How to Cite a YouTube Video in MLA 9
Understanding the Basics of YouTube Citation
In the ever-evolving world of academic research, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest citation guidelines. One of the most commonly used platforms for video content is YouTube. However, the question remains: how to cite a YouTube video in MLA 9? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of YouTube citations, exploring the key elements to include and how to format your citations correctly.
Identifying the Video Source
Before you can begin citing a YouTube video, you need to identify the source. In MLA 9, YouTube sources are typically marked as "Internet Sources" or "Multimedia" items. To find the video source, follow these steps:
- Subtitles and closed captions: If the video has subtitles or closed captions, they should be included in the citation.
- URL: The YouTube video URL should be included in the citation.
- Title: The title of the video should be included in the citation.
- Channel or creator: The creator’s name or the channel name should be included in the citation.
MLA 9 Citation Guidelines
When citing a YouTube video, you’ll need to follow MLA 9’s citation guidelines. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements to include:
- Video title: Include the title of the video in the citation, using "Title of the video." (e.g., "Sesame Street: Counting").
- Creator’s name: Include the creator’s name in the citation, using "[Name of Creator]. (e.g., "Sesame Street: Counting." by Sesame Workshop).
- Channel or creator: If the creator is not the only author, include their channel or creator name in the citation.
- Video URL: Include the URL of the video in the citation, using "[URL]". For example: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ".
- Author (if applicable): If the creator is the only author, you can omit the author’s name. However, if the creator is part of a larger group or a collaborative effort, include the name of the group or organization in the citation.
In-Text Citation
To demonstrate how to cite a YouTube video in MLA 9, let’s consider an example:
Video title: "Sesame Street: Counting."
Creator’s name: Sesame Workshop
Channel or creator: [Sesame Street]
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
Author: [Sesame Workshop]
Example Citation:
Sesame Street: Counting. (Sesame Workshop, 2019. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ), YouTube.
H3: Formatting the Citation
When formatting the citation, make sure to include the following:
- Title of the video: Centered and in all capital letters
- Creator’s name: In bold and in all capital letters
- Channel or creator: In italics and in all capital letters
- URL: Centered and in all capital letters
Tips and Tricks
- Be consistent: Use the same citation style throughout your research papers.
- Include the URL: Make sure to include the URL in the citation, especially if the video is available on multiple platforms.
- Use the correct format: If the creator is part of a larger group or a collaborative effort, use the correct format (e.g., "Sesame Street" instead of "[Sesame Street]").
- Proofread: Before submitting your research papers, proofread the citations to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Conclusion
In MLA 9, citing a YouTube video is a straightforward process. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you’ll be able to properly cite YouTube sources and format your citations correctly. Remember to always use the correct citation style, include the URL, and use the correct format for creators and channels. With practice, you’ll become a pro at citing YouTube videos in MLA 9, and your research papers will be thoroughly vetted.