How to reference a YouTube video in APA 7
A video reference in APA 7 has 5 parts. See them labelled on an example, then build your own and copy it.
- In your essay: (Author, year)
- Checked 23 October 2026
Pip tip: with Peel, click the toolbar button on any page. I fill in most of this for you and flag what’s missing.
The 5 parts
Channel. (Date). Title [Video]. Site. Web address
. 2 · DATE(2024, March 5). 3 · TITLEHow to plan an essay in ten minutes [Video]. 4 · SITEYouTube. 5 · WEB ADDRESShttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example
- 2 · DateThe date, written like this: 2024, March 5. In round brackets.The date it was posted, under the video.
- 3 · TitleIn italics. Then “[Video]”.The video’s title, as it appears under the video.
- 4 · SiteAs the source gives it.The site it’s on, like YouTube.
- 5 · Web addressThe full web address.Copy it from the address bar or the Share button.
Two places, one source
A plan can make an essay quicker to write (Study Better, 2024).
The author and the year, in brackets.Study Better. (2024, March 5). How to plan an essay in ten minutes [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example
The full reference, in A to Z order by surname.Build your reference
Fill in what you have. Anything still missing is highlighted. Nothing you type leaves this page.
What if…
No date
Write “n.d.” where the date goes. And add the date you looked at it, after “Retrieved”.
Study Better. (n.d.). How to plan an essay in ten minutes [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example
In your essay: (Study Better, n.d.)
Two authors
Give both names, joined with “&”.
Green, A., & Patel, R. (2024, March 5). How to plan an essay in ten minutes [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example
In your essay: (Green & Patel, 2024)
Four or more authors
Name all four in the reference list. In your essay, give the first author and “et al.”.
Green, A., Patel, R., Okafor, D., & Lee, H. (2024, March 5). How to plan an essay in ten minutes [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example
In your essay: (Green et al., 2024)
Easy to get wrong
A web address in your essay
NOT QUITEA plan can make an essay quicker to write (www.youtube.com).
RIGHTA plan can make an essay quicker to write (Study Better, 2024).
The title not in italics
NOT QUITEStudy Better. (2024, March 5). How to plan an essay in ten minutes [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example
RIGHTStudy Better. (2024, March 5). How to plan an essay in ten minutes [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example
Check your university’s version
Some universities and departments make small changes to APA. Your module handbook always wins.
This guide follows the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th edition.
Questions
How do I cite a YouTube video in the text?
Give the author and the year, in brackets: (Study Better, 2024)
What if there’s no date?
Check the page or document again first. If there really is none, here’s how APA 7 sets it out: Study Better. (n.d.). How to plan an essay in ten minutes [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example
Is APA 7 the same at every university?
Some universities and departments make small changes to APA. Your module handbook always wins.
Referencing is easier as you go
KanBananza’s step-by-step guides show how to plan an assignment and keep your sources in order while you research and write, so the reference list is ready when you are.
Let Peel do this as you read
Save a page in one click. Peel fills in the details, flags anything missing, and builds your reference list in any style, free.
These guides and Peel’s references are here to help, but they don’t replace your course’s own referencing guide: check your references against your handbook, and ask your tutor or library if you’re not sure. You’re responsible for your own work. Style names belong to their owners, who aren’t connected with Peel or KanBananza and don’t endorse them. See our terms.