How to cite a YouTube video in APA
To cite a YouTube video in a reference entry in APA style 6th edition include the following elements:
- Author(s) of the YouTube video: The person who posted the video is credited as the author. Use the person's real name if available followed by the user name.
- User name: If the user name is not visible on the page, check the 'About page' of the user that uploaded the video.
- Date of publication: Give the year, month and day in brackets followed by a full stop, e.g. (2019, June 13).
- Title of the video: Only the first letter of the first word and proper nouns are capitalized.
- URL: Give the full URL of the web page including the protocol (http:// or https://).
Here is the basic format for a reference list entry of a YouTube video in APA style 6th edition:
. [User name] (Date of publication). Title of the video [Video file]. Retrieved from URL
APA reference list examples
Take a look at our reference list examples that demonstrate the APA style guidelines for a YouTube video citation in action:
A YouTube video where the creator's real name is not provided
. (2017, September 28). How to learn faster [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9SptdjpJBQ
Note: The person's real name is not available, the user name is used instead.
A YouTube video where the creator's real name is available
. (2019, June 13). The life changing magic of detective Pikachu [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97KJhK-9yvc
A YouTube video where both the creator's real name and the user name are available
. [electrickeye91]. (2017, February 8). How to learn faster with the Feynman technique (example included) [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f-qkGJBPts
This citation style guide is based on the official Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th edition).