How to Cite a YouTube Video in Chicago 17th Edition (Author-Date)

This guide explains how to format a youtube video citation in Chicago 17th Edition (Author-Date). 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 Chicago 17th Edition (Author-Date):

Template

Creator Last, First M./Channel Name. Year. "Title of Video." Month Day, Year. Video, duration. URL.

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

(Kurzgesagt -- In a Nutshell 2023)

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Reference list entry

Kurzgesagt -- In a Nutshell. 2023. "You Are Not Where You Think You Are." March 7, 2023. Video, 10:06. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj-h6MEgE7I.

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Identify the creator
Use the creator's real name (Last, First) or the channel name. If a real name is available, prefer it with the channel name noted if helpful.
2
Add the year
Place the year immediately after the creator name, followed by a period.
3
Write the video title
Place the title in quotation marks with headline-style capitalization.
4
Add the date and medium
Include the full upload date (Month Day, Year). Write "Video," followed by the duration in minutes:seconds format.
5
Include the URL
Provide the full URL of the specific video (not the channel page). End with a period.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Placing the year at the end instead of immediately after the creator/channel name.
Not placing the video title in quotation marks.
Forgetting to indicate the medium ("video").
Using a channel URL instead of the specific video URL.
Omitting the upload date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Chicago Author-Date italicize YouTube video titles?

No. Video titles are placed in quotation marks, not italics. Quotation marks indicate that the video is a shorter work, analogous to an article or episode.

How do I cite a specific timestamp in a YouTube video?

Include the timestamp in the in-text citation: (Kurzgesagt -- In a Nutshell 2023, 3:42). The reference list entry remains the same.

Should I use the creator's real name or channel name?

Chicago recommends using the most recognizable name. For channels known primarily by a channel name (like Kurzgesagt), use the channel name. For individual creators, use their real name if known.

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 real name (Last, First) or the channel name. If a real name is available, prefer it with the channel name noted if helpful.

Add the year

Place the year immediately after the creator name, followed by a period.

Write the video title

Place the title in quotation marks with headline-style capitalization.

Add the date and medium

Include the full upload date (Month Day, Year). Write "Video," followed by the duration in minutes:seconds format.

Include the URL

Provide the full URL of the specific video (not the channel page). End with a period.