Mistakes Checklist
Common Chicago 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
- ⚠Using the creator profile URL instead of the individual video URL.
- ⚠Abbreviating the month name.
- ⚠Omitting the handle from the author entry.
- ⚠Forgetting the period at the end of the URL.
Fix checklist
- ✓Use the video caption as the title, in quotation marks.
- ✓Write the handle in parentheses after the real name: NASA (@nasa).
- ✓Use full month names — Chicago does not abbreviate months.
- ✓Use the direct video URL, not the creator's profile page.
Frequently asked questions
Should I add a description of the video content in Chicago?
It is optional but helpful. You can add a brief descriptor in square brackets after the title (e.g., "Caption text" [video]) to clarify the medium for readers.
How do I write the Chicago footnote for a TikTok video?
Footnote: Author Name (@handle), "Video description," TikTok, Month Day, Year, URL.
Build the corrected citation now
Use the template and guide, then generate the final citation from verified academic sources.