Properly Citing Music On YouTube
In the age of the internet, it’s more likely than ever for people to share and use pieces of music for whatever purpose. Whether for school projects, videos or other digital content, crediting the original music is key. Here’s a guide to properly citing music from YouTube.
Things to Include
Citing any piece of music from YouTube should include:
- Name of artist/composer
- Song name or title
- Album or recording that the work is featured on (If applicable)
- Link to the song on YouTube
Formatting the Citation
After obtaining all the needed information as mentioned above, you’ll want to properly format your citation. Depending on the particular style you’re using, the formatting will differ, but the information should follow a similar structure. The example provided below is based off of the APA style.
- Artist name. (Year). Title of song [Youtube URL]. Retrieved from
For example, if you wanted to cite “Complicated” by Avril Lavigne, you’d put the following:
- Lavigne, A. (2002). Complicated [Youtube Video]. Retrieved from
Conclusion
Citing music from YouTube is simple as long as you have all the needed information. Always make sure to include the artist/composer, song title, album/recording, and a link to the YouTube video. Formatting will depend on the style you are using, although general information should follow a similar structure. Following these guidelines, you’ll be properly citing music in no time!
2. What specific information do I need to include when citing a piece of music found on Youtube?
When citing a piece of music found on YouTube, you should include the title of the video, the name of the performer or composer, the date the video was posted online, the URL for the video, and the date the video was accessed.
Yes, the artist can be credited differently depending on the platform the music is being shared on. For example, if a song is shared on Apple Music, the artist will be listed in an “Artist” field, whereas if the same song is shared on Spotify, the artist will be listed in an “Album Artist” field. Additionally, some platforms might include additional credits for songwriters, producers, and other collaborators, which may not be present on other platforms.
5. Are there any potential copyright issues that must be addressed when using someone else’s music on Youtube?
Yes. When using someone else’s music on YouTube, creators must ensure the music’s copyright is clears and properly licensed in compliance with YouTube’s copyright policies. It is the responsibility of the YouTube channel owner to get permissions to use other people’s music. If the music used is copyrighted, YouTube may remove the video.
3. Are there any legal considerations that need to be made when citing music on Youtube?
Yes. It is important to ensure that the music you wish to include on your Youtube video is licensed or in the public domain. If not, this could lead to legal action, as unlicensed use of copyrighted music is a violation of intellectual property laws. Additionally, it is important to ensure that all appropriate credits are given, including including the artist, song, and production rights. It is also important to make sure there are no violations of Fair Use, as some copyrighted music is available for limited uses.
4. Is there an established format used for citing music posted on Youtube?
Yes, the Modern Language Association (MLA) has established a format for citing music from YouTube. According to their guidelines, the citation should list the artist, title of the video, name of the website, URL, and the date that the video was posted or accessed.
