How to Cite a YouTube Video in APSA Style Manual

This guide explains how to format a youtube video citation in APSA Style Manual. 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 APSA Style Manual:

Template

Creator Last Name, First Name. Year. "Title of Video." *YouTube* [Video]. URL (accessed Month Day, Year).

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

(Brookings Institution 2024)

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Reference list entry

Brookings Institution. 2024. "The Future of U.S.--China Relations." *YouTube* [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example (accessed March 5, 2026).

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Identify the creator
Use the creator's full name (Last, First) or organization name.
2
Add the year
Write the year the video was uploaded, followed by a period.
3
Write the video title
Place in double quotation marks with headline-style capitalization.
4
Add the platform name
Italicize "YouTube" and follow with "[Video]" in square brackets.
5
Include URL and access date
Provide the full URL followed by the access date in parentheses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Omitting the [Video] medium descriptor.
Not italicizing "YouTube" as the platform name.
Forgetting the access date.
Using the channel name instead of the creator or organization name when a real name is available.
Not placing the video title in quotation marks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I use the channel name or the organization name?

Prefer the organization or individual's real name when known. Use the channel name only if no other attribution is available.

How do I cite a specific timestamp?

Reference the timestamp in your in-text citation: (Author Year, 3:45). You can also link to the timestamp in the URL using YouTube's timestamp parameter.

Is YouTube italicized in APSA?

Yes. YouTube serves as the publication platform and is italicized, similar to a journal or publisher name.

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 creator's full name (Last, First) or organization name.

Add the year

Write the year the video was uploaded, followed by a period.

Write the video title

Place in double quotation marks with headline-style capitalization.

Add the platform name

Italicize "YouTube" and follow with "[Video]" in square brackets.

Include URL and access date

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