Introduction
If you’re a student or researcher who uses multimedia sources, you may have wondered how to cite YouTube videos in MLA format. Proper citation is crucial to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original source. Fortunately, MLA provides clear guidelines for citing online videos, including YouTube. This article will take a variety of approaches to help you understand how to cite YouTube videos in MLA, including a how-to guide, a video tutorial, a case study, frequently asked questions, and best practices.
How-to Guide
The basic MLA citation format for YouTube videos:
– Author’s name (if available). Last name followed by first name initial.
– Title of the video.
– Title of the website (e.g. YouTube).
– Publisher of the website.
– Date of the video’s publication.
– URL.
For example:
Smith, John. “How to Write a Resume.” YouTube, uploaded by Career Services, 1 May 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=abcd1234.
To cite a YouTube video in MLA format:
1. To start, locate the necessary information in the video description or metadata, such as the author’s name, title of the video, date of publication, and URL.
2. Identify the author’s name, starting with the last name followed by the first name initial.
3. Next, write the video title in quotation marks.
4. After the video title, include the title of the website in italics (e.g. YouTube).
5. List the publisher of the website, which is often the same as the website name.
6. Include the date the video was published.
7. End with the URL in angle brackets, without the https://.
Some tips for finding the necessary information:
– Look for the video’s attribution if the author’s name is not listed in the video description.
– Confirm the date of publication by checking the video’s upload date or the channel’s activity page.
– Double-check the URL to make sure it is accurate and complete.
– Use a citation generator like EasyBib to help format the citation.
Common mistakes or errors to avoid:
– Forgetting to include the author’s name or URL.
– Using the wrong date, such as the date you accessed the video instead of the date of publication.
– Punctuating the citation incorrectly, such as using a comma instead of a period between elements.
Video Tutorial
Take your learning to the next level with this comprehensive video tutorial on citing YouTube videos in MLA format:
Case Study
To see how the citation format works in practice, let’s examine a popular YouTube video and create an MLA citation.
Title: “Vanilla Ice – Ice Ice Baby (Official Music Video)”
Author: VanilliaIceVEVO
Website: YouTube
Publisher: YouTube
Publication date: Aug 18, 2010
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rog8ou-ZepE&t=76s
Citation:
VanilliaIceVEVO. “Vanilla Ice – Ice Ice Baby (Official Music Video).” YouTube, uploaded by YouTube, 18 Aug 2010, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rog8ou-ZepE&t=76s.
Note that we used the channel name as the publisher instead of YouTube in this example. This is because the video was uploaded by the user VanilliaIceVEVO, not the website itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to include the date of access for YouTube videos?
A: No, you only need to include the date of publication for online videos like YouTube.
Q: Can I use a shortened URL in my citation?
A: No, you should always use the complete URL without shorteners or link previews.
Q: How do I cite a YouTube video without an author?
A: Use the username of the uploader instead of a personal name.
Best Practices
To ensure that you’re citing YouTube videos in MLA format correctly, follow these best practices:
1. Start with the author’s name, if available.
2. Use the video title in quotation marks, followed by the site name in italics.
3. Identify the publisher of the website, which is often the same as the site name.
4. Use the date of publication, not the date accessed.
5. Include the full URL without any shorteners or link previews.
6. Use a citation generator to check formatting and punctuation.
7. Double-check your citation for accuracy and completeness.
Conclusion
Understanding how to cite YouTube videos in MLA format is an essential skill for researchers and students who use online sources. By following the basic guidelines and best practices outlined in this article, you can avoid errors and give proper credit to the original source. Don’t forget to share this article with others who might find it helpful in their work.
