How to MLA Cite a YouTube Video
YouTube has become one of the most popular platforms for sharing videos on the internet. With millions of videos available on the platform, students and scholars often use YouTube as a source for research papers and essays. However, when using YouTube as a source, it is important to properly cite your sources. In this article, we will discuss how to MLA cite a YouTube video.
Step 1: Determine the Author of the Video
The first step in citing a YouTube video is determining the author of the video. If the video was posted by an individual, include their name in the citation. If the video was posted by a company or organization, use the name of the company or organization as the author.
Step 2: Provide the Title of the Video
The next step in citing a YouTube video is providing the title of the video. The title should be in quotation marks and followed by a period. If the video has a subtitle, include it after the title and separate it with a colon.
Step 3: Include the Name of the YouTube Channel
After the title of the video, include the name of the YouTube channel in italics. This should be followed by a comma and the date of publication in day, month, year format. If the date is not available, use n.d. instead.
Step 4: Provide the URL of the Video
The final step in citing a YouTube video is providing the URL of the video. The URL should be preceded by the words “Retrieved from” and followed by a period. It is important to make sure that the URL is correct and takes the reader directly to the video.
Example of MLA Citation for a YouTube Video
Here is an example of an MLA citation for a YouTube video:
Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Video.” Name of YouTube Channel, Day Month Year of Publication, URL.
For example:
Smith, John. “How to Cite a YouTube Video.” The Writing Center, 12 July 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ.
Conclusion
Citing sources is an important part of academic writing. When using YouTube as a source, it is important to properly cite the video to give credit to the author and avoid plagiarism. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily MLA cite a YouTube video and ensure that your work is properly sourced.
