At a Glance
APA format specifies certain guidelines for citing different sources, including videos.
This format differs slightly from how you would cite a printed source.
It includes information about the video creator, date, and title, much like a printed source.
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However, it also includes the word [Video] in brackets after the title.
Next, the citation should also include the host site and url where the video can be found.
What Is APA Format?
APA formatis the official writing style used by theAmerican Psychological Association.
Researchers use this style when publishing articles in professional journals.
Students also use this style when writing papers for psychology and social science courses, including education and sociology.
One challenge that students may face is figuring out how to cite different types of sources.
The format should be:
Video Citation Example
TED-Ed.
(2018, May 21).How to stay calm under pressure.[Video].
YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqgmozFr_GM
Some types of electronic sources need to be surrounded by brackets.
(2019, March 1).
Examining the bystander effect (No.
- [Video podcast].
InThis Week in Psychology.Website.
Next, include the date.
Also note in the above example that the title of the video podcast is in italics.
The production company should be listed as the publisher.
The title should be provided in italics and sentence case.
It should then be followed by the label [Film] in brackets.
Then include the years the show aired in parentheses, followed by the title in italics and sentence case.
It should then be followed by the label [TV series] in brackets.
Finally, include the name of the production company as the publisher.
Film/TV Show Example
Film:
Smith, K. (Director).
(2022).The day it happened[Film].
Starling Cinema; Barkly Studios.
TV:
Rockland, H. (Executive Producer).
(2013-2015).Dark skies[TV series].
Spring Films; ABC Productions.
Include the name of the page or account that uploaded the video.
Put this information at the beginning of the citation (where the author’s name would go).
On YouTube and many other video platforms, people must publish their content under a username or screen name.
That depends on the guidelines your instructor gives you.
If you are unsure, ask them.
But there are reasons why you might want to cite a YouTube video in your academic writing.
“For example, Philip Zimbardo noted that… (Psych Interview, 2013).”
American Psychological Association.YouTube Video References.
APA Style Blog, 6th Edition Archive.How to create a reference for a Youtube video.
American Psychological Association.APA style blog.
2017;(29)4:229-239. doi:10.3946/kjme.2017.69
APA Style.Film and television references.
American Psychological Association.Transcript of an audiovisual work references.
American Psychological Association.YouTube video references.
American Psychological Association.Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association(7th ed.).
Washington DC: The American Psychological Association; 2019.
