How to Harvard Reference a YouTube Video

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At Lillian Purge, we specialise in local SEO services, helping businesses and content creators understand the digital landscape and use online platforms effectively. Whether you’re writing an academic essay, a research report, or a professional article, proper referencing is essential. YouTube is now a common source of information, and knowing how to reference it correctly in Harvard style ensures your work is credible, consistent, and academically sound.

Understanding Harvard Referencing

The Harvard referencing system is widely used in universities and academic writing to credit sources and avoid plagiarism. It uses an author-date format, meaning every citation includes the creator’s name and the year of publication, followed by full details in the reference list.

When referencing YouTube videos, treat the uploader as the author, as they are responsible for the content. The goal is to give readers enough information to locate the video themselves.

The Basic Format for a YouTube Video Reference

A Harvard reference for a YouTube video should follow this structure:

Author or Uploader’s Name (Year) Title of the video. [YouTube video] Available at: URL (Accessed: date).

This format includes:

• The name of the channel or uploader (as the author).

• The year the video was published.

• The title of the video in italics or sentence case.

• The description “YouTube video” in square brackets.

• The full link to the video.

• The date you last accessed the video, as online content can change.

Example of a Correct Reference

Here’s a full example using the Harvard format:

TED (2022) How to speak so that people want to listen. [YouTube video] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIho2S0ZahI (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

If the video is uploaded by an individual, reference the creator’s name or username:

Khan Academy (2019) Introduction to photosynthesis. [YouTube video] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g0thnZy0Xw (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

How to Cite a YouTube Video in the Text

When citing within your text, include the author’s name and the year of publication. The format depends on how you integrate the reference.

For example:

• Paraphrasing: According to TED (2022), effective communication depends on vocal delivery and authenticity.

• Direct quote: “We speak not just to transmit information but to influence others” (TED, 2022).

If you reference a specific timestamp in the video, include the time in your sentence, for example: “As shown at 02:15 in the video (TED, 2022)...”

Referencing a Video Without a Named Author

If there is no individual or organisation clearly listed as the uploader, use the username exactly as it appears on YouTube. Avoid using anonymous or vague uploaders if possible, as academic reliability may be questioned.

Example:
FilmReviewFan101 (2021) Top 10 classic movie scenes. [YouTube video] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxxxxxx (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

Referencing a Clip or Short Segment

If you’re referencing only part of a YouTube video—such as a quote or specific section—make this clear in your citation or text by adding the timestamp where it appears.

Example in text: (National Geographic, 2023, 01:45).

The reference list entry remains the same as the full video reference.

Referencing YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts follow the same structure as standard videos. The format and details don’t change—only the video duration and platform tag remain the same.

Example:
BBC Earth (2023) Baby penguin’s first steps. [YouTube video] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/abcdefg (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Missing access date: Online content can be removed or updated, so always include the date you viewed the video.

2. Incorrect author name: Use the uploader’s name or channel, not the speaker or featured person unless they are the same.

3. Forgetting “YouTube video” in brackets: This identifies the source type and is required in Harvard referencing.

4. Using shortened URLs: Always use the full link so the reader can easily find the exact video.

Example Reference List

Here’s how your references would appear in a list at the end of your document:

BBC Earth (2023) Baby penguin’s first steps. [YouTube video] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/abcdefg (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

TED (2022) How to speak so that people want to listen. [YouTube video] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIho2S0ZahI (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

Khan Academy (2019) Introduction to photosynthesis. [YouTube video] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g0thnZy0Xw (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

Tips for Academic Accuracy

• Check video details carefully to ensure the title and publication year match the upload date.

• Avoid referencing unofficial or unreliable uploads when academic integrity is required.

• Use reputable channels such as universities, established organisations, or verified creators.

• Keep a record of your references as you research to save time during final formatting.

Final Thoughts

Referencing a YouTube video in Harvard style is straightforward once you understand the basic structure. Accuracy and consistency are key—always include the author, year, title, video type, URL, and access date. Proper referencing not only strengthens your work’s credibility but also shows respect for the content creators whose work you’re using.

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If you want to learn more about managing digital content or improving online visibility, get in touch today.

We have also written in depth articles on how to get income from youtube and how to make my youtube channel private as well as our YouTube Hub to give you further guidance.