How to Cite a Podcast in PLOS (current)
Learn how to cite podcast episodes and series in PLOS format (current). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
PLOS Reference List Format
Here is the standard PLOS format for citing a podcast in your reference list:
PLOS Example for a Podcast
A complete PLOS reference for a podcast, formatted by the official PLOS CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
1. Garcia M. Research methods today. The Academic Hour. Scholar Media; 2024. Available: https://www.example.org/academic-hour/42
Matching in-text citation: [1]
Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your podcast.
- Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the PLOS (current) template shown above.
- Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
- Add to your reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
- Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match PLOS requirements.
Evidence and review notes
Worked examples are generated by citeproc from the published CSL definition, not written by a language model. Editorial guidance and sources in this section were reviewed on 2026-08-14.
CSL style record: plos.csl
Metadata to collect
- host or producer
- episode title
- podcast name
- season and episode numbers
- release date
- publisher or platform
- URL
Common metadata traps
- Cite the specific episode rather than the podcast as a whole.
- Prefer the publisher's own episode page over an app link that only some readers can open.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I cite a podcast in PLOS?
- To cite a podcast in PLOS (current), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
- What is the PLOS format for a podcast citation?
- The PLOS format for a podcast is: 1. Garcia M. Research methods today. The Academic Hour. Scholar Media; 2024. Available: https://www.example.org/academic-hour/42
- What does the in-text citation look like for a podcast in PLOS?
- In PLOS, the in-text citation for the example above is [1]
Generate This Citation Automatically
Skip the manual formatting. Paste a DOI, URL, or ISBN into CitationEasy and get a perfectly formatted PLOS citation in seconds.
Cite in PLOS Now →Generate this citation
Paste a URL, DOI, ISBN, or the source details and get a finished PLOS citation for a Podcast.
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