How to Cite a YouTube Video in Vancouver

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

Template

Author/Channel. Title of video [Internet]. YouTube. Year Mon Day [cited Year Mon Day]. Available from: URL

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

(1)

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Reference list entry

Kurzgesagt -- In a Nutshell. You are not where you think you are [Internet]. YouTube. 2023 Mar 7 [cited 2026 Mar 28]. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj-h6MEgE7I

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Identify the creator
Use the creator's real name (surname then initials) or the channel name if the real name is not known.
2
Write the video title
Write the title in sentence case. Follow with '[Internet]'.
3
Add the platform name
Write 'YouTube' as the source. End with a full stop.
4
Include the dates
Write the upload date in Year Mon Day format, followed by '[cited Year Mon Day]' for when you accessed it.
5
Add the URL
Write 'Available from:' followed by the full video URL.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not including '[Internet]' after the video title.
Omitting the '[cited ...]' date.
Italicising the video title (Vancouver does not use italics).
Forgetting 'Available from:' before the URL.
Using the channel URL instead of the specific video URL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Vancouver italicise YouTube video titles?

No. Vancouver style does not use italics for any element. Write the video title in sentence case without quotation marks or italics.

How do I include a timestamp in a Vancouver YouTube citation?

Reference the timestamp in the body of your text alongside the citation number: 'as demonstrated at 3:42 (1).' There is no standard position for timestamps in the reference entry.

Do I need the cited date for YouTube videos?

Yes. Vancouver requires a '[cited ...]' date for all internet resources, including YouTube videos, to record when you accessed the content.

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 (surname then initials) or the channel name if the real name is not known.

Write the video title

Write the title in sentence case. Follow with '[Internet]'.

Add the platform name

Write 'YouTube' as the source. End with a full stop.

Include the dates

Write the upload date in Year Mon Day format, followed by '[cited Year Mon Day]' for when you accessed it.

Add the URL

Write 'Available from:' followed by the full video URL.