The Complete Guide to Citing Videos: MLA, APA, and Chicago Style

Introduction

Citing video sources has become increasingly important in our digital age. As more and more information is available online, writers and researchers need to be able to properly cite their sources to avoid plagiarism and give credit where credit is due. In this article, we will explore the various ways to cite videos in MLA, APA, and Chicago Style. We will also provide practical tutorials and tips and tricks for mastering the art of video citation.

The Complete Guide to Citing Videos: MLA, APA, and Chicago Style

When it comes to citing videos, there are three main style guides: MLA, APA, and Chicago. Each style guide has its own rules and regulations for citing videos, so it is important to understand which style is preferable for your subject.

MLA (Modern Language Association) style is commonly used in the humanities, such as English, literature, and cultural studies. APA (American Psychological Association) style is commonly used in the social sciences, such as psychology, sociology, and education. Chicago (Chicago Manual of Style) style is widely used in the publishing industry and is highly respected in many academic fields.

Below is a brief overview of how to cite a video in each style:

MLA Style

To cite a video in MLA style, follow these basic guidelines:

1. Include the video’s title, in quotation marks.
2. The name of the website where the video was found.
3. The date the video was posted.
4. The name of the publisher, if applicable.
5. The date you accessed the video.
6. The URL of the video.

Here is an example of an MLA citation for a video:

“Why Does Ice Float?” Ted-ed, 24 June 2014, Ted-ed.com, https://www.ted.com/talks/why_does_ice_float_in_water.

APA Style

To cite a video in APA style, follow these basic guidelines:

1. Include the video’s title, in italics.
2. The name of the website where the video was found.
3. The date the video was posted.
4. The name of the publisher, if applicable.
5. The date you accessed the video.
6. The URL of the video.

Here is an example of an APA citation for a video:

Why does ice float? [Video]. (2014, June 24). Ted-ed. https://www.ted.com/talks/why_does_ice_float_in_water

Chicago Style

To cite a video in Chicago style, follow these basic guidelines:

1. Include the video’s title, in italics.
2. The name of the website where the video was found.
3. The date the video was posted.
4. The name of the publisher, if applicable.
5. The date you accessed the video.
6. The URL of the video.

Here is an example of a Chicago citation for a video:

“Why Does Ice Float?” Ted-ed, June 24, 2014, accessed September 12, 2021, https://www.ted.com/talks/why_does_ice_float_in_water.

It is important to note that each style guide has specific rules concerning italicizing, punctuation, and capitalization. It is important to familiarize yourself with these rules to ensure accuracy in your citations.

5 Simple Steps to Citing Video Sources Accurately

While citing videos can seem overwhelming, there are five simple steps you can follow to ensure accuracy:

Step 1: Identify the relevant information

To properly cite a video, you need to identify the relevant information, such as the video’s title, the name of the website, the date it was posted, the name of the publisher, and the date you accessed it.

Step 2: Choose the appropriate style guide

There are several style guides to choose from, so it is important to select the one that is appropriate for your subject. For example, if you are writing a paper on psychology, you would want to use APA style.

Step 3: Follow the style guide’s rules and regulations

Each style guide has its own rules and regulations for citing videos, so it is important to follow the specific guidelines for your chosen style. Pay close attention to details such as italicizing, punctuation, and capitalization.

Step 4: Use online tools for assistance

There are several online tools available to help you properly cite videos, such as citation generators and referencing tools. These tools can save you time and ensure accuracy in your citations.

Step 5: Double-check your citations

Before submitting your paper or project, double-check your citations to ensure accuracy. This will help you avoid potential plagiarism and give credit where credit is due.

How to Cite a Video: A Practical Tutorial for College Students

College students need to know how to cite videos properly in order to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original sources of information they use. Here is a tutorial on how to cite a video in MLA style:

1. Gather the necessary information, such as the video’s title, the name of the website, the date it was posted, the name of the publisher, and the date you accessed it.
2. Write the author’s name or username, followed by the video’s title in quotation marks.
3. List the website’s name in italics and then the date the video was posted.
4. If the video has no publisher, write “n.p.” If it does, list the name of the publisher.
5. Write the date you accessed the video and then the URL.

