How to Cite a Video/Online Media in APA 7th Edition
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
Creator. (Year, Month Day). Video title [Video]. Platform. URL
Citation Components
Creator/Channel
Name of person or organization who created/uploaded the video.
Upload Date
Date uploaded in format (Year, Month Day). Use (n.d.) if unavailable.
Video Title
Sentence case. Italicized. Followed by [Video] in brackets.
Platform
Name of video platform: YouTube, Vimeo, TED, etc.
URL
Full URL of the video.
Real-World Example
Example Source
TED
2022, April 12
The science behind climate change
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example
Formatted Citation
TED. (2022, April 12). The science behind climate change [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example
In-Text Citation
(TED, 2022)
(Creator, Year) or (Creator, Year, timestamp)
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
Smith, J. (2022). 'The Science Behind Climate Change.' [Online Video]. https://youtube.com
Right:
Smith, J. (2022, Month Day). The science behind climate change [Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/watch?v=example
Why: Include upload date with month and day. Use sentence case. Include [Video] designation and full URL. Don't use quotation marks.
Wrong:
YouTube. (2022). The Science Video. Retrieved from https://youtube.com
Right:
Creator Name. (2022, Month Day). Video title [Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/watch?v=xxxxx
Why: Cite the creator, not the platform. Include complete date and full video URL.
Wrong:
Smith, J. The Science Video. YouTube. 2022.
Right:
Smith, J. (2022, Month Day). Video title [Video]. YouTube. URL
Why: Date must be in parentheses with (Year, Month Day) format. Title must be italicized with [Video] designation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the video has no specific author, just a channel name? ▼
Use the channel name as the author: NASA. (2023, March 15). Mars rover discovers evidence. YouTube. URL
How do I cite a timestamp within a video in my in-text citation? ▼
Include the timestamp in the in-text citation: (Smith, 2022, 4:32) or include it in a parenthetical note.
Do I need the video creator's first initial? ▼
If citing an individual creator by name, use Last, First Initial. format. For organizations/channels, use the official channel name.
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