YouTube is one of the most popular platforms for accessing academic talks, tutorials, and interviews. With thousands of lectures, research presentations, and case studies published there, it’s no surprise that students often need to cite YouTube videos in their essays, dissertations, and reports.
In Harvard style referencing, citing a YouTube video is very similar to citing other online video sources, such as TED Talks. The goal is to provide enough detail for your reader to easily locate the video you are referencing.
General Format for Citing a YouTube Video in Harvard Style
The standard formats are as follows:
In-text citation:
(Author Surname Year)
Reference list entry:
Author surname, Initial(s) Year, Title of video in italics, online video, YouTube, viewed Day Month Year, <URL>.
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Example 1: YouTube Video Published by an Organisation
In-text citation:
(Southern Cross University Library 2018)
Reference list entry:
Southern Cross University Library 2018, Scholarly vs non-scholarly sources, online video, YouTube, viewed 22 October 2018, <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqt7M4I-bQM>.
Example 2: YouTube Video on Another Streaming Platform
If the same video is available on a platform such as Dailymotion, ClickView, or Kanopy, the reference format changes slightly:
In-text citation:
(Geis, Jhally & Rideout 2013)
Reference list entry:
Geis, K, Jhally, S & Rideout, R 2013, Feeding frenzy: the food industry, obesity and the creation of a health crisis, streaming video, Media Education Foundation, viewed 22 October 2014, <Kanopy database>.
If the video is streamed via a provider (e.g., Kanopy, ClickView), mention the provider name instead of “YouTube.”
When the Author Is Not a Person
Sometimes, YouTube videos are uploaded by an organisation or channel name instead of an individual. In such cases, use the organisation/channel as the author.
Example:
National Geographic 2020, Secrets of whales, online video, YouTube, viewed 10 March 2023, <https://www.youtube.com/example>.
When the Author’s Name Is Unknown
If neither a person nor an organisation is clearly identified, use the username of the uploader as the author.
Example:
CoolScience101 2021, DIY volcano experiment, online video, YouTube, viewed 18 July 2023, <https://www.youtube.com/example>.
Adding Timestamps for Specific References
When referring to a specific moment in a video, include the timestamp in your in-text citation.
Example:
(Smith 2022, 05:12)
This shows the exact point in the video where the reference applies.
Key Tip: Always include the full viewing date (Day Month Year). Since YouTube content can be updated or removed, the viewing date ensures accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Harvard citation of a YouTube video: Author(s) Last Name(s), Initial(s). (Year). Title of video [Video]. YouTube. URL E.g., Smith, J. (2023). “Art of Space” [Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/example
Use the author or organisation name and year. Example: (Smith 2023). If no author, use the channel name.
If the author’s real name is unavailable, use the username or channel name. Example: CoolScience101 2021.
Format: Author/Organisation Year, Title of video in italics, online video, YouTube, viewed Day Month Year, <URL>.
No, only the date viewed (Day, Month, Year) is required in Harvard referencing.
List them in the same order as credited, separated by commas. Example: (Geis, Jhally & Rideout 2013).
Yes, if the content is credible and relevant. Learn about different academic sources to evaluate their credibility.
Yes, the video title must always appear in italics in the reference list.
