg.
In this example, the author is Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell, the screen name is the same, the day and month are March 20, the year is 2018, the title of the video is “Addiction,” and the URL is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao8L-0nSYzg.
How to cite a YouTube video in Chicago style
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) is a commonly used citation style in the humanities and social sciences. To cite a YouTube video in Chicago style, follow the format below:
Author’s First name Last name, “Title of Video,” YouTube video, length, posted by Screen name, Month Day, Year, URL.
Here’s an example
Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell, “Addiction,” YouTube video, 7:35, posted by Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell, March 20, 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao8L-0nSYzg.
In this example, the author is Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell, the screen name is the same, the length is 7 minutes and 35 seconds, the month and day are March 20, the year is 2018, the title of the video is “Addiction,” and the URL is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao8L-0nSYzg.
Tips for citing a YouTube video
– If the author of the video is not known, use the screen name instead.
– The video has a specific director, use the director’s name as the author.
– If you’re citing a specific part of the video, such as a quote or a specific time stamp, include the timestamp in your citation.
– The video is part of a larger series or playlist, include the title of the series or playlist in your citation.
– If you’re using a citation generator, double-check the accuracy of the information and make any necessary adjustments.
In addition to citing the video, it’s also important to evaluate the credibility and reliability of the source. Consider the reputation of the creator or channel, the accuracy and objectivity of the information, and the date and relevance of the video.
Conclusion
Citing a YouTube video is an essential part of research and academic writing. By following the appropriate citation style and including accurate information, you can provide proper attribution and avoid plagiarism. Remember to also evaluate the credibility and relevance of the source to ensure the quality of your work. With these tips, you can effectively cite a YouTube video and produce high-quality work.
