Citation Guide
How to Cite a TikTok Video
Learn how to cite TikTok videos in APA, MLA, Chicago, and other citation styles. Includes formatting for handles, captions, and URLs.
Compare formats across styles
| Style | Template | Example Reference | In-Text | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APA 7th Edition | Author, A. A. [@handle]. (Year, Month Day). Video description [TikTok]. TikTok. URL | NASA [@nasa]. (2024, November 15). Watch how astronauts wash their hair aboard the International Space Station [TikTok]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@nasa/video/7305123456789012345 | (NASA, 2024) | Generate →Full guide → |
| MLA 9th Edition | Author [@handle]. "Video description." *TikTok*, Day Month Year, URL. | NASA [@nasa]. "Watch how astronauts wash their hair aboard the International Space Station." *TikTok*, 15 Nov. 2024, www.tiktok.com/@nasa/video/7305123456789012345. | (NASA) | Generate →Full guide → |
| Chicago 17th Edition | Author Name (@handle). "Video description." TikTok, Month Day, Year. URL. | NASA (@nasa). "Watch how astronauts wash their hair aboard the International Space Station." TikTok, November 15, 2024. https://www.tiktok.com/@nasa/video/7305123456789012345. | (NASA 2024) | Generate →Full guide → |
Template
Author, A. A. [@handle]. (Year, Month Day). Video description [TikTok]. TikTok. URLExample
NASA [@nasa]. (2024, November 15). Watch how astronauts wash their hair aboard the International Space Station [TikTok]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@nasa/video/7305123456789012345
In-Text
(NASA, 2024)Template
Author [@handle]. "Video description." *TikTok*, Day Month Year, URL.Example
NASA [@nasa]. "Watch how astronauts wash their hair aboard the International Space Station." *TikTok*, 15 Nov. 2024, www.tiktok.com/@nasa/video/7305123456789012345.
In-Text
(NASA)Template
Author Name (@handle). "Video description." TikTok, Month Day, Year. URL.Example
NASA (@nasa). "Watch how astronauts wash their hair aboard the International Space Station." TikTok, November 15, 2024. https://www.tiktok.com/@nasa/video/7305123456789012345.
In-Text
(NASA 2024)Tips for citing a tiktok video
- 1Use the creator's real name and handle (e.g., NASA [@nasa]).
- 2Include the video caption or a brief description if there is no formal title.
- 3Mark the source type in brackets: [TikTok] in APA.
- 4Always include the full TikTok URL to the specific video, not the profile.
Frequently asked questions
What do I use as the title for a TikTok video?
Use the video's caption text as the title. If the caption is very long, include only the first sentence. If there is no caption, write a brief description in brackets.
Is TikTok considered a reliable academic source?
TikTok is generally considered a non-scholarly source. Cite it when the content itself — not secondary commentary — is the subject of analysis, or when no other source documents the same information.
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