How do I cite a youtube video in BibTeX?

To cite a youtube video in BibTeX (standard), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.

How to Cite a YouTube Video in BibTeX (standard)

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

BibTeX Reference List Format

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

BibTeX Example for a YouTube Video

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

@misc{Study2024Introduction, note = {[Online; accessed 2026-01-10]}, author = {{Study Lab}}, year = {2024}, month = {jan 10}, title = {Introduction to citation styles}, url = {https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBcD1234}, howpublished = {https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBcD1234}, }

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 BibTeX (standard) 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 BibTeX 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: bibtex.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 BibTeX?: To cite a youtube video in BibTeX (standard), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
What is the BibTeX format for a youtube video citation?: The BibTeX format for a youtube video is: @misc{Study2024Introduction, note = {[Online; accessed 2026-01-10]}, author = {{Study Lab}}, year = {2024}, month = {jan 10}, title = {Introduction to citation styles}, url = {https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBcD1234}, howpublished = {https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBcD1234}, }