Chicago Style YouTube Video Citation Guide with Examples

YouTube videos are becoming a go-to resource in academic writing, but citing them in Chicago style can be tricky. Unlike books or journal articles, video citations require details such as the uploader, channel name, publication date, and direct URL.

This guide breaks down the rules for citing YouTube in both footnotes and bibliographies, with clear examples for different scenarios. Whether you’re writing a student paper or a formal research article, these examples will help you stay accurate and professional.

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Why Cite YouTube Videos in Chicago Style?

Citing YouTube videos correctly in Chicago style ensures your work is professional and credible. It shows respect for the creator’s work and gives readers a way to verify the information you’ve used.

Key reasons to cite properly:

• Give proper credit to content creators.
  
  

• Maintain academic credibility with verifiable sources.
  
  

• Avoid academic misconduct by following citation standards.
  
  

• Help readers access the original video for further context.

General Rules for Citing YouTube in Chicago Style

When citing YouTube videos, make sure to include all the required details. Leaving out even one element can make your citation incomplete.

Core elements to include:

• Creator or uploader (individual, organization, or channel name).
  
  
  

• Video title in quotation marks.
  
  

• Platform (YouTube).
  
  

• Date uploaded (Month Day, Year).
  
  

• Direct URL to the video.

<ProTip title="📌 Pro Tip:" description="Always check whether the correct author is the channel name or an individual. In Chicago style, the uploader is usually treated as the author unless another clear creator is credited." />

Step-by-Step Guide to Citing YouTube in Chicago Footnotes

Step 1 – Standard YouTube Video Citation

For a regular video, include: creator’s name, video title (in quotes), platform, upload date, and URL.

Example footnote:

1. John Smith, “History of Ancient Rome”, YouTube, March 5, 2020, https://youtube.com/example.

Step 2 – Video from an Organization Channel

If the video is uploaded by an organization, list the organization as the author.

Example footnote:

2. National Geographic, “Inside the Amazon Rainforest”, YouTube, June 15, 2021, https://youtube.com/example.

<ProTip title="💡 Pro Tip:" description="Always treat the organization’s channel name as the author when no individual is credited. This keeps your citations aligned with Chicago rules." />

Step 3 – Video Without a Listed Author

When no author is given, use the channel name in place of the author.

Example footnote:

3. Science Daily, “New Discoveries in Physics”, YouTube, August 10, 2022, https://youtube.com/example

How to Cite YouTube in a Chicago Bibliography

Standard Bibliography Entry

Smith, John. “Exploring Ancient Ruins.” YouTube, March 5, 2020. https://youtube.com/example

Organization or Institution as Author

National Geographic. “Wildlife of the Amazon.” YouTube, June 15, 2021. https://youtube.com/example

No Author or Date Available

“New Discoveries in Space.” YouTube, n.d. https://youtube.com/example.

<ProTip title="📌 Pro Tip:" description="If the author or date is missing, always begin with the video title and use 'n.d.' for no date. This keeps your references consistent with Chicago style." />

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Forgetting quotation marks around video titles

❌ Leaving out the URL

❌ Misplacing commas, periods, or italics

✅ Always follow the sequence: Author → Title → Platform → Date → URL

Citing Digital Sources with Confidence

YouTube videos can be strong references when formatted correctly in Chicago style, but accuracy is key to keeping your work credible.

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Encourage yourself and others to pair citation tools with careful attention to detail—this way, your papers remain professional and reliable.