MLA Citation for a YouTube Video: A Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding the Basics of MLA Citation
When it comes to citing sources, students often find themselves in unfamiliar territory. One source that can be particularly challenging to cite is YouTube videos. In this article, we will explore the process of MLA citation for a YouTube video and provide a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
What is MLA Citation?
MLA (Modern Language Association) citation is a style guide used to format sources in academic writing, particularly in the humanities and social sciences. It is widely used in the United States and Canada, and is also used in other countries. MLA citation is used to credit the original author of a source, including books, articles, websites, and other types of materials.
MLA Citation for a YouTube Video
A YouTube video is a type of online video that is typically published on a website or platform. To cite a YouTube video in MLA style, you will need to include the following information:
- The title of the video
- The name of the creator or channel
- The date of publication
- The URL of the video
- The type of source (e.g. video, audio, etc.)
Here is an example of how to cite a YouTube video in MLA style:
Title of Video: [Title of Video]
Creator: [Name of Creator or Channel]
Date of Publication: [Date of Publication]
URL: [URL of the video]
Type of Source: [Type of source, e.g. video, audio, etc.]
Example:
Title of Video: "How to Make a Video"
Creator: John Doe
Date of Publication: March 12, 2020
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abc123
Type of Source: YouTube video
MLA Citation for a YouTube Video with Multiple Sources
If you are citing a YouTube video that includes multiple sources, you will need to include the following information:
- The title of the video
- The name of the creator or channel
- The date of publication
- The URL of the video
- The type of source (e.g. video, audio, etc.)
- A list of the sources used in the video, formatted according to MLA style
Here is an example of how to cite a YouTube video with multiple sources in MLA style:
Title of Video: "How to Make a Video"
Creator: John Doe
Date of Publication: March 12, 2020
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abc123
Type of Source: YouTube video
Sources:
- "How to Make a Video" (Creator, Date of Publication)
- "The History of YouTube" (Creator, Date of Publication)
MLA Citation for a YouTube Video with No Author
If you are citing a YouTube video that does not have an author, you will need to include the following information:
- The title of the video
- The name of the creator or channel
- The date of publication
- The URL of the video
- The type of source (e.g. video, audio, etc.)
Here is an example of how to cite a YouTube video with no author in MLA style:
Title of Video: "How to Make a Video"
Creator: John Doe
Date of Publication: March 12, 2020
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abc123
Type of Source: YouTube video
MLA Citation for a YouTube Video with No Author and No Date of Publication
If you are citing a YouTube video that does not have an author and no date of publication, you will need to include the following information:
- The title of the video
- The name of the creator or channel
- The URL of the video
- The type of source (e.g. video, audio, etc.)
Here is an example of how to cite a YouTube video with no author and no date of publication in MLA style:
Title of Video: "How to Make a Video"
Creator: John Doe
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abc123
Type of Source: YouTube video
MLA Citation for a YouTube Video with No Author and No Date of Publication and No Type of Source
If you are citing a YouTube video that does not have an author, no date of publication, and no type of source, you will need to include the following information:
- The title of the video
- The name of the creator or channel
- The URL of the video
- The type of source (e.g. video, audio, etc.)
Here is an example of how to cite a YouTube video with no author, no date of publication, and no type of source in MLA style:
Title of Video: "How to Make a Video"
Creator: John Doe
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abc123
Type of Source: YouTube video
Conclusion
Citing a YouTube video in MLA style can seem daunting, but with the right information and a step-by-step guide, you can get started. Remember to include the title of the video, the name of the creator or channel, the date of publication, the URL of the video, and the type of source. If you are citing a YouTube video with multiple sources, be sure to include the list of sources in MLA style. If you are citing a YouTube video with no author, no date of publication, and no type of source, be sure to include the title of the video, the name of the creator or channel, and the URL of the video.
References
- MLA Handbook (8th ed.). New York: Modern Language Association, 2016.
- "MLA Citation Guide." The MLA Handbook, 8th ed., Modern Language Association, 2016, pp. 123-125.
- "YouTube Video Citation." The MLA Handbook, 8th ed., Modern Language Association, 2016, pp. 126-128.
Table: MLA Citation for a YouTube Video
| Type of Source | MLA Citation |
|---|---|
| Video | [Title of Video] by [Creator] |
| Audio | [Title of Audio] by [Creator] |
| Website | [Title of Website] by [Creator] |
| Podcast | [Title of Podcast] by [Creator] |
| Image | [Title of Image] by [Creator] |
Note: The above table is a general guide and may not be comprehensive. It is always best to consult the MLA Handbook or consult with an instructor or librarian for specific guidance on MLA citation.