Are YouTube Video Titles Italicized?
MLA styles an independent online video in italics even when it is hosted on a sharing site such as YouTube. The work’s genre and independence still matter: music videos and television episodes are examples of shorter contained works that MLA styles in quotation marks.
In MLA style, italicize an independent YouTube video title; use the shorter-work convention when the video is a contained work such as a music video or TV episode.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
Do not treat every item hosted on YouTube identically. Determine whether the video is an independent work or a shorter work contained in a larger series or musical release.
Further guidance
Example
MLA-style invented example: an independent explainer titled *How Bridges Move* would be italicized. An uploaded television episode titled “Opening Night” would follow the episode-title convention instead.
Practical Application
Under MLA guidance, italicize the title when the YouTube video functions as an independent work. If the upload is a contained work such as a television episode or music video, classify the work first and use the convention for that type.
Reader Check
Do not decide from the hosting platform alone. Ask what the video actually is: an independent video, an episode, a song/music video, or another contained work.
Recommendation
Italicize the title of an independent YouTube video in MLA-style writing.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- How do I style the title of a work published online? (opens in a new tab)Modern Language Association · Style guidance distinguishing italicized titles of independent works such as movies and television series from quoted episode titles