How to Reference a YouTube Video MLA
Referencing YouTube videos in MLA style might seem tricky, but it's straightforward once you understand the key elements. The core principle is to provide enough information for your reader to easily locate the source. This includes the creator's name, the video title, the platform, and the date of access.
Here's a breakdown of how to cite a YouTube video in MLA, along with answers to common questions:
Basic MLA Citation for a YouTube Video:
The basic format for an MLA YouTube citation is:
Creator's Last Name, Creator's First Name. "Title of Video." YouTube, uploaded by Uploader Name (if different from Creator), Day Month Year, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.
Example:
Smith, John. "The History of the Bicycle." YouTube, uploaded by BicycleHistoryChannel, 15 Oct. 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abcdefg123. Accessed 20 Oct. 2023.
Let's break down the components:
- Creator's Last Name, Creator's First Name: This is the person or organization responsible for creating the video. If the creator is a channel, use the channel name instead.
- "Title of Video": Use quotation marks around the video title. Capitalize the first word and other important words.
- YouTube: This indicates the platform where the video is hosted. Italicize YouTube.
- uploaded by Uploader Name (if different): If the video is uploaded by someone other than the creator, include this information. If the uploader is the creator, you can omit this part.
- Day Month Year: Use the date the video was uploaded. Use abbreviations for months (Oct., Nov., Dec.).
- URL: This is the direct link to the YouTube video. Include the entire URL. Use square brackets [ ] around the URL.
- Accessed Day Month Year: This is the date you accessed the video.
H2: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some common questions about referencing YouTube videos in MLA:
H3: What if the creator's name isn't available?
If the creator's name is unavailable, use the channel name or the title of the video as the first element in your citation. However, always strive to find the creator's name if possible.
Example:
BicycleHistoryChannel. "The History of the Bicycle." YouTube, 15 Oct. 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abcdefg123. Accessed 20 Oct. 2023.
H3: What if the upload date isn't available?
If the upload date is not visible, use "n.d." (no date) in place of the date.
Example:
Smith, John. "The History of the Bicycle." YouTube, n.d., https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abcdefg123. Accessed 20 Oct. 2023.
H3: How do I cite a YouTube video in a Works Cited page?
The citation you create should be added to your Works Cited page, alphabetized by the first element of the citation (usually the author's last name or channel name).
H3: Are there any variations in MLA citation depending on the version?
While the core principles remain consistent, minor formatting variations might occur across different MLA editions. Always check the specific guidelines for the edition you are using.
H3: What if the video is embedded on another website?
If you're referencing a YouTube video embedded on a different website, it's generally acceptable to cite the YouTube video directly as described above. However, you could also include the embedding website as additional information in your citation. For example, you could add "(Embedded on ExampleWebsite.com)" after the URL.
By following these guidelines, you can correctly and consistently cite YouTube videos in your MLA-formatted papers, ensuring academic integrity and proper attribution. Remember to always double-check your citations to ensure accuracy.
