How to Cite a YouTube Video in CSE (8th Edition)

This guide explains how to format a youtube video citation in CSE (8th 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 CSE (8th Edition):

Template

Author/Channel. Year. Title of video. [video]. [accessed Year Mon Day]. 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. [video]. [accessed 2026 Mar 28]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj-h6MEgE7I.

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Identify the creator
Use the creator's real name (Last Name plus initials) or the channel name if the real name is not known.
2
Add the year
Place the year of upload after the creator name, followed by a period.
3
Write the video title
Use sentence case. Do not italicize or use quotation marks. End with a period.
4
Add the content designator
Write "[video]" in square brackets after the title. This tells the reader the format of the source.
5
Include access date and URL
Add the access date in square brackets, then the full video URL. End with a period.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Omitting the [video] content designator in square brackets.
Italicizing the video title (CSE does not use italics).
Forgetting the access date.
Using headline-style capitalization for the video title.
Not ending the URL with a period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CSE require the [video] designator for YouTube citations?

Yes. CSE uses content designators in square brackets to identify non-traditional source formats. [video] is required for YouTube and other video sources.

How do I cite a specific timestamp in a CSE YouTube citation?

Reference the timestamp in the text of your paper alongside the in-text citation, e.g., '(Kurzgesagt 2023, at 3:45).' There is no standard position for timestamps in the reference entry.

Should I include the video duration in CSE?

Duration is not a required element in CSE, but you may include it after the content designator for additional specificity: [video; 11:07].

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 Name plus initials) or the channel name if the real name is not known.

Add the year

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

Write the video title

Use sentence case. Do not italicize or use quotation marks. End with a period.

Add the content designator

Write "[video]" in square brackets after the title. This tells the reader the format of the source.

Include access date and URL

Add the access date in square brackets, then the full video URL. End with a period.