I. Introduction
Citing sources is an important aspect of academic writing, and YouTube videos are no exception. However, many students and researchers are unsure of how to properly cite YouTube videos in MLA format. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide, video tutorial, case study example, and tips to help you properly cite YouTube videos in MLA format. Whether you’re a student or a researcher, this guide will help you properly acknowledge the sources you use in your work.
II. Step-by-Step Guide
To properly cite a YouTube video in MLA format, you will need to include specific information about the video. Follow the steps below:
- Start with the name of the video creator, last name first. For example: Smith, John.
- Next, include the title of the video in quotation marks. For example: “How to Bake a Cake.”
- Follow the video title with the title of the website, which in this case is YouTube. It should be italicized. For example: YouTube,
- Include the date the video was posted. This should be in day, month, and year format. For example: 25 May 2021.
- Finally, copy and paste the URL of the video. For example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABCDEFGH
Here’s how a properly formatted citation should look like:
Smith, John. “How to Bake a Cake.” YouTube, 25 May 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABCDEFGH.
For a visual guide and sample citations, refer to the screenshots below:
III. Video Tutorial
If you learn better with visual aids, we’ve created a video tutorial on how to cite a YouTube video in MLA format:
In this tutorial, we go through the steps of citing a YouTube video in MLA format and explain each step in detail. We hope this video will help you improve your citation skills.
IV. Case Study Approach
To further illustrate how to cite a YouTube video in MLA format, we will use a real-world example. Let’s say you are writing a research paper on climate change and want to cite a video about the topic. Follow the steps below:
- Start with the name of the video creator, last name first. For example: Jones, Sarah.
- Next, include the title of the video in quotation marks. For example: “The Impact of Climate Change on the Oceans.”
- Follow the video title with the title of the website, which in this case is YouTube. It should be italicized. For example: YouTube,
- Include the date the video was posted. This should be in day, month, and year format. For example: 2 July 2021.
- Finally, copy and paste the URL of the video. For example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJKLMNOPQ
The properly formatted citation for this video should look like this:
Jones, Sarah. “The Impact of Climate Change on the Oceans.” YouTube, 2 July 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJKLMNOPQ.
Remember to always double-check your citations to ensure accuracy and consistency with MLA guidelines.
V. Comparison of APA and MLA Citation Styles
APA and MLA are two of the most commonly used citation styles in academic writing. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences. Let’s take a look at how to cite the same YouTube video in both APA and MLA styles:
APA Style:
Jones, S. (2021, July 2). The impact of climate change on the oceans [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJKLMNOPQ
MLA Style:
Jones, Sarah. “The Impact of Climate Change on the Oceans.” YouTube, 2 July 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJKLMNOPQ.
As you can see, the main difference lies in the order of the elements and the use of italics. APA style puts the date first, followed by the title of the video, while MLA style puts the creator first, followed by the title of the video. APA style also uses brackets to indicate that the source is a video, while MLA style does not.
When it comes to choosing between APA and MLA citation styles, it’s important to consider your specific assignment requirements and the preferences of your instructor or publisher. Always check the guidelines and follow them accordingly.
VI. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when citing YouTube videos in MLA format:
- Forgetting to include the name of the video creator
- Not italicizing the title of the website (YouTube)
- Leaving out the date the video was posted
- Not including the URL of the video
To ensure accurate and properly formatted citations, double-check your work and refer to reputable sources like the MLA Handbook.
VII. Conclusion
Citing YouTube videos in MLA format may seem daunting at first, but with this step-by-step guide, video tutorial, case study approach, and tips to avoid common mistakes, you’ll be able to do it with ease. Remember to always check for accuracy and consistency with MLA guidelines, and choose your citation style based on the requirements of your assignment or publication.