Citing a YouTube video in APA format requires you to provide enough information for your reader to easily locate the source. Here's how to do it:
Basic Information
- Author: If the video is created by an individual, use their name. If it's created by an organization, use the organization's name. If the creator is unknown, use "Anonymous" or "Unknown."
- Year: The year the video was published.
- Title: The title of the video.
- Retrieved from: The URL of the video.
Example:
In-Text Citation:
- (Smith, 2023)
- Smith (2023) explains...
Reference List Entry:
- Smith, J. (2023, March 15). How to make a perfect cup of coffee [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abcdefg123
Additional Details (Optional):
- Channel: If you want to provide extra context, you can include the name of the YouTube channel in brackets after the title. For example: How to make a perfect cup of coffee [Video]. YouTube. [Coffee Lovers Channel]
- Time Stamp: If you're referencing a specific part of the video, add the time stamp in parentheses after the title. For example: How to make a perfect cup of coffee [Video]. YouTube. (1:35-2:10)
- Publisher: For videos uploaded by official organizations or institutions, you can include the publisher after the title. For example: How to make a perfect cup of coffee [Video]. YouTube. [The Coffee Institute]
Practical Tips:
- Double-check the information: Make sure the author, year, title, and URL are accurate.
- Copy and paste the URL: To avoid typos, copy and paste the video's URL directly from your browser.
- Use a citation generator: Many online citation generators can help you format your YouTube citations correctly.
Example of a Citation Using a Time Stamp:
In-Text Citation:
- (Smith, 2023, 1:35-2:10)
- Smith (2023) demonstrates the proper way to grind coffee beans (1:35-2:10).
Reference List Entry:
- Smith, J. (2023, March 15). How to make a perfect cup of coffee [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abcdefg123 (1:35-2:10)
Conclusion
Citing YouTube videos in APA format is straightforward. By including the essential information and using the correct formatting, you can ensure your sources are properly credited and easily accessible for your readers.
