How to reference a YouTube video in MLA 9
A video reference in MLA 9 has 5 parts. See them labelled on an example, then build your own and copy it.
- In your essay: (Author page)
- Checked 21 October 2026
Pip tip: in KanBananza, right-click any page and choose “Save as a source”. Most of this is filled in for you.
The 5 parts
Channel. “Title.” Site, Date, Web address.
. 2 · TITLE“How to Plan an Essay in Ten Minutes.”3 · SITEYouTube, 4 · DATE5 Mar. 2024, 5 · WEB ADDRESShttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example.
- 2 · TitleCapital letters for the main words (KanBananza adds them). In double quotation marks.The video’s title, as it appears under the video.
- 3 · SiteIn italics.The site it’s on, like YouTube.
- 4 · DateThe date, written like this: 5 Mar. 2024.The date it was posted, under the video.
- 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).
The author, and the page when there is one.Study Better. “How to Plan an Essay in Ten Minutes.” YouTube, 5 Mar. 2024, 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
Leave the date out. And add the date you looked at it, after “Accessed”.
Study Better. “How to Plan an Essay in Ten Minutes.” YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.
In your essay: (Study Better)
Two authors
Give both names, joined with “and”.
Green, Amara, and Ravi Patel. “How to Plan an Essay in Ten Minutes.” YouTube, 5 Mar. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example.
In your essay: (Green and Patel)
Four or more authors
Give the first author, then “et al.”, which means “and others”. In your essay, give the first author and “et al.”.
Green, Amara, et al. “How to Plan an Essay in Ten Minutes.” YouTube, 5 Mar. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example.
In your essay: (Green et al.)
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).
Check your university’s version
Some schools and departments make small changes to MLA. Your course handbook always wins.
This guide follows the MLA Handbook, 9th edition.
Questions
How do I cite a YouTube video in the text?
Give the author, in brackets: (Study Better)
What if there’s no date?
Check the page or document again first. If there really is none, here’s how MLA 9 sets it out: Study Better. “How to Plan an Essay in Ten Minutes.” YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.
Is MLA 9 the same at every university?
Some schools and departments make small changes to MLA. Your course handbook always wins.
Referencing is easier as you go
Our step-by-step guides show how to keep your sources in order while you research and write, so the reference list is ready when you are.
Skip the typing next time
In KanBananza, right-click any page and choose “Save as a source”. The details are filled in for you, anything missing is flagged, and your reference list is made in your style. Harvard is free; the other styles come with Full Bananza.
These guides and KanBananza’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 KanBananza and don’t endorse it. See our terms.