How To Cite YouTube Videos in MLA: A Definitive Guide
Citing YouTube videos in MLA format is a straightforward process once you understand the key elements involved. The core principle is to provide enough information for your readers to locate the exact video you’re referencing. The basic structure follows the MLA format for citing online videos, which includes the creator’s name (if available), the video title, the platform (YouTube), the date of publication, and the URL. A simple formula: Author (or Username). “Title of Video.” YouTube, uploaded by Username (if different), Date Published, URL.
Decoding the MLA YouTube Citation
Let’s break down each component of the citation:
Author/Username: This refers to the individual or organization that uploaded the video. If a real name is available, use it (Last Name, First Name). If only a username is available, use that. The important thing is to be as specific as possible. If the actual author of the video is different from the uploader, include the uploader’s name after “uploaded by,” as seen in the formula above.
“Title of Video”: Enclose the title of the video in quotation marks. Use title case, capitalizing the first letter of each major word.
YouTube: The name of the platform should be italicized. This indicates the source of the video.
Uploaded by Username (If Different): Only include this element if the uploader is different from the creator. This is common with channels featuring content from various sources.
Date Published: Use the date the video was uploaded to YouTube, following the Day Month Year format (e.g., 15 June 2023).
URL: Include the complete URL of the YouTube video. Make sure it’s a direct link to the specific video you’re citing.
Example:
Smith, John. “The History of the Internet.” YouTube, 10 Jan. 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ.
Crafting the Perfect Works Cited Entry: Step-by-Step
Identify the Uploader: Start by finding the name or username associated with the account that uploaded the video. Look for the uploader’s name below the video title.
Capture the Video Title: Copy the full title of the video. Ensure you use title case.
Note the Publication Date: The upload date is usually displayed below the video, often next to the uploader’s name.
Grab the URL: Copy the complete URL from the address bar of your browser.
Assemble the Citation: Follow the MLA format described above, piecing together all the gathered information.
In-Text Citations
Remember that you’ll also need to include in-text citations when you reference the video’s content within your paper. For in-text citations, use the first element of your Works Cited entry (usually the author’s last name or the username) and the relevant time stamp.
Example: (Smith 0:30-1:15)
This indicates that the information cited comes from John Smith’s video, between the 30-second and 1-minute 15-second marks.
FAQs: Mastering YouTube Citations in MLA
Here are answers to common questions about citing YouTube videos in MLA format:
1. What if the author and uploader are the same?
If the author and uploader are the same, you only need to list the author’s name or username once at the beginning of the citation. Don’t repeat the name after “uploaded by.”
Example:
Doe, Jane. “Analyzing Shakespeare’s Sonnets.” YouTube, 5 Mar. 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=abcdefg123.
2. How do I cite a YouTube comment?
Citing YouTube comments requires a slightly different approach. Include the commenter’s username, the full comment (in quotation marks), the video title, the uploader, the date the comment was posted, and the URL.
Example:
RandomUser123. “This video really helped me understand the concept!” Comment on: “Quantum Physics Explained,” uploaded by ScienceChannel, 12 Sept. 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyz789.
3. What if there’s no author listed, only a channel name?
If only a channel name is available, use that channel name as the author in your citation. Treat the channel name like you would treat a person’s name.
Example:
TED. “The Power of Vulnerability.” YouTube, 23 Dec. 2010, www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCvmsMzlF7o.
4. How do I cite a live stream on YouTube?
Cite a live stream the same way you would cite a regular YouTube video. If the live stream is still ongoing, include the date you accessed it after the URL.
Example:
GamingGuru. “Live Gaming Session: Fortnite.” YouTube, 14 July 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmn456, Accessed 14 July 2024.
5. How do I cite a YouTube video that has been removed?
If the video is no longer available, indicate that in your citation. Use the phrase “Video removed.”
Example:
ExampleUser. “Lost Footage.” YouTube, Video removed.
6. What if I am citing a specific part of a YouTube video?
If you’re citing a specific segment of a video, you can include the time stamp in your in-text citation. In the works cited entry, cite the video as usual, but in your prose and in-text citation make sure to cite the specific timestamp.
Example In-Text: (Smith 1:22-2:00)
7. Do I need to include the views, likes, or dislikes of the video?
No, MLA format does not require you to include the view count, number of likes, or dislikes in your citation. Focus solely on the essential elements: author, title, platform, date, and URL.
8. How do I cite a YouTube playlist?
Citing a YouTube playlist requires including the name of the playlist (in quotation marks), the platform, and the uploader (if different from the channel name). If the channel name and uploader are the same, just include the channel name. Make sure to include the URL to the playlist.
Example:
EpicMusicChannel. “Best Epic Music.” YouTube, www.youtube.com/playlist?list=abcdefgh.
9. What if the YouTube video has been edited and re-uploaded?
If the video has been edited and re-uploaded, cite the version you viewed. If both versions are available, consider citing the original if its content is crucial to your argument.
10. What if the YouTube video is unlisted and not publicly searchable?
If the video is unlisted, you can still cite it. Include the same elements as a regular citation, but add “Unlisted video” after the title. Be aware that your readers may not be able to access an unlisted video.
Example:
PrivateUser. “Secret Project Reveal.” YouTube, Unlisted video, 1 Jan. 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=private123.
11. How do I format the URL in my Works Cited list?
The MLA Handbook advises to include the full URL. You do not need to remove the “https://” portion of the address. If the URL is excessively long, you may shorten it, as long as it still leads directly to the video in question.
12. Can I use a citation generator for YouTube videos?
While citation generators can be helpful, always double-check their output for accuracy. Citation styles evolve, and generators may not always be up-to-date with the latest MLA guidelines. Use generators as a starting point, but meticulously review and correct the citation to ensure it aligns with MLA standards. Manually reviewing citations ensures accuracy and strengthens your understanding of MLA formatting principles.
By following these guidelines, you can accurately and effectively cite YouTube videos in your academic work, enhancing your credibility and avoiding plagiarism. Remember to always prioritize accuracy and consistency when applying MLA style.
Leave a Reply