How to Cite Podcasts in APA Format
Podcasts have emerged as a valuable medium for sharing expert knowledge, conducting interviews, and exploring complex topics in accessible formats. Whether you're citing Serial, RadioLab, The Daily, or an academic podcast, understanding APA 7th edition podcast citation format ensures your research properly credits audio content creators while maintaining scholarly standards.
Why Podcast Citations Matter
The podcast boom has transformed how we access information, bringing expert voices and in-depth discussions to millions of listeners. Podcasts feature interviews with researchers, primary source accounts, expert commentary, and investigative journalism that serve as legitimate sources for academic research. Fields including communications, media studies, journalism, psychology, and cultural studies increasingly recognize podcasts as valuable scholarly sources deserving proper citation.
APA 7th edition provides clear guidelines for citing podcast episodes and series as audio sources. Understanding these formats helps you distinguish between citing individual episodes versus entire podcast series, and ensures consistency in how you document audio content alongside traditional sources in your reference list.
Basic Format for Podcast Citations
Podcast episode:
Host, H. H. (Host). (Year, Month Day). Episode title (No. episode number) [Audio podcast episode]. In Podcast name. Production Company. URL
Podcast episode (simpler format):
Host, H. H. (Host). (Year, Month Day). Episode title [Audio podcast episode]. In Podcast name. URL
In-text Citation:
- Parenthetical: (Host, Year)
- Narrative: Host (Year)
- With timestamp: (Host, Year, 12:30)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Identify the Host
The podcast host is typically listed as the author, followed by "(Host)." in parentheses. For podcasts with multiple hosts, list all hosts separated by commas with "(Hosts)." If the episode features a guest as the primary speaker and you're citing their contribution specifically, you may list the guest as the author followed by "(Guest)" or "(Interviewee)." Use your judgment about who provides the content you're citing.
Step 2: Record the Release Date
Use the date the podcast episode was released or published, formatted as (Year, Month Day). This information typically appears in podcast apps, on the podcast's website, or in episode descriptions. Use the original release date, not the date you listened to the episode.
Step 3: Format the Episode Title
The episode title uses sentence case: capitalize only the first word, the first word after a colon or dash, and proper nouns. Do not italicize or use quotation marks around the episode title. If the episode has a number, include it in parentheses after the title: (No. 245) or (Episode 12).
Step 4: Specify the Medium
After the episode title and number, include [Audio podcast episode] in square brackets. This descriptor clarifies the format for readers. Some podcasts also offer video versions—use [Video podcast episode] if you watched rather than listened.
Step 5: Add "In" and the Podcast Series Name
After the episode information, write "In" followed by the podcast series name in italics. This distinguishes the individual episode title from the overall podcast series name. Use the official podcast series name as it appears on platforms like Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Step 6: Include Production Company (Optional)
You may include the production company or network after the podcast name if it's relevant and easily identifiable (like NPR, Gimlet Media, or The New York Times). This is optional but can help readers locate the podcast.
Step 7: Add the URL
Include a direct URL to the episode if available. This might be from the podcast's website, Apple Podcasts web player, Spotify, or another podcast platform. Choose a URL that's most likely to remain accessible—podcast websites are generally more stable than platform-specific links.
Detailed Examples
Example 1: Podcast Episode with Single Host
Reference list:
Barbaro, M. (Host). (2025, January 15). The future of renewable energy in America [Audio podcast episode]. In The Daily. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/15/podcasts/the-daily/renewable-energy.html
In-text citation:
(Barbaro, 2025)
Standard podcast episode citation with host, episode title, series name, and production company.
Example 2: Podcast Episode with Multiple Hosts
Reference list:
Abumrad, J., & Krulwich, R. (Hosts). (2024, March 22). The mathematics of love (No. 487) [Audio podcast episode]. In Radiolab. WNYC Studios. https://radiolab.org/podcast/mathematics-of-love
In-text citation:
(Abumrad & Krulwich, 2024)
For multiple hosts, list all names and use "(Hosts)." Include episode number if provided.
Example 3: Interview Podcast Episode
Reference list:
Gross, T. (Host). (2024, July 10). Isabel Wilkerson on caste and American inequality [Audio podcast episode]. In Fresh Air. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2024/07/10/fresh-air-wilkerson-caste
In-text citation:
(Gross, 2024)
For interview episodes, the host is typically the author unless you're specifically citing the guest's words.
Example 4: Narrative Podcast Episode
Reference list:
Koenig, S. (Host). (2023, October 5). The alibi (No. 1) [Audio podcast episode]. In Serial. Serial Productions & The New York Times. https://serialpodcast.org/season-one/1/the-alibi
In-text citation:
(Koenig, 2023)
Narrative podcasts cite the narrator or host as the author, with episode numbers for serialized content.
