How to Cite a Video/Online Media in MLA 9th Edition
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
"Video Title." Uploaded by Creator, Day Month Year, Platform, URL.
Citation Components
Video Title
In quotation marks. Capitalize major words (title case).
Creator/Channel
Format: 'Uploaded by Creator Name'.
Upload Date
Day Month Year format (e.g., 15 June 2023).
Platform
YouTube, Vimeo, TED, etc.
URL
Full URL of the video.
Real-World Example
Example Source
The science of climate change explained
TED Education
22 May 2023
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example
Formatted Citation
"The Science of Climate Change Explained." Uploaded by TED Education, 22 May 2023, YouTube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=example.
In-Text Citation
("Science of Climate")
("Video Title") or shortened to first key words
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
TED Education. (2023, May 22). The science of climate change explained [Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com
Right:
"The Science of Climate Change Explained." Uploaded by TED Education, 22 May 2023, YouTube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=example.
Why: Title in quotation marks goes first. Use 'Uploaded by' format. Use Day Month Year (not parentheses). Include full URL.
Wrong:
YouTube. Science Video. May 2023.
Right:
"The Science of Climate Change Explained." Uploaded by TED Education, 22 May 2023, YouTube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=example.
Why: Must include video title in quotation marks, creator name, complete date, platform, and URL.
Wrong:
'Science Video.' TED, 2023, youtube.com
Right:
"The Science of Climate Change Explained." Uploaded by TED Education, 22 May 2023, YouTube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=example.
Why: Use double quotation marks (not single). Include full date (Day Month Year) and complete video title.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to include the video creator's full name? ▼
Use the official channel name or creator name as it appears on the platform.
How do I cite a specific timestamp in a video? ▼
Include timestamp in parentheses at the end: www.youtube.com/watch?v=example&t=234s or mention it in your text.
What if the video has no specific upload date? ▼
Omit the date if unavailable: "Title." Uploaded by Creator, YouTube, URL.
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