How to Cite a YouTube Video in APA 7
Complete guide with examples for citing YouTube videos, channels, comments, and TED Talks in APA 7th edition.
Basic Format: YouTube Video
Use the name of the person or group who uploaded the video as the author. Include the date, title (italicized), "[Video]" descriptor, site name, and URL.
Reference List Entry
Uploader, U. U. [Screen name]. (Year, Month Day). Title of video [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxxxx
Example: Individual Uploader
Citation
Mighty Car Mods. (2025, August 12). How to turbo your car for under $1000 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABC123
In‑Text Citation (Parenthetical)
(Mighty Car Mods, 2025)
YouTube Channel
Cite a YouTube channel by using the channel name, "n.d." for no date (since content changes), and the retrieval date.
Example
Vsauce. (n.d.). Home [YouTube channel]. YouTube. Retrieved April 8, 2026, from https://www.youtube.com/user/Vsauce
TED Talk from YouTube
If you viewed the TED Talk on YouTube, cite it as a YouTube video. If from the TED website, cite differently.
Example
TED. (2024, June 5). The power of vulnerability | Brené Brown [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCvmsMzlF7o
Comment on a YouTube Video
Example
BookwormElite. (2025). Re: This changed my life. In The power of reading every day [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyz456&lc=Ugxxxxx
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to include the uploader's real name?
If the real name is known and different from the screen name, include both: Last, F. M. [Screen name]. If only screen name is available, use that as the author.
What about videos from Vimeo or other platforms?
Follow the same format but replace "YouTube" with the name of the platform (e.g., Vimeo).