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How to Cite a YouTube Video in ACM (current)

Learn how to cite YouTube and online videos in ACM format (current). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

ACM Reference List Format

Here is the standard ACM format for citing a youtube video in your reference list:

ACM Example for a YouTube Video

A complete ACM reference for a youtube video, formatted by the official ACM CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:

[1] Study Lab. 2024. Introduction to citation styles. Retrieved January 10, 2026 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBcD1234

Matching in-text citation: [1]

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your youtube video.
  2. Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the ACM (current) template shown above.
  3. Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
  4. Add to your reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
  5. Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match ACM 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: acm.csl

Metadata to collect

  • channel name and the creator's real name if known
  • video title
  • upload date
  • running time
  • video URL
  • timestamp of the passage you quote

Common metadata traps

  • Use the upload date shown under the video, not the date you watched it.
  • Credit the channel as author only when it made the video; otherwise name the creator and note the channel.
Read the detailed source guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a youtube video in ACM?
To cite a youtube video in ACM (current), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
What is the ACM format for a youtube video citation?
The ACM format for a youtube video is: [1] Study Lab. 2024. Introduction to citation styles. Retrieved January 10, 2026 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBcD1234
What does the in-text citation look like for a youtube video in ACM?
In ACM, the in-text citation for the example above is [1]

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Cite a YouTube Video in Other Styles

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