How to Cite a Video in MLA Format: Your Comprehensive Guide
Citing sources is an integral part of academic writing. Whether you are writing a research paper or an essay, proper citation is essential to avoid plagiarism and to give credit to the source of information. In this digital age, videos have become a crucial source of information, and it is vital to know how to cite them correctly. In this article, we will discuss how to cite a video in MLA format step-by-step, highlight different types of videos, and offer practical examples and templates.
Basics of MLA Citation
Before we delve into what MLA video citation entails, let us briefly discuss the fundamentals of MLA citation. The Modern Language Association (MLA) has established a standard format for citing sources used in academic writing. MLA citation style guides writers on how to give credit to the sources of their information, including videos.
Citation is crucial in academic writing as it showcases the authenticity of ideas and acknowledges the contribution of other scholars or researchers in your field. MLA citation serves as a blueprint for the proper handling of sources from in-text citation to works cited list.
Step-by-Step Guide to Citing a Video in MLA
The following is a comprehensive guide on how to cite a video in MLA format:
- Begin with the full name of the creator or director of the video.
- Follow with the video’s Title – in italics.
- Insert the name of the website/app/platform where the video can be found.
- Include the publisher or production company that created or made the video possible.
- Next, include the date of the video’s publication.
- Provide the medium.
- Finally, add the date you accessed the video and the full URL if the video is available online.
The citation format for a video in MLA looks like this:
*Creator/Author. “Title of Video.” Title of Website, Publisher/Production Company, Date of Publication, Medium, Date Accessed, URL.
Here’s an example of a citation for a video on YouTube:
Soriano, Aaron. “How to Create a Bibliography Using Word.” YouTube, uploaded by Aaron Soriano, 7 Dec. 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMhkD3GNDv0.
Different Types of Videos and How to Cite Them
There are different types of videos, and each requires a unique format of citation. The following are examples of videos and their respective formats for citation:
YouTube videos
To cite a YouTube video, use the following format:
Author/Creator’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Video.” Title of the Hosting Website, Publication date, URL.
For example:
Shively, Laurie. “Dreams from endangered cultures.” YouTube, 23 May 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVwvfyZXvB0.
Films
To cite a film, use the following format:
Title of Film. Director’s Last Name, First Name, performers, Production Company, Year of Release.
For example:
The Lion King. Directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, performances by Matthew Broderick and Jeremy Irons, Walt Disney Pictures, 1994.
Documentaries
To cite a documentary, use the following format:
Director’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Documentary.” Contributors, Production Company, Release Year, Format.
For example:
White, James Earl, dir. “The James Baldwin Documentary.” Produced by PBS, 2016, DVD.
Examples and Templates of Video Citation in MLA
Below are further examples of how to cite different types of videos in MLA format:
YouTube Video
Last Name, First Name (or account name). “Title of Video.” Youtube, uploaded by Creator’s Name, date of publication, URL.
Meisner, James. “Acting for Animators | Introduction to Method Acting.” Youtube, uploaded by James Meisner, 10 Jun. 2019, www.youtube.com/watch?v=zd_7D0cvEEQ.
Film
Title of Film. Directed by Director’s Name, performances by Actor’s Name(s), Production Company, Release Year.
Titanic. Directed by James Cameron, performances by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, Twentieth Century Fox, 1997.
Documentary
Director’s Name, First Name. Title of Documentary. Production Company, Release Year.
White, James Earl. The James Baldwin Documentary. PBS, 2016.
The Importance of Citing a Video in MLA
Proper citation is essential in academic writing, and video citation is no exception. Citing videos enhances the credibility of your work, increases your chances of getting published, and provides readers with more information about the sources used in your work. When you cite a video, it showcases the authenticity of your ideas and acknowledges the scholarly contribution of other researchers or scholars in your field.
Furthermore, citing a video in MLA format allows readers to retrieve the source easily, establishes the credibility of research, and maintains ethicality by giving due credit to the owners. Not citing the video adequately may lead to inadvertent plagiarism, copyright issues, or misrepresentation of information. Therefore, it is essential to cite videos correctly to avoid such issues.
Useful Tools and Resources for Citing Videos in MLA
There are several tools and resources available for citing sources in MLA format, including videos. They include:
- Citation Machine
- EasyBib
- Purdue Owl
- Son of Citation Machine
These tools help writers to generate citations in MLA and other formats, and they provide step-by-step guidance on citing sources and correcting common citing mistakes.
FAQs About Citing Videos in MLA Format
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about citing videos in MLA:
Where can I find the information needed to cite a video?
You can find the information required to cite a video in the video details, website, or app where you accessed the video. You can also consult the creator or owner of the video for clarification.
What information is required to cite a video in MLA format?
To cite a video in MLA format, you need the following information: creator/author’s name, the title of the video, the website/app/platform where the video was accessed, the publisher/production company, the date of publication, the medium, and the date accessed.
How do I format a citation for a video with no author?
If the video has no author, you can begin with the video’s title, put the full URL where the video was accessed, and the date accessed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, proper citation is critical in academic writing, and citing videos in MLA format is no exception. Properly citing videos within your writing helps you create more credibility to your work and acknowledge other scholarly contributions that helped inspire your work. This guide offers a step-by-step guide to the citation process, examples and templates for easy comprehension, and tips to avoid common citing mistakes. We hope this will help you create a more professional and accurate academic paper.
