You found the perfect YouTube video. Now you need to cite it in APA format. Easy, right? Sometimes yes. Sometimes… not so much. Usernames, timestamps, URLs, and constantly updated rules can make things confusing. But don’t worry. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to cite a YouTube video in APA format in 2026. Step by step. With real examples.
TL;DR: In APA 7th edition (still current in 2026), you cite a YouTube video by listing the author’s real name (if available), the username in brackets, the full date, the video title in italics, “YouTube” as the site name, and the URL. If there is no real name, use the channel name as the author. Always include the full direct link. For in-text citations, use the author and year, plus a timestamp if needed.
Why Citing YouTube Videos Matters
YouTube is no longer “just entertainment.”
It is:
- Educational
- Research-based
- Full of interviews and expert commentary
- A source of lectures and conference recordings
Professors know this. Researchers know this. APA knows this.
That is why APA 7th edition includes clear rules for citing YouTube videos. And those rules remain valid in 2026.
If you cite correctly, you:
- Avoid plagiarism
- Give proper credit
- Strengthen your research
- Look professional
Let’s break it down.
The Basic APA Format for a YouTube Video (2026)
Here is the general structure:
Author, A. A. [Username]. (Year, Month Day). Title of video in italics [Video]. YouTube. URL
Looks scary? It’s not. Let’s simplify it.
Each Part Explained
- Author – The real name of the person or organization.
- [Username] – The YouTube channel name in brackets.
- Date – The exact upload date.
- Title – Italicized. Only the first word and proper nouns capitalized.
- [Video] – Written in brackets. Always included.
- YouTube – The platform name.
- URL – The direct link to the video.
That’s it. Seven pieces. Easy.
Real Example #1: Individual Creator with Real Name
Let’s say you watched a video by psychologist Dr. Julie Smith.
Video details:
- Real name: Julie Smith
- Username: @DrJulie
- Date: March 5, 2025
- Title: How to manage anxiety before exams
Reference List Entry:
Smith, J. [DrJulie]. (2025, March 5). How to manage anxiety before exams [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/xxxxx
In-Text Citation:
Parenthetical:
(Smith, 2025)
Narrative:
Smith (2025) explains that breathing techniques reduce anxiety.
Citing a Specific Timestamp
If you quote something from minute 2:34:
(Smith, 2025, 2:34)
Simple and clean.
Real Example #2: No Real Name Available
Sometimes there is no real name listed. Only a channel name.
That’s common.
In that case, use the channel name as the author. Do not repeat it in brackets.
Video details:
- Channel name: CrashCourse
- Date: January 10, 2024
- Title: The French Revolution explained
Reference List Entry:
CrashCourse. (2024, January 10). The French revolution explained [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/xxxxx
Notice something?
No brackets with another username. Because there is no separate real name.
In-Text Citation:
(CrashCourse, 2024)
That’s it.
Important: Do not write “CrashCourse YouTube Channel.” Just the name.
Real Example #3: Organization as Author
Now let’s cite a video uploaded by an organization.
Example: World Health Organization.
Video details:
- Organization: World Health Organization
- Date: April 2, 2026
- Title: Understanding global vaccination efforts
Reference List Entry:
World Health Organization. (2026, April 2). Understanding global vaccination efforts [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/xxxxx
In-Text Citation:
First citation:
(World Health Organization [WHO], 2026)
Later citations:
(WHO, 2026)
APA allows abbreviations after the first full mention.
How to Format in Your Reference List
Follow these formatting rules carefully:
- Use hanging indent
- Double-space the entire reference list
- Alphabetize by author’s last name
- Italicize the video title
- Do not italicize “YouTube”
- Do not put a period after the URL
Many students lose points for tiny mistakes. Pay attention to details.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in 2026
1. Writing “Retrieved from”
Not needed for YouTube videos unless content is likely to change.
2. Adding a period after the URL
This can break clickable links.
3. Using all caps in the title
APA uses sentence case. Only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized.
Wrong:
How To Manage Anxiety Before Exams
Correct:
How to manage anxiety before exams
4. Forgetting [Video]
This label tells readers the format of the source.
5. Mixing APA with MLA
MLA and APA are different. Don’t blend them.
What If the Video Has No Date?
Rare. But possible.
Use:
(n.d.)
Example:
Smith, J. [ScienceTalk]. (n.d.). The future of renewable energy [Video]. YouTube. URL
In-text:
(Smith, n.d.)
If a date is available, always use it. YouTube almost always shows upload dates.
How to Cite a YouTube Short
Good news.
The format is the same.
Even if the video is 30 seconds long, you still:
- Include full date
- Italicize title
- Add [Video]
- Provide URL
Length does not change citation style.
How to Quote from a YouTube Video Properly
If you use a direct quote, include a timestamp.
Example:
“Anxiety is not your enemy” (Smith, 2025, 1:45).
This helps readers find the exact moment.
No page numbers needed. Videos don’t have pages.
Quick Checklist Before You Submit
Ask yourself:
- Did I include the real name if available?
- Did I add the username in brackets?
- Did I italicize the title?
- Did I write [Video]?
- Did I include the full URL?
- Did I use sentence case?
- Did I format with hanging indent?
If yes, you’re good.
APA 2026 Updates: Has Anything Changed?
As of 2026, APA 7th edition is still the official standard.
No major structural changes were made specifically for YouTube citations.
However:
- Accuracy matters more than ever.
- Professors expect precise formatting.
- AI-generated references must be double-checked.
Always verify:
- The upload date
- The creator’s listed name
- The spelling of the title
A small typo can affect credibility.
Final Thoughts
Citing a YouTube video in APA format is not complicated.
It just looks complicated.
Remember the formula:
Author. (Date). Title [Video]. YouTube. URL
That’s your core structure.
Use real names when available. Add usernames in brackets. Italicize titles. Include timestamps when quoting.
Practice once or twice. It becomes automatic.
Soon you won’t even need to look it up.
And that’s the goal.
Now go cite that video like a pro.