Here is an example of a properly cited video using MLA style:

Smith, Jane. “The History of Jazz.” TED, TED Conferences, 21 Apr. 2017, https://www.ted.com/talks/jane_smith_the_history_of_jazz.

Mastering the Art of Video Citation: Tips, Tricks, and Examples

Tips for Making Video Citation Easier

Citing videos can be a daunting task, but there are several tips that can make it easier:

• Identify the necessary information before you start writing, so you know exactly what to look for.
• Use online citation tools to help save time and ensure accuracy.
• Practice citing sources on a regular basis to improve your skills.

Tricks for Accurately Citing Videos Even in Difficult Situations

Sometimes citing videos can be challenging, but there are tricks to help you accurately cite even in difficult situations:

• When the creator’s name is not available, use the username or screen name instead.
• If you cannot find the date the video was posted, use the date you accessed it instead.
• If the website is well-known, only include the URL. If the website is less well-known, include the full URL.

Examples of Correctly Cited Videos

Here are some examples of correctly cited videos:

Brown, Bonnie. “How to Train Your Cat to Use the Toilet.” YouTube, 5 Apr. 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcOxhH8N3Bo.

Lewis, John. “March: Book One.” Digital graphic novel. ComiXology, 2013.

Video Citation Made Easy: Avoiding Plagiarism in Your Writing

How Inaccurate Citation Can Lead to Plagiarism

Accurate citation is crucial for avoiding plagiarism in your writing. When you fail to cite your sources properly, you risk plagiarizing the work of others. This can have serious consequences, such as failing classes, losing credibility, and damaging your reputation.

Tips for Avoiding Plagiarism When Citing Videos

To avoid plagiarism when citing videos, follow these tips:

• Cite all sources, including videos, that you use in your work.
• Familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of your chosen style guide.
• Use online tools to help ensure accuracy in your citations.

Examples of Correctly and Incorrectly Cited Videos

Here are some examples of correctly and incorrectly cited videos:

Incorrect:

“The Science of Sleep.” Netflix, https://www.netflix.com/watch/70044689.

Correct:

“The Science of Sleep.” Netflix, 2006.

The Importance of Citing Video Sources: How to Do It Like a Pro

Why Citing Video Sources Is Important

Citing video sources is important for several reasons:

• It gives credit to the original sources of information.
• It prevents plagiarism.
• It allows readers to locate and verify the sources you used in your work.

Tips for Avoiding Common Mistakes When Citing Videos

Here are some tips for avoiding common mistakes when citing videos:

• Double-check your citations to ensure accuracy.
• Familiarize yourself with the specific rules of your chosen style guide.
• Use online citation tools to help ensure accuracy and save time.

Examples of How to Do It Like a Pro

Here are some examples of how to cite videos like a pro:

Blass, Jules. “Bessie Coleman: The First African American Woman Pilot.” YouTube, 4 June 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn6ezhL9g9U.

Citing Videos: Best Practices for Writers and Researchers

Best Practices for Citing Videos

Here are some best practices for citing videos:

• Identify the necessary information before you start writing.
• Choose the appropriate style guide for your subject.
• Use online citation tools to ensure accuracy and save time.

Tips for Conducting Proper Research to Support Video Citation

Here are some tips for conducting proper research to support video citation:

• Use credible sources.
• Keep detailed records of your sources.
• Always double-check your citations to ensure accuracy.

Overview of Helpful Online Tools for Citing Videos

Here are some helpful online tools for citing videos:

• Citation generators, such as EasyBib and Citation Machine.
• Referencing tools, such as Mendeley and Zotero.
• Style guide websites, such as the MLA, APA, and Chicago Manual of Style websites.

Conclusion

Citing videos is an essential part of writing and research. Accurately citing your sources not only prevents plagiarism but also gives credit to the original sources of information. By following the guidelines and tips outlined in this article, you can become proficient in citing videos in MLA, APA, and Chicago Style. Remember to always double-check your citations and use online tools to ensure accuracy and save time.

Now that you know how to cite videos like a pro, it is time to put your skills to use and start citing videos accurately.