How to Cite a YouTube Video in Harvard Referencing

This guide explains how to format a youtube video citation in Harvard Referencing. 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 Harvard Referencing:

Template

Author/Channel Name (Year) Title of video [Video]. Available at: URL (Accessed: Day Month Year).

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]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj-h6MEgE7I (Accessed: 28 March 2026).

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Identify the creator
Use the channel name or the individual's real name if known. Place the name in the author position.
2
Add the year
Place the year of upload in parentheses.
3
Write the video title
Italicise the video title using sentence case. Follow with '[Video]' in square brackets.
4
Include the URL
Write 'Available at:' followed by the full URL of the video.
5
Add the access date
Include '(Accessed: Day Month Year).' after the URL.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting to include '[Video]' after the title.
Not italicising the video title.
Omitting the access date.
Using the channel URL instead of the specific video URL.
Not including 'Available at:' before the URL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I use the channel name or the creator's real name in Harvard?

Use whichever name is most widely known. If the creator's real name is prominent, use that. If the channel name is the primary identifier (e.g., Kurzgesagt), use the channel name.

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

Include the timestamp in your in-text citation: (Kurzgesagt -- In a Nutshell, 2023, 3:42). There is no standard position for timestamps in the reference list entry.

Is the video title italicised in Harvard?

Yes. In Harvard style, video titles are italicised, similar to other standalone works such as books and reports.

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 channel name or the individual's real name if known. Place the name in the author position.

Add the year

Place the year of upload in parentheses.

Write the video title

Italicise the video title using sentence case. Follow with '[Video]' in square brackets.

Include the URL

Write 'Available at:' followed by the full URL of the video.

Add the access date

Include '(Accessed: Day Month Year).' after the URL.