Example 5: Academic Podcast
Reference list:
Miller, S., & Chen, L. (Hosts). (2024, November 18). Understanding neuroplasticity in adult learning [Audio podcast episode]. In The Psychology Podcast. https://psychologypodcast.com/neuroplasticity-adult-learning
In-text citation:
(Miller & Chen, 2024)
Academic podcasts follow the same format, emphasizing the scholarly hosts and topic.
Example 6: Entire Podcast Series
Reference list:
Rath, A., & Spiegel, A. (Hosts). (2018–present). Invisibilia [Audio podcast]. NPR. https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510307/invisibilia
In-text citation:
(Rath & Spiegel, 2018–present)
To cite an entire podcast series rather than a single episode, italicize the series name and include the date range.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Forgetting the "(Host)" Designation
Always include "(Host)" or "(Hosts)" after the name(s). This clarifies the person's role and distinguishes podcast citations from other source types.
2. Italicizing the Episode Title
Only the podcast series name should be italicized, not the individual episode title. This mirrors how book chapters (not italicized) appear in book titles (italicized).
3. Omitting "In" Before the Series Name
The word "In" before the podcast series name is required. It signals that the episode is part of a larger series, similar to citing a chapter in an edited book.
4. Using the Wrong Date
Use the episode's release date, not the date you listened to it. Podcast platforms display release dates in episode descriptions.
5. Confusing Podcast Networks with Production Companies
The production company is the entity that created the podcast (like Gimlet Media or NPR), not necessarily where you listen to it (like Spotify or Apple Podcasts). Including the production company is optional but helpful.
6. Not Including [Audio podcast episode]
Always include the medium descriptor in brackets. This tells readers what type of content they'll encounter at the URL.
7. Using Platform-Specific URLs
When possible, use the podcast's own website URL rather than Spotify or Apple Podcasts URLs, as these are more likely to remain accessible. However, platform URLs are acceptable if no podcast website exists.
Quick Reference Guide
Essential Elements for Podcast Episode Citations:
- Host name(s) with (Host) or (Hosts)
- Release date - (Year, Month Day)
- Episode title in sentence case
- Episode number (if applicable) - (No. X)
- [Audio podcast episode] in brackets
- "In" followed by podcast series name in italics
- Production company (optional)
- URL to episode
Special Podcast Types
- Guest-focused episode: May list guest as author with (Guest) designation
- Video podcast: Use [Video podcast episode] instead
- Podcast transcript: Cite as podcast, note transcript in text if relevant
- Podcast season: Can include season information in episode number
- Limited series: Cite individual episodes as usual
Using Timestamps
When citing a specific moment in a podcast, include a timestamp in your in-text citation to help readers find the exact reference:
(Barbaro, 2025, 12:30) or (Abumrad & Krulwich, 2024, 45:12)
Finding Podcast Citation Information
Gather citation details from these sources:
- Podcast website: Episode titles, descriptions, release dates
- Podcast apps: Apple Podcasts, Spotify show episode information
- Episode description: Often lists hosts, guests, production details
- Podcast credits: Production company information
- Show notes: May include links and additional context
Podcast vs. Other Audio Sources
Podcast vs. Radio Broadcast
Traditional radio broadcasts (not available as podcasts) use a slightly different format, noting [Radio broadcast] instead of [Audio podcast episode]. However, many radio shows are now distributed as podcasts—cite the version you accessed.
Podcast vs. Audiobook
Audiobooks are cited as books with [Audiobook] notation, not as podcasts. The distinction is content format: books read aloud versus original audio content.
Podcast vs. Online Audio
If audio content isn't distributed through podcast feeds or platforms, it might be better cited as online multimedia. True podcasts have RSS feeds and episode structures.
Generate Perfect Podcast Citations Automatically
Citing podcasts doesn't have to be complicated. Our free APA citation generator handles all podcast formats, from single episodes to entire series. Enter the podcast details or URL and get a perfectly formatted citation in seconds.
Try Free APA Citation Generator →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I cite the host or the guest in an interview podcast?
Typically cite the host as the author. However, if you're specifically referencing the guest's expertise or statements, you may list the guest as the author with "(Guest)" or "(Interviewee)" designation, or mention them in your text while keeping the host as the cited author.
What if the podcast doesn't have episode numbers?
Many podcasts don't use episode numbers. Simply omit the episode number from your citation—it's not required if the podcast doesn't use numbering.
Should I include the podcast episode length?
No. APA format doesn't require episode duration. You may mention it in your text if relevant to your discussion.
How do I cite a podcast I listened to on Spotify?
Use the podcast's own website URL if available. If the podcast is exclusive to Spotify or has no website, you may use the Spotify URL, but note that this may be less accessible to readers without Spotify accounts.
What if I can't find the original release date?
Release dates are usually visible in podcast apps and websites. If truly unavailable, use "n.d." for no date, though this is rare for podcasts.
Can I cite podcast show notes or transcripts?
Cite the podcast episode itself. If you're specifically using information from show notes or transcripts, mention this in your text: "In the episode transcript..." but the citation remains the podcast episode.