I. Introduction
Citing sources correctly is an important part of any research project. However, with the rise of online video content, it can be confusing to know how to cite a YouTube video in MLA format. This article will provide a step-by-step guide to help you properly cite YouTube videos in your research. You’ll also find helpful tips and tricks, a video tutorial, and answers to frequently asked questions.
II. Step-by-step guide
Citing a YouTube video in MLA format requires including several key pieces of information. Follow these steps to create a correct citation:
- Start with the name of the video’s uploader or author. If the uploader’s real name is unknown, use their username. Follow the name with a period.
- List the title of the video in quotation marks. Capitalize the first word and any other words that would normally be capitalized in a title, then follow with a period.
- Next, add the name of the website or platform where you found the video, which in this case is YouTube. Follow with a comma.
- Include the publication date of the video in day-month-year format. If the date is unknown, use “n.d.” instead. Follow with a comma.
- Finish the citation with the URL where the video can be found. Make sure the URL is clickable so your reader can easily access the video. Follow with a period.
Here’s an example citation:
Smith, John. “How to Cite a YouTube Video in MLA.” YouTube, 2 Sept. 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=123456789.
Remember, all components of the citation should be listed in the order above and end with a period. If there is additional information you want to include, such as the video’s length or director, check the MLA Handbook for further guidance.
III. Video tutorial
If you’d prefer to watch a video tutorial rather than read a written guide, we’ve got you covered. Check out the video below for a step-by-step demonstration of how to cite a YouTube video in MLA format:
The video provides a visual demonstration of the citation process, making it even easier to follow along.
IV. Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions readers might have about citing YouTube videos in MLA format:
Do I need to include the uploader’s name in the citation?
Yes, the name of the video’s uploader or author must be included in the citation.
What if the video doesn’t have a publication date?
If the publication date of the video is unknown, use “n.d.” instead.
V. Comparison article
Traditional MLA citation style typically included the title of the video, the website or platform where it was found, and the date of access. However, with the rise of online video content, an updated MLA citation style includes more information about the video, such as the name of the video’s author or uploader. The comparison chart below highlights the differences between traditional and updated MLA citation styles for YouTube videos:
| Traditional MLA | Updated MLA |
|---|---|
| Author or publisher name | Author or uploader name |
| Video title | Video title |
| Website or platform name | Website or platform name |
| Date of access | Publication date |
VI. Q&A with experts
We reached out to experts such as librarians and writing tutors to get their insights on MLA citation for YouTube videos. Here are some questions and answers from our experts:
How do I know if a video is trustworthy and should be cited in my research?
It’s important to evaluate the reliability and credibility of any source you plan to use in your research. When it comes to YouTube videos, look for videos from reputable sources or individuals with expertise in the topic you’re researching. You can also do further research on the video’s uploader or author to determine their credentials.
VII. Visual aids
To make the citation process even easier, here are some visual aids to help you understand how to format your citation correctly:
Example citation:
Formatting tips:
VIII. Top mistakes to avoid
Some common mistakes to avoid when citing YouTube videos in MLA format include:
- Forgetting to include the name of the video’s author or uploader
- Not listing the video title in quotation marks
- Including the date of access instead of the publication date
- Mispelling the uploader’s name or the video title
Make sure to carefully check your citation before submitting your research to avoid these mistakes.
IX. Conclusion
Citing a YouTube video in MLA format might seem daunting at first, but with the step-by-step guide, video tutorial, FAQs, expert insights, visual aids, and top mistakes to avoid provided in this article, you’ll be a pro in no time. Remember to always double-check your citations and check the MLA Handbook if you have any further questions.
