How to Cite Podcasts

Learn how to properly cite podcast episodes, series, and audio content in APA format.

Basic Format

Host, A. A. (Host). (Year, Month Day). Episode title (No. 123) [Audio podcast episode]. In Podcast name. Publisher. URL

Producer, A. A. (Producer). (Year). Podcast name [Audio podcast]. Publisher. URL

Examples

Single Episode

Glass, I. (Host). (2023, October 15). The Giant Pool of Money (No. 355) [Audio podcast episode]. In This American Life. WBEZ Chicago. https://www.thisamericanlife.org/355/the-giant-pool-of-money

Podcast Series

Koenig, S. (Host). (2014-present). Serial [Audio podcast]. WBEZ Chicago. https://serialpodcast.org/

Guest Episode

Smith, J. (Host), & Johnson, A. (Guest). (2023, September 1). The future of AI (No. 42) [Audio podcast episode]. In Tech Talk Weekly. Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/episode/...

Key Elements

Host Information

  • Include host name and role
  • Add guest names if applicable
  • Note multiple hosts
  • Specify producer credits

Episode Details

  • Provide episode number
  • Include exact release date
  • Note series information
  • Add season number if relevant

Platform Information

  • Specify hosting platform
  • Include direct episode URL
  • Note streaming service
  • Add publisher details

Special Cases

Additional Guidelines

  • For limited series, include date range
  • Note if episode has been edited or updated
  • Include transcript information if available
  • Specify bonus or special episodes

In-Text Citations

First Citation

Use the host name and year:

Glass (2023) discussed the financial crisis...

Subsequent Citations

Use parenthetical citation:

The investigation revealed several key findings (Glass, 2023)...

Audio Formats

Streaming Audio

  • Note streaming platform
  • Include audio quality
  • Specify download options
  • Add format information

Downloaded Content

  • Include file format
  • Note download date
  • Specify storage location
  • Add access information

Accessibility

  • Note transcript availability
  • Include closed captioning
  • Specify language versions
  • Add alternative formats
  • Note accessibility features

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't omit episode numbers
  • Don't forget to specify [Audio podcast episode]
  • Don't use unofficial episode titles
  • Don't mix up host and guest roles
  • Don't ignore series information