How to Cite a YouTube Video in APA (7th edition)
Learn how to cite YouTube and online videos in APA format (7th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
APA Reference List Format
Here is the standard APA format for citing a youtube video in your reference list:
Author, A. A. [Screen Name]. (Year, Month Day). Title of video [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxxxx
APA Example for a YouTube Video
A complete APA reference for a youtube video, formatted by the official APA CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
Study Lab. (2024, January 10). Introduction to citation styles [Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBcD1234
Matching in-text citation: (Study Lab, 2024)
APA In-Text Citation
Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:
Parenthetical
(Channel Name, 2024)
Narrative
Channel Name (2024) demonstrates...
Key APA Formatting Rules
- Put the person or channel that uploaded the video in the author position; add the screen name in square brackets when both are known.
- Give the full upload date as (Year, Month Day).
- Italicize the video title and follow it with the descriptor [Video].
- Name YouTube as the site, then the full URL with no period after it.
- In the text, add a timestamp (e.g. 2:15) when you quote from the video.
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 APA (7th 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 APA 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: apa.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.
Editorial sources
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I cite a youtube video in APA?
- To cite a youtube video in APA (7th edition), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
- What is the APA format for a youtube video citation?
- The APA format for a youtube video is: Author, A. A. [Screen Name]. (Year, Month Day). Title of video [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxxxx
- What does the in-text citation look like for a youtube video in APA?
- In APA, the in-text citation for the example above is (Channel Name, 2024)
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