How to Cite a YouTube Video in APA 7th Edition (With Examples)
Published October 22, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Cite a YouTube Video in APA 7th Edition (With Examples)
Learning how to cite a YouTube video correctly matters more than ever. Professors increasingly accept video as a legitimate source. This guide walks through the exact APA 7th edition format with real examples and edge cases.
The Basic Format
Uploader Name. (Year, Month Day). Title of video [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxxxx
Example: CrashCourse. (2021, March 15). The nervous system, part 1 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPix_X-9t7E
Each Element Explained
The Author
Use the uploader's real name if known (Green, H. [CrashCourse]), otherwise the channel name exactly as shown.
The Date
Full upload date in (Year, Month Day) format. Use (n.d.) if genuinely no date.
The Title
Italicized, sentence case, with [Video] in regular type after it.
The Source
Write YouTube, then the URL. No "Retrieved from" in APA 7th.
In-Text Citations
Parenthetical: (CrashCourse, 2021). Narrative: CrashCourse (2021) explains... For direct quotes use a timestamp: (CrashCourse, 2021, 3:42).
Tricky Cases
No clear author: Use the channel name. Specific segment: Cite the whole video; use timestamps in-text. Lecture recording: Cite like any YouTube video. Organization uploader: Use the full organization name.
Common Mistakes
Citing the title as author; forgetting [Video]; using title case; writing "Retrieved from"; citing videos you didn't watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you cite a YouTube video in APA 7th edition?
List the uploader's name, the full upload date, the video title in italics and sentence case, the label [Video], the platform name YouTube, and the URL.
What if the YouTube video has no author?
Use the channel name as the author. If even the channel name is unclear, start the reference with the video title instead.
Do you italicize YouTube video titles in APA?
Yes. The video title is italicized in sentence case, and [Video] follows in regular type.
How do you cite a YouTube video in-text in APA?
Use the uploader's name and year: (CrashCourse, 2021). For direct quotes add a timestamp: (CrashCourse, 2021, 3:42).
Do I need a retrieval date for a YouTube video citation?
No. YouTube videos have a fixed upload date, so no retrieval date is needed.
