Answered By: Norma Drepaul Last Updated: May 07, 2021 Views: 3411
If you are discussing the video in a general way and not focusing on an individual's contribution (such as a performer, producer, etc.), then start the citation with the title of the video in quotation marks (if the video is part of a series or part of something else), and follow title capitalization rules. If the video is an independent work, as a film, then instead of quotations, italicize the title of the video. Next, list the name of the container in italics as YouTube. Add the name of the person or username who uploaded the video. Add the date when the video was uploaded, and the YouTube link. If needed, add the date when you accessed the video.
Works Cited Citation Examples
Key:
"Title of the Video." YouTube, uploaded by uploader-name, date of upload, URL. Accessed date.
Examples:
"Game and Productivity." YouTube, uploaded by Big Think, 3 July 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkdzy9bW3E.
"Elaine Maye and Mike Nicholes Freeze Each Other Out." YouTube, uploaded by theatrecorner,
18 June 2008, www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DNoNj8JzX4. Accessed 26 Apr. 2021.
Identify the Citation Elements from the YouTube Video
- title of the video
- use quotation marks if the video is part of something like an episode, or part of a series
- use italics if the video is an independent work, such as a complete film
- follow title capitalization rules
- name of the container or the online platform in italics
- "uploaded by" followed by the name of the person or username who uploaded the video
- date of upload
- URL
- accessed date if applicable
Example with elements numbered:
"Elaine Maye and Mike Nicholes Freeze Each Other Out."
YouTube,
uploaded by theatrecorner,
18 June 2008,
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DNoNj8JzX4.
Accessed 26 Apr. 2021.
In-Text Citation
Example of the video cited within the body of your essay:
Time Range from Video Player

- In-text Citation: MLA page 57
- Entry for a video on a website: MLA page 33 (side note) and 44
- YouTube examples from the MLA Style Blog "How do I Treat the Title of a Work Uploaded to a Video Sharing Site"
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