Citation Generator
Enter a YouTube video's details to generate a properly formatted citation in APA, MLA, or Chicago style for academic or research use.
Recommended Settings
Pro Tips
- •APA and Chicago typically list the channel/uploader as the author unless a specific individual is clearly credited as the content creator
- •Some citation styles or instructors require an access date for online video - this defaults to today's date
- •Double-check your specific style guide or instructor's requirements, since citation conventions can vary slightly between editions and institutions
- •If the exact upload date isn't visible, YouTube usually shows it on the video's page just below the title
Most Popular
Most students generate an APA or MLA citation, since those are the most commonly required styles for coursework
When to Use This Tool
Get a properly formatted citation for a YouTube video referenced in academic writing.
Add a video source to a bibliography or works cited page.
Reference video sources correctly in research work.
Teach proper citation practices for online video sources.
How It Works
Take the video details you provide - title, channel, author, date, and URL
Format the date and assemble the elements according to each citation style's specific structure
Display all three formats side by side, ready to copy
100% Private
Files never leave your device. All processing happens locally in your browser.
Lightning Fast
Powered by Client-side citation formatting for optimal performance on modern browsers.
Open Source
Built with verified, open-source libraries. Fully transparent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should I list as the author?
Most style guides recommend listing the channel or uploader's name as the author unless a specific individual is clearly and separately credited as the video's creator.
What if I don't know the exact upload date?
The citation will show 'n.d.' (no date) if left blank, which is an accepted convention in most citation styles when a date is genuinely unavailable.
Do I need an access date?
Some citation style versions and instructors require one for online sources like video, since content can change or be removed - this tool shows today's date as a default reference.
Is my data sent to a server?
No. Citations are generated entirely in your browser.
Are these citations 100% guaranteed correct for my assignment?
They follow standard, widely-used formatting conventions, but always double-check against your specific instructor's or institution's exact requirements, since minor variations exist.