Do I need to include the access date for a YouTube video?

No, MLA 9th edition no longer requires access dates.

How do I cite a YouTube video when there's no clear creator?

Use the channel name as the creator if an individual name is not provided.

How to Cite a YouTube Video in MLA Format

Understanding YouTube Video Citations in MLA

YouTube videos are increasingly used as research sources in academic work. These can include educational content, expert interviews, tutorials, and recorded lectures. Proper citation of YouTube videos helps readers locate the specific content and acknowledges the creator.

MLA format for YouTube videos requires specific information including the uploader name, video title, platform name, upload date, and URL. The format is relatively straightforward compared to other multimedia sources.

MLA Format for YouTube Videos

Creator/Uploader. “Video Title.” YouTube, upload date, URL.

Example:

TED. "The Power of Introverts." YouTube, 17 July 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0KYU2j0TM0.

Detailed Citation Elements

Creator or Uploader Name

Include the person or channel that uploaded the video. If the uploader is an organization, use the organization name.

Video Title

The title appears in quotation marks. Use the exact title as it appears on YouTube.

Platform Name

Always use “YouTube” as the source.

Upload Date

Include the date the video was posted. Use the format Day Month Year (e.g., 17 July 2012).

URL

Include the complete and functional URL to the video.

Detailed Examples

Individual Creator

Kurzgesagt. "Quantum Computers Explained." YouTube, 12 November 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhHMJCUmzQU.

Organization/Channel

NASA. "Journey to Mars." YouTube, 3 May 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aVAjqg0V9A.

Educational Content Creator

Crash Course. "World History: The Silk Road." YouTube, 19 April 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_CqHwbIqmM.

Music Video

The Beatles. "Let It Be." YouTube, 25 November 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boKQg1ctzI4.

In-Text Citations for YouTube Videos

Use the creator’s name and timestamp if referencing a specific part:

(TED)

For specific content with timestamp:

(TED 4:30-5:15)

Or use the video title if the creator is not clearly stated:

(“The Power of Introverts”)

Special Cases in YouTube Citation

Live Stream Recording

Twitch. "Live Gaming Event: Spring Championship." YouTube, 15 March 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liveXXXXX.

Playlist

Khan Academy. "Biology: Photosynthesis." YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXXXXXXXX.

Video with Multiple Creators

Vsauce & MinuteEarth. "The Physics of Impossible Feats." YouTube, 8 September 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXXXXXXXX.

Using GenText for YouTube and Video Citations

Managing multimedia citations can be challenging when working with multiple video platforms. GenText streamlines video citation by:

Automatically formatting YouTube citations in proper MLA style
Extracting metadata from video URLs
Tracking video creators and upload dates
Managing timestamps for specific content
Organizing citations by creator or topic
Converting between citation styles
Generating works cited entries

Common Mistakes with YouTube Citations

Using incorrect URL format: Always use the complete watch URL.
Omitting the upload date: Always include when the video was posted.
Incorrect quotation marks for title: Always use quotation marks for video titles.
Forgetting to include YouTube as the platform: Always specify YouTube.
Misspelling creator or channel name: Verify the exact name as shown.

Checklist for YouTube Video Citations

Creator/uploader name is correct
Video title is in quotation marks
“YouTube” is specified as the source
Upload date is in correct format (Day Month Year)
Complete URL is included
URL is functional and current
Punctuation follows MLA format
In-text citation matches works cited entry

Tips for Accessing YouTube Video Information

To gather citation information from YouTube:

Click the “Share” button below the video
Copy the URL from the share dialog
Check the upload date on the video page
Verify the creator’s name (person or channel)
Note the exact title from the video page

Evaluating YouTube Videos as Sources

Before citing a YouTube video, consider:

Credibility: Is the creator reputable and knowledgeable?
Purpose: Is the content educational or informational?
Accuracy: Are claims supported by evidence?
Bias: Does the creator have a particular perspective?
Permanence: Is this a stable, long-term source?

YouTube videos are valuable contemporary sources that can support academic work. Proper citation recognizes the creator’s contribution and allows readers to engage with the same content.