How to Cite a YouTube Video in ACS (4th edition)
Learn how to cite YouTube and online videos in ACS format (4th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
ACS Reference List Format
Here is the standard ACS format for citing a youtube video in your reference list:
ACS Example for a YouTube Video
A complete ACS reference for a youtube video, formatted by the official ACS CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
(1) Study Lab. Introduction to Citation Styles; 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBcD1234 (accessed 2026-01-10).
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 youtube video.
- Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the ACS (4th edition) 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 ACS 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: acs.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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I cite a youtube video in ACS?
- To cite a youtube video in ACS (4th edition), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
- What is the ACS format for a youtube video citation?
- The ACS format for a youtube video is: (1) Study Lab. Introduction to Citation Styles; 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBcD1234 (accessed 2026-01-10).
- What does the in-text citation look like for a youtube video in ACS?
- In ACS, the in-text citation for the example above is 1
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