How to Cite a YouTube Video in MLA 9
Complete guide with examples for citing YouTube videos, channels, and comments in MLA 9th edition.
Basic Format: YouTube Video
Include the creator's name (or channel name), video title (in quotation marks), YouTube, upload date, and URL. If the uploader's real name differs from the channel name, you may include the channel name as a supplementary element.
Works Cited Entry
Creator's Lastname, Firstname [or Channel Name]. "Title of Video." YouTube, Day Month Year, URL.
Example: Individual Creator
Citation
Singh, Lilly. "My First Time Visiting Pakistan." YouTube, 12 Mar. 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABC123xyz.
In‑Text Citation (Parenthetical)
(Singh 00:02:15-00:02:30)
Video with a Corporate/Channel Author
Example
CBC News. "The Rise of Remote Work in Atlantic Canada." YouTube, 5 Oct. 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEF456uvw.
In‑Text Citation
(CBC News 00:01:00)
Citing a YouTube Channel
Example
CrashCourse. YouTube, www.youtube.com/crashcourse. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Comment on a YouTube Video
Example
BookLover99. Comment on "How to Read More Books in 2026." YouTube, 2 Feb. 2026, www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHI789rst&lc=Ugxxx.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use the uploader's real name or screen name?
If the uploader's real name is known, use that. If not, use the channel name as it appears on YouTube.
How do I format in‑text citations for a video?
Use the creator's name and the timestamp range for the specific part you are referencing: (Singh 00:02:15-00:02:30).