How to Cite Online Multimedia Content

Learn how to properly cite various types of online multimedia content, including videos, podcasts, and other audiovisual materials.

Basic Format

Author, A. A. [Username]. (Year, Month Day). Title of work [Media type]. Platform/Publisher. URL

Note: Include the media type in square brackets (e.g., [Video], [Audio podcast episode], [Webinar], etc.).

Types of Multimedia Content

YouTube Videos

Academic Skills Center. (2023, June 15). How to cite sources in APA format [Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/watch?v=123456789
  • • Include channel name as author
  • • Specify [Video] as media type
  • • Use exact upload date
  • • Include direct URL to video

Podcast Episodes

Smith, J. (Host). (2023, July 1). Understanding academic citations [Audio podcast episode]. In Research Tips Podcast. Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/episode/123456789
  • • Include host name and role
  • • Specify podcast series name
  • • Include platform name
  • • Use permanent episode link

Webinars

Johnson, M., & Chen, R. (2023, August 10). Best practices in academic writing [Webinar]. University Writing Center. https://example.edu/webinars/academic-writing
  • • List all presenters
  • • Include organization name
  • • Specify [Webinar] as type
  • • Add recording URL if available

TED Talks

Martinez, A. (2023, May). The evolution of citation styles [Video]. TED Conferences. https://www.ted.com/talks/123456789
  • • Use speaker's name as author
  • • Include month and year
  • • Specify TED Conferences as publisher

Special Cases

Streaming Series Episodes

Wilson, K. (Director). (2023). Episode title [TV series episode]. In Show Title. Streaming Service. https://service.com/show/episode

Include director, episode title, series title, and streaming platform.

Online Course Videos

University Name. (2023). Lecture 1: Introduction to citations [Video]. Course Name. Learning Platform. https://platform.com/course/video

Include institution name, lecture title, course name, and platform.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't forget to specify the media type
  • Don't use timestamps as permanent identifiers
  • Don't cite content that may be removed or is not publicly accessible
  • Don't omit platform or publisher information
  • Don't use auto-generated URLs that may expire

Best Practices

Access and Preservation

  • Save offline copies when possible
  • Use permanent links or DOIs
  • Document access dates
  • Archive important content

Quality Considerations

  • Verify creator credentials
  • Check content reliability
  • Consider source authority
  • Evaluate production quality