How to Cite YouTube (MLA): Your Definitive Guide

So, you’ve bravely ventured into the vast and often perplexing realm of academic citation, and your path has led you to the swirling vortex that is YouTube citation in MLA format. Fear not, intrepid scholar! Consider me your sherpa in this mountainous landscape of rules and regulations. Here’s the direct answer you’ve been searching for:

To cite a YouTube video in MLA 9th edition, you’ll generally follow this structure:

Creator’s Last Name, First Name or Channel Name. “Title of Video.” YouTube, uploaded by Username, Date of Publication, URL.

Let’s break that down with a practical example:

Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell. “The Egg – A Short Story.” YouTube, uploaded by Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell, 1 Mar. 2019, www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEQ8CXFWLQM.

This provides all the necessary information for your reader to find the exact video you referenced. But, as any seasoned researcher knows, the devil is in the details. Read on to discover the nuances and lesser-known aspects of citing YouTube videos in MLA format.

Diving Deeper: The Nuances of YouTube Citation

While the general format provides a solid foundation, several specific considerations can significantly affect the accuracy and completeness of your citation. Let’s explore these in detail.

Identifying the Creator: Individuals vs. Channels

The first, and often trickiest, step is determining the creator. Is it an individual, or a channel operating under a specific name? If an individual is known, use their last name and first name, just as you would for a book author. However, if the video is primarily associated with a channel, and the individual author isn’t readily apparent, use the channel name as the author. Consistency is key. If you cite one Kurzgesagt video under “Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell”, stick with that format for all Kurzgesagt videos.

Crafting the Title: Accuracy and Formatting

The title of the video should be enclosed in quotation marks. Capitalize the first letter of all principal words. Transcribe the title exactly as it appears on YouTube. If the title contains unusual capitalization or punctuation, replicate it faithfully.

Navigating YouTube’s Landscape: Platform Name

The platform where the video is hosted is YouTube. It’s italicized to indicate that it is a container.

The Uploader: Differentiating from the Creator

The uploader, which follows “uploaded by,” is the name of the YouTube account that posted the video. This might be the same as the creator, but not always. For example, a university might upload a lecture by a guest speaker. In such cases, the uploader would be the university’s YouTube account, and the creator would be the speaker.

Date of Publication: Precision Matters

The date of publication refers to the date the video was uploaded to YouTube. Provide the day, month (abbreviated), and year. If the exact date is unavailable, use the year alone, but this is generally discouraged if the full date is readily available on YouTube.

URL: Direct and Accessible

The URL should be a direct link to the video. Ensure the link is accurate and functions correctly. Avoid using shortened URLs, as they can sometimes become inactive over time.

FAQs: Your YouTube Citation Questions Answered

Let’s tackle some of the most common questions that arise when citing YouTube videos in MLA format:

1. What if the creator is the same as the uploader?

If the creator and uploader are identical, simply list the name once, either as the creator or the channel name, and it is understood they are also the uploader. For example:

TED. “How to Make Stress Your Friend.” YouTube, 14 June 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtBDL8EiNZo.

2. How do I cite a comment on a YouTube video?

Citing a comment is less common but may be necessary if the comment offers significant insight or analysis. The basic format is:

Author of Comment. “Comment Text.” YouTube, comment on “Title of Video,” uploaded by Username, Date of Comment, URL.

Example:

JohnDoe123. “This video really clarified the concept for me!” YouTube, comment on “The Egg – A Short Story,” uploaded by Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell, 5 Mar. 2019, www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEQ8CXFWLQM&lc=UgyW6U78aBc9XjG9vT94AaABAg.

3. What if there’s no visible upload date?

While rare, sometimes YouTube doesn’t display the specific date. In such cases, try to find the video on other platforms or websites to see if the date is available there. If all else fails, you can omit the date and use “n.d.” (for “no date”), but this should be a last resort.

4. How do I cite a YouTube video embedded in another website?

Cite the video using the standard YouTube format. The fact that it’s embedded doesn’t change the core information needed for the citation. The focus remains on the YouTube source.

5. What if the video is unavailable or has been removed?

If the video is no longer available, indicate this in your citation. You can use the phrase “Video removed” or “Video unavailable” after the URL.

Creator’s Last Name, First Name or Channel Name. “Title of Video.” YouTube, uploaded by Username, Date of Publication, URL. Video removed.

6. How do I cite multiple videos from the same channel?

If you’re citing several videos from the same channel, create a separate entry in your Works Cited list for each video. You can use the three-em dash (—) to replace the channel name after the first entry, if the channel is the same.

7. Should I include the view count in the citation?

No, the view count is generally not necessary for a standard MLA citation. It doesn’t contribute significantly to the identification or academic value of the video.

8. How do I handle a video with multiple creators or contributors?

List the primary creator first, followed by “et al.” if there are more than two or three creators. Alternatively, if the video is a collaborative effort with clearly defined roles, you can list the specific contributor relevant to your citation and indicate their role (e.g., “Narrated by…”).

9. Is it necessary to include the access date?

MLA 9th edition generally does not require access dates unless the content is likely to change (which is less common for YouTube videos compared to, say, a dynamic website). However, your instructor might have specific requirements, so always check.

10. How do I cite a live stream on YouTube?

Citing a live stream is similar to citing a regular video, but you should specify that it’s a live stream. If you’re citing it after the live stream has been archived and is available as a regular video, cite it as you would any other YouTube video. If citing during the actual live event, it’s much more difficult to provide a stable, permanent citation. Avoid unless absolutely necessary.

11. How does citing a YouTube Short differ from a regular video?

Cite a YouTube Short the same way you would a regular YouTube video. The length of the video doesn’t change the required elements for the citation.

12. What if the video is in a foreign language?

If the video is in a foreign language, cite the title in the original language. You can optionally provide an English translation in square brackets after the original title if you feel it would benefit your reader.

[Original Title] [English Translation]. YouTube, uploaded by Username, Date of Publication, URL.

By mastering these essential elements and addressing these frequently asked questions, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the complexities of citing YouTube videos in MLA format with confidence. Remember, accuracy and attention to detail are paramount. Happy citing!