Citing YouTube Videos Like a Pro: Your Complete Guide to APA 7th Edition
So, you’re diving into the vast ocean of YouTube for research, and now you need to cite a YouTube video using APA 7th edition. Fear not! It’s simpler than you think. Here’s the fundamental format:
Creator, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of video [Video]. YouTube. URL
Let’s break that down piece by piece to ensure you’re crafting citations that are both accurate and polished, and then, we’ll tackle some FAQs to cover all the tricky scenarios.
Deconstructing the Perfect APA YouTube Citation
Understanding each element of the APA 7th edition citation format will make the process smooth and efficient.
1. The Creator
The “Creator” isn’t always who you expect. Look for the individual or organization that uploaded the video, not necessarily the person in the video. If it’s an individual, use their last name, followed by a comma and their initials (e.g., Smith, J.). If it’s an organization, use the organization’s name (e.g., National Geographic). If the creator’s real name is not available, use their YouTube channel name.
2. The Date: Precision is Key
This is when the video was uploaded, not created. Look for the date directly below the video. The format is Year, Month Day (e.g., 2023, October 26). Be precise!
3. Title of Video: Italicized and Case Sensitive
The title should be italicized. Use the same capitalization that is used on YouTube. This generally means that you only capitalize the first word of the title and any proper nouns.
4. [Video]: The Bracketed Description
This descriptor, “[Video]”, is essential for clarity. It helps readers understand the format of the source. It’s always enclosed in square brackets.
5. YouTube: The Platform Identifier
This indicates the platform where the video is hosted. Simply write “YouTube” without italics.
6. URL: The Digital Address
Copy the full URL of the video from your browser’s address bar. Make sure it is a working link.
Examples in Action: Putting it All Together
Here are a few examples to solidify your understanding:
Example 1: Individual Creator
Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell. (2019, October 24). The egg – A short story [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzGWGW-pK7Q
Example 2: Organizational Creator
National Geographic. (2023, September 28). Why are so many people freezing their eggs? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K91hW2J3kG4
Example 3: Channel Name as Creator
TED. (2023, October 25). How to practice emotional first aid | Guy Winch [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKm_wA-Wd48
In-Text Citations: The Shorter Version
Remember, you also need to cite the video within the body of your paper. For in-text citations, use the following format:
- Narrative: Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell (2019) explained…
- Parenthetical: …as explained in a short story (Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell, 2019).
If you are referencing a specific timeframe in the video, include that information after the year: (Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell, 2019, 1:23).
FAQs: Your YouTube Citation Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about citing YouTube videos in APA 7th edition, designed to address common challenges and nuances:
1. What if the creator’s real name isn’t available?
Use the channel name as the author. This is perfectly acceptable when the individual’s or organization’s actual name is not provided.
2. What if there’s no clear upload date?
Unfortunately, if you cannot determine an approximate upload date, the video may not be a suitable source for academic work. Try searching for alternative sources that provide verifiable information. If that is not possible, use the abbreviation “n.d.” (for “no date”) where the year would normally appear. However, using sources with identifiable creation dates is preferable.
3. How do I cite a comment on a YouTube video?
APA style generally discourages citing comments, as they are often ephemeral and lack the authority of more formal sources. However, if a comment is truly integral to your argument, you can cite it as a personal communication. In the text, you would include the commenter’s username and the date (e.g., (User123, personal communication, October 26, 2023)). Personal communications are not included in the reference list.
4. How do I cite a YouTube video that is no longer available?
If a video is removed, it’s best to find an alternative source. If citing the video is crucial and no alternative exists, you can still include it in your reference list, but add “[Video removed]” after the title. Include the URL as it was, even if it no longer leads to the video.
5. Do I need to include a retrieval date for YouTube videos?
No, retrieval dates are not necessary for most online sources, including YouTube videos, unless the content is likely to change significantly over time (like a wiki page).
6. What if the YouTube video is part of a series?
If the video is part of a numbered series, you can include the series number in parentheses after the title. For example: The egg – A short story (Number 12 in the Series).
7. Should I capitalize all the words in the YouTube video title?
No. Follow the title case convention, capitalizing only the first word and any proper nouns, unless the title is originally presented differently on YouTube.
8. How do I cite a specific timestamp in a YouTube video?
In your in-text citation, include the timestamp after the year: (Creator, 2023, 2:15). This directs the reader to the specific moment in the video you’re referencing.
9. What if the YouTube channel is verified?
Verification status doesn’t impact the citation. Focus on the channel name, upload date, video title, and URL. The verified badge is simply an indication of authenticity, not a part of the citation itself.
10. How do I handle videos with long titles?
Use the full title as it appears on YouTube. Do not truncate it. Accurate representation is crucial.
11. What if the video is in a language other than English?
If the video is not in English, provide the title in its original language, followed by an English translation in square brackets.
12. Can I cite YouTube videos in a formal academic paper?
Absolutely! YouTube videos can be valuable sources, especially for contemporary topics, documentaries, and interviews. However, always critically evaluate the source’s credibility before including it in your research. As long as the content is reliable and relevant, citing YouTube videos is perfectly acceptable in academic work.
By following these guidelines and addressing these common questions, you’ll be well-equipped to cite YouTube videos in APA 7th edition with confidence and accuracy. Now go forth and cite those videos like a pro!
Leave a Reply