How to Cite a YouTube Video in Chicago 17
Complete guide with footnote and bibliography examples for citing YouTube videos, channels, and TED Talks in Chicago 17th edition.
Basic Format: YouTube Video
Include the creator's name (or channel name), video title in quotation marks, upload information, run time, and URL.
First Footnote
1. Firstname Lastname, “Title of Video,” posted Month Day, Year, by YouTube channel, YouTube, run time, URL.
Bibliography Entry
Lastname, Firstname. “Title of Video.” Posted Month Day, Year, by YouTube channel. YouTube, run time. URL.
Example: Video with Named Creator
First Footnote
1. Beth Harris and Steven Zucker, “Pablo Picasso, Guernica,” posted March 25, 2025, by Smarthistory, YouTube, 17 min., 4 sec., https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3IX1YgRG-g.
Shortened Footnote
2. Harris and Zucker, “Pablo Picasso, Guernica.”
Bibliography Entry
Harris, Beth, and Steven Zucker. “Pablo Picasso, Guernica.” Posted March 25, 2025, by Smarthistory. YouTube, 17 min., 4 sec. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3IX1YgRG-g.
Video with Corporate/Channel Author
First Footnote
1. CBC News, “The Rise of Remote Work in Atlantic Canada,” posted October 5, 2025, by CBC News, YouTube, 8 min., 22 sec., https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEF456uvw.
Bibliography Entry
CBC News. “The Rise of Remote Work in Atlantic Canada.” Posted October 5, 2025, by CBC News. YouTube, 8 min., 22 sec. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEF456uvw.
TED Talk from YouTube
First Footnote
1. Bradley Tusk, “Why You Should Be Able to Vote on Your Phone,” TED Talk, April 2025, 12 min., 31 sec., https://www.ted.com/talks/bradley_tusk_why_you_should_be_able_to_vote_on_your_phone.
Bibliography Entry
Tusk, Bradley. “Why You Should Be Able to Vote on Your Phone.” TED Talk, April 2025. 12 min., 31 sec. https://www.ted.com/talks/bradley_tusk_why_you_should_be_able_to_vote_on_your_phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use the uploader's real name or channel name?
Use the name as it appears on the channel. If the creator's real name is known, use that as the author and include the channel name after the posted date.
Is a run time required?
Chicago style recommends including the run time for video and audio recordings when available.