How to Cite a YouTube Video in ACS (3rd Edition)

This guide explains how to format a youtube video citation in ACS (3rd Edition). Follow the format template below, refer to the real example, and use the step-by-step instructions to build your citation correctly.

Format Template

The general pattern for citing a youtube video in ACS (3rd Edition):

Template

Author/Creator. Title of Video. *YouTube*; Date. URL (accessed Month Day, Year).

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

¹⁰ (superscript number)

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Reference list entry

NileRed. Making Superconductors. *YouTube*; Oct 15, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example (accessed March 20, 2026).

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Identify the creator
Use the real name of the creator if known. If only a channel name is available, use that.
2
Write the video title
Use headline-style capitalization. Do not italicize. End with a period.
3
Add the platform name
Italicize "YouTube" followed by a semicolon.
4
Include the upload date
Write the date in abbreviated Month Day, Year format.
5
Add the URL and access date
Provide the full video URL followed by the access date in parentheses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Omitting the access date for the online video.
Not italicizing "YouTube" as the platform name.
Using the channel name when an individual creator name is available.
Forgetting to include the upload date.
Not providing the full URL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I cite the channel name or the creator's real name?

If the creator's real name is known and used professionally, prefer the real name. If the channel name is the primary identifier (e.g., NileRed), use that.

How do I cite a timestamp in a YouTube video?

Reference the specific timestamp in the text of your paper alongside the superscript number. There is no standard ACS position for timestamps in the reference entry.

Is YouTube italicized in ACS citations?

Yes. YouTube serves as the equivalent of a publisher or platform name and is italicized.

Information You Will Need

Before creating your citation, gather the following information from your youtube video:

Creator/Channel name
Date of upload
Title of video
Website name (YouTube)
URL

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Step-by-Step Guide

Identify the creator

Use the real name of the creator if known. If only a channel name is available, use that.

Write the video title

Use headline-style capitalization. Do not italicize. End with a period.

Add the platform name

Italicize "YouTube" followed by a semicolon.

Include the upload date

Write the date in abbreviated Month Day, Year format.

Add the URL and access date

Provide the full video URL followed by the access date in parentheses.