When writing a paper or crafting a presentation, you might find valuable information from podcasts. It’s important to correctly cite these sources not only to avoid plagiarism but also to give due credit to the podcast creators for their work. In this post, we will guide you on how to properly reference a podcast in different styles including MLA, APA, Harvard and Chicago. So if you’re wondering how to cite a podcast accurately, keep reading!
4 Different Ways To Cite A Podcast
MLA (Modern Language Association)
If you’re wondering how to cite a podcast in MLA format, start with the creator’s name. This is typically the organization that produced it. To illustrate using an NPR podcast called “This Asian Life,” you would list “This Asian Life” as the author. Next, include the title of the specific podcast episode within quotation marks. If there’s an official title for that episode, use it; if not, a brief description or summary of the episode will do just fine.
Include the medium of publication, “podcast,” followed by a period. After this, you’ll list the version or edition number and the website name where you accessed it (usually the show’s homepage). Include a period after each element, and then end with the date the episode was published.
| Podcast Title. “Episode Title.” Podcast. Version/edition number. Name of Website, date published.
This Asian Life. “A Not So Simple Majority.” Podcast. Episode 809. This Asian Life, April 3, 2023. |
APA (American Psychological Association)
How to cite a podcast APA style? In American Psychological Association (APA) style, citing a podcast is anasy process. If you cite an individual podcast episode, the author to be listed is the host, followed by the label “(Host).” Everything that should follow that is the date of the episode, title and number of the episode, Name of the podcast, Production company, & the URL(if available).
| Smith, J. (2022, March 15). The Power of Positive Thinking (No. 23) [Audio podcast episode]. In Mindful Living. ABC Studios. https://www.abc.com/mindfulliving/ep23 |
If you cite a whole podcast series, list either the host or the executive producer(s) with a label identifying their role.
| Host last name, Initials. (Host or Producer). (Duration). Podcast title [Audio podcast]. Production Company. URL
Smith, J. (Host). (2020-2021). The Mindful Minute [Audio podcast]. Acme Productions. https://www.acmeproductions.com/themindfulminute |
For video podcasts, write “Video podcast” in square brackets instead of “Audio podcast.”
| Host last name, Initials. (Host or Producer). (Duration). Podcast title [Video podcast]. Production Company. URL
Smith, J. (Host). (2018-present). The Daily Show [Video podcast]. Comedy Central. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw0ximDIjFiT__R1BNkZD7eM9cYbB7SZR |
Harvard style
When referencing a podcast episode in Harvard style, you need to include the author’s surname, the year it was published, and the title of the episode (which should be in quotation marks). Also, remember to mention where you found it (like on which website or platform) and when you accessed it. Here’s an example of how to do this:
| Last Name, First Initial. (Year). “Title of Podcast Episode.” Title of Podcast Series, Platform or Website, Date Accessed.
Sheer, A. (2019). “Let’s be honest about our messy lives.” TED Radio Hour, National Public Radio, August 9, 2019. |
When citing a podcast series, Harvard style includes the author’s last name and first initial, year of publication, and title of the podcast series. The reference should also include the website or platform and the date you accessed it.
| Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Title of Podcast Series. Platform or Website, Date Accessed.
Shah, A. (2019). TED Radio Hour. National Public Radio, August 9, 2019. |
Chicago
There are two components to include: a reference list entry and a footnote or endnote.
- Reference List Entry
Begin with the title of the podcast in quotation marks. Then, include the name of the creator of the podcast. Lastly, have the year of publication, followed by the medium (i.e., podcast).
| “Podcast Title.” Creator Name, Year Published. Podcast.
“Crime Junkie.” Ashley Flowers, 2017. Podcast. |
- Footnote or Endnote
In the footnote or endnote, include the episode name, season and episode numbers, and the year of publication. Also, have the episode duration, publisher, and URL, if applicable.
| Episode Title, Season X, Episode Y, Release Date, duration HH:MM: SS, Publisher Name, URL (if applicable).
The One Where Ross Got High,” Season 6, Episode 9, Released in 1999, duration 22:51, NBC, https://www.nbc.com/friends/video/the-one-where-ross-got-high/3509669. |
In citing a podcast episode from a streaming service such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify, include the platform name in place of the publisher in the footnote or endnote.
| Episode Title, Season X, Episode Y, Released Date, duration HH:MM: SS, Apple Podcasts/Spotify (or another platform), URL (if applicable).
“The One Where Ross Finds Out,” Season 2, Episode 7, published in 1995, duration 22:39, Apple Podcasts, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/friends-on-friends/id1078751674?i=1000361670850. |
How To Cite A Podcast In An Essay?
When you need to reference a podcast in an essay, it’s important to follow your school or institution’s specific guidelines. But remember, no matter the format they prescribe, be careful with details like italics, periods, brackets and quotation marks..
The following information is needed:
- Host/narrator’s name
- Title of episode
- Name of podcast series
- Date of publication
- Episode and series number
- URL accessed through
It is important to remember to use the same style throughout the essay to give the reader a consistent experience.
The 5 Best Tips On How To Expertly Cite A Podcast
- Identify the Information to Cite: You must provide certain information about it to complete your citation. This includes the name of the podcast, the name of the episode (if available), the episode number, the date it was published, the producer, and a URL (if applicable).
- Decide Which Citation Style to Use: Decide which citation style you will use. The two most commonly used styles are MLA and APA. Each style has guidelines for citing podcasts, so familiarize yourself with them before you begin your citation.
- Include the Title of the Podcast: Include the title of the podcast, as well as any other pertinent information that is available. Be sure to include the title in quotation marks and italicize it if it is longer than four words.
- Format the Publication Date: The format for citing a podcast depends on your style. In MLA, you should include the month and year it was published. It would be best if you consisted of the day, month, and year it was published in APA.
- Include Any Other Relevant Information: If other pieces of information are relevant to your citation, such as the producer or the podcast URL, you should include them in your source. This will ensure that your citation is complete and accurate.
Mastering the Art of Podcast Citation: Your Guide to Cite a Podcast with Ease
As podcasts grow in popularity, it becomes increasingly important to cite them correctly. This ensures that the creators receive appropriate credit for their work. Citing a podcast might seem tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s quite simple.
When citing a podcast, make sure to include details like its title, episode name and number, host’s name, release date and where you found the podcast (like on which platform or network). Depending on your citation style guide – such as APA or MLA – you might also need additional information like where the recording took place or how long is each episode. Once you learn these basics of citing a podcast correctly, applying this knowledge should be pretty straightforward no matter what situation comes up.
Hopefully, this article has given you a better understanding of citing podcasts according to different style guides.
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