How to Cite a Video/Online Media in Chicago Manual of Style (Notes-Bibliography)

Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.

Citation Format

Basic Template

Creator. "Video Title." Platform. Accessed Month Day, Year. URL.

Citation Components

Creator/Channel

Organization or person name.

Video Title

In quotation marks.

Platform

YouTube, Vimeo, TED, etc.

Access Date

Month Day, Year format.

URL

Full video URL.

Real-World Example

Example Source

creator

National Geographic

title

The Last Orangutan Sanctuary

platform

YouTube

access_date

July 20, 2023

url

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example

Formatted Citation

1. National Geographic, "The Last Orangutan Sanctuary," YouTube, accessed July 20, 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example.

In-Text Citation

1

Superscript numeral

Common Mistakes

Wrong:

National Geographic. The Last Orangutan Sanctuary. YouTube. 2023.

Right:

1. National Geographic, "The Last Orangutan Sanctuary," YouTube, accessed July 20, 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example.

Why: Title in quotation marks. Include 'accessed' date with full format (Month Day, Year). Include complete URL.

Wrong:

1. YouTube. National Geographic's video about Orangutans. Watched 7/20/23.

Right:

1. National Geographic, "The Last Orangutan Sanctuary," YouTube, accessed July 20, 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example.

Why: Start with creator. Include full video title. Use written date format, not numerical. Include full URL.

Wrong:

1. National Geographic (2023). Last Orangutan Video on YouTube.

Right:

1. National Geographic, "The Last Orangutan Sanctuary," YouTube, accessed July 20, 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example.

Why: Use quotation marks for title, 'accessed Month Day, Year' format, and complete URL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an access date for videos? ▼

Yes, Chicago style requires 'accessed Month Day, Year' for online videos.

What if the video creator's name is long or unclear? ▼

Use the official channel name as it appears on the platform.

Can I include the video duration? ▼

It's optional but can be added in parentheses after the title if relevant.

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