Cite a YouTube video in Harvard
Citing a YouTube video in Harvard catches students out because the uploader name takes the author slot, not the speaker on camera, and the upload date is the year. Harvard (Cite Them Right 12) added explicit rules for video uploads, and they apply to channels regardless of how informal the content is.
Harvard rules for a YouTube video
- The channel name or uploader handle is the author, not the speaker on camera.
- Use the upload date as the publication date (year, month, day).
- Video title appears in italics; add [Video] in square brackets after the title.
- Container is YouTube; include the full watch URL.
- Timestamp the moment you reference in the in-text citation, not in the reference list.
- Begin the URL with 'Available at:' and end with the access date.
Worked example
Harvard · YouTube videoA real YouTube video formatted using the Harvard rules above.
Huberman, Andrew (2023) How to write a research paper [Video]. [Online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example (accessed January 15, 2025).
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