Skip to main content
Harvard - Cite Them Right - YouTube Videos

Free Harvard YouTube Video Referencing Generator

Generate accurate Harvard references for YouTube videos. Perfect for UK and Australian university assignments.

How to cite a youtube video in Harvard

1

Search for the youtube video

Paste a DOI, URL, ISBN, title, or author name to find the exact source record.

2

Check the Harvard formatting fields

Verify author, year, title, container, and publication details before copying the final citation.

3

Copy the formatted result

Get the complete Harvard citation plus the matching in-text citation or footnote format.

Harvard YouTube Video Reference Format

YouTube Video:

Creator/Uploader (Year) 'Video title' [Video]. YouTube. Upload date. Available at: URL (Accessed: day month year).

Harvard YouTube Video Reference Examples

YouTube Video

Smith, J. (2024) 'Introduction to machine learning' [Video]. YouTube. 15 January. Available at: https://youtube.com/watch?v=example (Accessed: 20 January 2024).

In-text: (Smith, 2024)

YouTube Channel Video

CrashCourse (2023) 'The nervous system' [Video]. YouTube. 5 March. Available at: https://youtube.com/watch?v=example (Accessed: 10 March 2024).

In-text: (CrashCourse, 2023)

YouTube Lecture

MIT OpenCourseWare (2024) 'Linear algebra lecture 1' [Video]. YouTube. 20 February. Available at: https://youtube.com/watch?v=example (Accessed: 15 March 2024).

In-text: (MIT OpenCourseWare, 2024)

YouTube Interview

BBC News (2024) 'Interview with the Prime Minister' [Video]. YouTube. 10 January. Available at: https://youtube.com/watch?v=example (Accessed: 25 January 2024).

In-text: (BBC News, 2024)

Examples formatted in Harvard style

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reference a YouTube video in Harvard style?

Include the uploader or creator name, year, video title in single quotes, [Video], YouTube, upload date, and URL with access date. Example: Smith, J. (2024) 'Introduction to machine learning' [Video]. YouTube. 15 January. Available at: https://youtube.com/watch?v=example (Accessed: 20 January 2024).

Should I use the YouTuber's channel name or real name?

Use the creator's real name if it is known. If only the channel name is available, use that instead. Be consistent throughout your reference list with whichever form you choose.

How do I reference a YouTube video with no specific upload date?

If no upload date is available, use (n.d.) after the creator name and make sure to include the access date. Example: Smith, J. (n.d.) 'Video title' [Video]. YouTube. Available at: URL (Accessed: 20 January 2024).

Do I need to include the video length or timestamp?

Video length is not required in Harvard style but can be included after the format indicator for clarity, e.g. [Video, 15:30]. This is especially useful for longer videos where you reference a specific section.

How do I cite a specific timestamp in a YouTube video?

Include the timestamp in your in-text citation, e.g. (Smith, 2024, 3:45). You can also note the time range in the reference entry if relevant. The full reference list entry remains the same.

Use the generator for this source type

Cite a YouTube Video in Other Styles

Same source type, different formatting rules. Pick your required style.

Stay in the Harvard workflow

Continue with guides, templates, and mistakes for the same citation style.

Citation tools & comparisons

Start Referencing YouTube Videos in Harvard

Paste any YouTube URL to generate accurate Harvard references instantly.

Need multiple styles? Free Citation Generator — APA, MLA & 40+ styles

Need a Different Referencing Style?