In the digital age, social media platforms like TikTok have become a significant part of our daily lives. From dance challenges to educational videos, TikTok offers a wide range of content. But what happens when you want to use a TikTok video as a source in your school project, academic paper, or blog post? How do you cite a TikTok video correctly?
In this guide, we’ll dive into the details of how to cite a TikTok video in different citation styles, why proper citation is important, and provide real-world examples that even a 6th grader can understand. Ready to become a TikTok citation pro? Let’s get started!
Why Do We Need to Cite TikTok?
Before we jump into the technical part of citing a TikTok, it’s important to understand why citing sources is crucial. When you use someone else’s work—whether it’s a TikTok video, a book, or an article—you need to give credit to the creator. This shows respect for the original content and ensures you’re not committing plagiarism.
Plagiarism is when you take someone else’s ideas or content and present it as your own without giving them credit. Schools, colleges, and even workplaces take this very seriously. Proper citation also helps readers find the original content if they want to explore it further.
According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 72% of teens actively use TikTok, which means a lot of content is being consumed from this platform. If you want to reference any of it, you need to know how to cite it properly.
Understanding Different Citation Styles
Before diving into specific ways to cite a TikTok, it’s essential to know that citation rules differ depending on the citation style you’re using. The three most common styles are:
- MLA (Modern Language Association): Commonly used in the humanities.
- APA (American Psychological Association): Often used in the social sciences.
- Chicago Style: Preferred in history and some professional publications.
Each of these styles has a slightly different approach to citations, but don’t worry, we’ll go through each one with examples.
How to Cite a TikTok in MLA Style
The MLA style is popular in schools and universities, especially for papers in literature and language arts. MLA has guidelines for citing all kinds of online content, including TikTok.
To cite a TikTok video in MLA format, follow this structure:
- Author’s Name (or username). “Title of the video” (if provided). TikTok, Date of Publication, URL.
Example:
@CookingWithAmy. “How to Make the Best Chocolate Cake in Under 10 Minutes.” TikTok, 5 Sept. 2023, www.tiktok.com/@cookingwithamy/video/123456789.
Notice that in MLA, you list the username (or the actual name if available) first, followed by the title of the TikTok video in quotation marks, the word TikTok, the date of the video, and the URL.
MLA is flexible with content types and formats. If the TikTok video you want to cite has no official title, you can simply use the first few words of the caption or description.
Tip: Be sure to check for updates, as TikTok’s content can be deleted or updated, and it’s best to save a copy or note down the exact date you accessed it.
Explore Bleachexile blog for more tips on handling digital citations across various platforms and subjects.
How to Cite a TikTok in APA Style
APA style is another common citation format, especially in social sciences like psychology, sociology, and education. Here’s how to cite a TikTok video in APA format:
- Author’s Last Name, Initial(s). (Year, Month Day). Title of the video [Video]. TikTok. URL
Example:
Amy, C. (2023, September 5). How to make the best chocolate cake in under 10 minutes [Video]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@cookingwithamy/video/123456789.
APA puts more emphasis on the author’s name (or username) and includes the date in parentheses after the author’s name. You’ll also notice the format “[Video]” after the title, which helps indicate what kind of content is being referenced.
One of the main reasons we use proper citation formats is to ensure consistency and make it easy for readers to locate the original content. Citations also build credibility, whether you’re working on a school project or writing a professional blog.
Related: How TikTok works? The video app that sweeps the world
How to Cite a TikTok in Chicago Style
Chicago style is a bit different from MLA and APA, but it’s often used in history papers and certain academic journals. To cite a TikTok in Chicago style, the format is as follows:
- Author’s First Name Last Name. “Title of Video.” TikTok. Month Day, Year. URL.
Example:
Amy Cooking. “How to Make the Best Chocolate Cake in Under 10 Minutes.” TikTok. September 5, 2023. https://www.tiktok.com/@cookingwithamy/video/123456789.
In Chicago style, full names are used, and the structure resembles a more traditional citation format. If the author’s real name is not available, the username will do.
Pro tip: Chicago style uses a footnote system in some cases, so check if your assignment or project requires footnotes or endnotes.
When to Cite TikTok Content
Now that you know how to cite TikTok videos, let’s talk about when you should be citing them. Citing TikTok isn’t just for formal papers; there are many other instances where you might want to reference a TikTok video:
- School Projects: Whether you’re giving a presentation or writing a research paper, you might want to include information you learned from a TikTok. In this case, proper citation is necessary.
- Blog Posts: If you run a blog and want to reference a TikTok video, you should always give credit to the creator. This also applies to websites and articles that use TikTok videos for informational purposes.
- Social Media: Even when sharing on platforms like Twitter or Instagram, it’s a good idea to mention the original TikTok creator. While social media is more casual, giving credit where it’s due is still important.
According to Statista, TikTok had 1.07 billion active users in 2023, meaning the platform’s influence is enormous. With such a vast amount of content being created and consumed, it’s essential to ensure proper credit is given.
What to Do When a TikTok Video Has No Title
Not every TikTok video has an obvious title. In fact, many users rely on hashtags or descriptions rather than titles. In such cases, simply use the first few words of the description or caption as the “title” when citing the video. This is true for MLA, APA, and Chicago style.
For example:
@CookingWithAmy. “Learn How to Make…” TikTok, 5 Sept. 2023, www.tiktok.com/@cookingwithamy/video/123456789.
Additional Tips for TikTok Citation
Here are a few extra tips that will help make citing TikTok videos easier:
- Double-Check URLs: URLs can change or content can be deleted. If you rely on a TikTok video for crucial information, consider saving a backup or screen recording.
- Pay Attention to the Creator’s Name: Some TikTok users use a pseudonym. Try to find their real name if possible, but if not, the username will suffice.
- Date of Access: Even though it’s not always required, it’s a good habit to include the date you accessed the TikTok, especially if it might be deleted later.
The Impact of TikTok on Modern Research
With the growing popularity of platforms like TikTok, more and more people are turning to social media for education and information. While TikTok started as a platform for entertainment, it has quickly evolved into a space where professionals, teachers, and scientists share valuable knowledge.
The ability to cite TikTok correctly opens the door for students and professionals to use diverse, up-to-date sources in their work. It also reflects how modern research is adapting to the digital world.
Related: What Is Instagram Reels and How It Works
Speaking of digital tools, if you’re interested in TikTok location targeting, this feature allows creators to focus their content on specific regions, making it even more powerful for researchers and marketers alike.
Conclusion
The rules for citing social media platforms like TikTok will likely evolve over time, just as citation styles have adapted to new forms of media in the past. By learning how to cite TikTok today, you’ll be prepared for the future as more and more content is produced online.
In summary, citing TikTok is about giving credit where it’s due, maintaining integrity in your work, and helping others find the original content. It’s easy once you understand the basics, and now you can confidently add TikTok videos to your research papers, blog posts, and more.
