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How Do I Cite a YouTube Video in MLA Format? The Definitive Guide

Citing a YouTube video in MLA format might seem daunting at first glance, but fear not! The core principle is to provide enough information for your reader to locate the specific video you referenced. Here’s the breakdown: You’ll generally include the creator’s name (or channel name if a personal name isn’t available), the video title, the platform (YouTube), the date it was uploaded, and the URL. Let’s delve into the specifics and cover some common quirks you might encounter along the way.

Essential Components of an MLA YouTube Citation

The basic MLA citation structure for a YouTube video is as follows:

Author (or Channel Name). “Title of Video.” YouTube, Upload Date, URL.

Let’s break down each element:

Author (or Channel Name): Begin with the uploader’s name, if known. Use their last name, first name. If a real name isn’t provided, use the channel name. This is often the case with corporate or brand channels.
“Title of Video”: Provide the full title of the YouTube video, enclosed in quotation marks. Capitalize each word of the title except for articles (a, an, the), prepositions (of, in, to), and conjunctions (and, but, or) unless they are the first or last word of the title.
YouTube: Italicize YouTube to indicate the platform.
Upload Date: Provide the date the video was uploaded in Day Month Year format. Abbreviate months with more than four letters (e.g., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec.).
URL: Include the full URL of the YouTube video. This allows readers to directly access the video. Remove the “s” from “https” in the URL, keeping it as “http”.

Example:

Smith, John. “How to Bake the Perfect Sourdough.” YouTube, 15 Aug. 2023, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ.

In-Text Citations

Don’t forget your in-text citations. The in-text citation in MLA format corresponds to the first element of your works cited entry, which will typically be the author’s last name or the channel name.

Example: (Smith) or (BakeWithJohn)

If you are referencing a specific time in the video, you can include that in your in-text citation using the following format:

Example: (Smith 0:30-0:45)

Mastering the Nuances: Advanced Scenarios

While the basic format covers most scenarios, some videos might present unique challenges. What if there are multiple authors? Or what if the video doesn’t have a clear title? Let’s navigate these complexities.

Multiple Authors

Rarely, a YouTube video might list multiple creators. In this case, list them in the order they appear on the video, separated by commas, with “and” preceding the last name:

Example: Jones, Sarah, and David Brown.

No Author/Channel Name Given

If no author or channel name is given, start the citation with the video title. Alphabetize the entry in your Works Cited list by the first significant word of the title.

No Date Provided

If the upload date is unavailable on YouTube, unfortunately, there isn’t an official MLA workaround. You can omit the date, but this makes the video harder to find. Try searching the video title on other websites; the upload date is frequently available elsewhere. You might also consider using a more reliable source of information, if possible.

Specific Time Stamps

You can include timestamps in your in-text citation when referencing a specific portion of the video.

Example: (Smith 1:22-1:35)

This directs your reader to the exact segment you’re discussing.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

1. How Do I Cite a YouTube Comment in MLA?

MLA primarily focuses on citing the video itself. Citing a YouTube comment is generally discouraged as comments can be volatile (deleted, edited). If the comment is crucial, consider paraphrasing the comment’s content within your text and noting that it came from a YouTube comment on a specific video. There is not a specific citation style available.

2. What If the Video Was Removed After I Cited It?

Unfortunately, online content can disappear. If a video is removed, make a note in your citation:

Example: Smith, John. “How to Bake the Perfect Sourdough.” YouTube, 15 Aug. 2023, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ. Video removed.

3. Should I Include the Views Count?

No, the view count is not a necessary element in an MLA citation for a YouTube video. Focus on the core elements: creator, title, platform, date, and URL.

4. How Do I Cite a YouTube Channel as a Whole?

To cite an entire YouTube channel, use this format:

Creator/Channel Name. YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/channel/CHANNELID

Replace “CHANNELID” with the specific channel’s ID. You can find this in the channel’s URL.

5. Is It Necessary to Include the Length of the Video?

No, the length of the video is not a required element in MLA format.

6. What If the Author and Channel Name Are Different?

Use the author’s name as the primary author. You can clarify the channel in your prose if necessary. For instance: “As John Smith (BakeWithJohn channel) explains…”

7. Can I Use a Shortened URL?

While using a shortened URL isn’t strictly against MLA guidelines, it’s best to use the full URL for increased transparency and ease of access for your readers.

8. How Does Citing a YouTube Video Differ from Citing a TV Episode on YouTube?

If the YouTube video is a TV episode, cite it as a TV episode. Reference the season and episode number if available and include the original air date in addition to the YouTube upload date. The network and production company may also be included. Follow the appropriate citation style for TV shows.

9. What If the Video Is Embedded on Another Website?

You still cite the original YouTube source. The fact that it’s embedded elsewhere doesn’t change the citation.

10. How Do I Deal with Long Video Titles?

Use the full video title. Do not shorten it.

11. Is it necessary to include a retrieval date for YouTube videos?

The Modern Language Association (MLA) generally recommends including access dates only when the content is likely to change or disappear, or the source does not list a publication date. YouTube videos typically have publication dates and are less likely to change substantially after they are published. Therefore, including a retrieval date is usually unnecessary for YouTube videos unless specifically instructed by your instructor.

12. How can AI tools help cite YouTube videos?

Various AI-powered citation generators can assist in creating MLA citations for YouTube videos. Tools like citationmachine.net and EasyBib can automate the process by inputting the video URL. Always double-check the AI-generated citations to ensure accuracy and adherence to MLA guidelines.

By following these guidelines and addressing these frequently asked questions, you’ll be well-equipped to accurately and confidently cite YouTube videos in MLA format, bolstering the credibility of your academic work. Happy citing!