How to Cite a YouTube Video in ASA (7th Edition)

This guide explains how to format a youtube video citation in ASA (7th 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 ASA (7th Edition):

Template

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

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

(American Sociological Association 2024)

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Reference list entry

American Sociological Association. 2024. "What Is Sociology?" *YouTube* [Video]. Retrieved February 28, 2026 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example).

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Identify the creator
Invert the name if an individual: Last, First. Use the organization name if applicable.
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 retrieval date and URL
Write "Retrieved" followed by the date, then the URL in parentheses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Omitting the [Video] medium descriptor.
Not using the ASA "Retrieved Date (URL)" format.
Forgetting to italicize "YouTube".
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

How does the ASA URL format differ from other styles?

ASA uniquely places the URL in parentheses after the retrieval date: Retrieved March 5, 2026 (https://...). Most other styles place the URL without parentheses.

Do I invert the creator name for YouTube videos?

Yes, if the creator is an individual: Last, First. If it is an organization, use the full name as-is.

Is YouTube italicized in ASA citations?

Yes. YouTube is italicized as it serves as the publication platform, analogous to a journal or publisher.

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

Invert the name if an individual: Last, First. Use the organization name if applicable.

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 retrieval date and URL

Write "Retrieved" followed by the date, then the URL in parentheses.