How to Cite a YouTube Video in Bluebook (21st Edition)

This guide explains how to format a youtube video citation in Bluebook (21st 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 Bluebook (21st Edition):

Template

Title, YouTube (Channel Name Date), URL.

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

See footnote 10 (superscript in text).

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Reference list entry

Oral Argument: Biden v. Nebraska, YouTube (U.S. Supreme Court Feb. 28, 2023), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example.

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Write the creator name
Write the channel name or the creator's real name if known.
2
Write the video title
Italicise the video title. Use title case.
3
Add the platform and date
Write 'YouTube' in the parenthetical, followed by the upload date using Bluebook month abbreviations.
4
Include the URL
Provide the direct URL to the video. End with a period.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not italicising the video title.
Omitting the platform name (YouTube) in the parenthetical.
Using the wrong date format.
Not including a 'last visited' date for potentially unstable URLs.
Forgetting the period at the end of the citation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is YouTube italicised in a Bluebook citation?

No. 'YouTube' as the platform name is not italicised. Only the video title is italicised.

Do I need a 'last visited' date for YouTube videos?

It is good practice to include one, as YouTube videos can be taken down. Add '(last visited Month Day, Year)' if you want to note when you accessed it.

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

Write the creator name

Write the channel name or the creator's real name if known.

Write the video title

Italicise the video title. Use title case.

Add the platform and date

Write 'YouTube' in the parenthetical, followed by the upload date using Bluebook month abbreviations.

Include the URL

Provide the direct URL to the video. End with a period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is YouTube italicised in a Bluebook citation?

No. 'YouTube' as the platform name is not italicised. Only the video title is italicised.

Do I need a 'last visited' date for YouTube videos?

It is good practice to include one, as YouTube videos can be taken down. Add '(last visited Month Day, Year)' if you want to note when you accessed it.