Mistakes Checklist
Common APA TikTok Video Citation Mistakes
Published studies report citation/reference error rates between 25-54%. Use this page to catch the most frequent formatting failures before submission.
Top mistakes to avoid
- ⚠Forgetting the "[TikTok]" descriptor in brackets.
- ⚠Using the creator's profile URL instead of the video URL.
- ⚠Omitting the real name and using only the handle.
- ⚠Writing just the year instead of the full date.
Fix checklist
- ✓Use the video caption or a brief description as the title.
- ✓Add "[TikTok]" in square brackets after the title.
- ✓Use the URL of the specific video — not the creator's profile page.
- ✓Include the exact upload date (day, month, year).
Frequently asked questions
What do I use as the title for a TikTok video?
Use the video's caption as the title. If the caption is very long, include the opening sentence or a descriptive phrase. If there is no caption, write a brief description in brackets.
Is a TikTok video a reliable academic source?
TikTok is considered an informal or non-scholarly source. Cite it when the content itself is the subject of analysis or when no other source captures the same event or statement.
Build the corrected citation now
Use the template and guide, then generate the final citation from verified academic sources.