Cover Image for How to Cite a Podcast in APA Style
Citation

How to Cite a Podcast in APA Style

Podcasts are increasingly used as sources in academic and professional work. Citing podcasts in APA style requires specific elements: host’s name, publication date, episode title, podcast name, and URL. These details apply to both in-text citations and reference list entries.

Elements of a Podcast Citation in APA 

  • Name of the podcast episode: The title of the specific episode you are referencing.
  • Name of the podcast: The overarching title of the podcast series.
  • Name of the host(s): The individual(s) hosting the podcast.
  • Production company (if applicable): The company responsible for producing the podcast.
  • Date of release: The release date of the episode.
  • URL or digital object identifier (DOI): The direct link to the podcast episode or its DOI, if available.

Formatting the Citation

Creating an accurate APA citation for a podcast involves both a reference list entry and an in-text citation. 

Reference List Entry 

The reference list entry should provide comprehensive details about the podcast episode. Here’s a template to follow: Example:

Smith, J. (Host). (2023, March 15). Exploring the universe [Audio podcast episode]. In The science show. SciTech Productions. https://www.scitechpodcasts.com/episode123

In-Text Citation 

In-text citations for podcasts typically include the host’s last name and the year of release. For direct quotes, also include the timestamp. 

Example:

(Smith, 2023)

 For a direct quote:

(Smith, 2023, 10:15) 

Citing Different Types of Podcast Episodes 

Different formats of podcast episodes require slight adjustments in citation. 

Single-Episode Podcast 

For single-episode podcasts, treat the episode title as the main title. 

Example:

Doe, A. (Host). (2022, January 5). Mindful meditation [Audio podcast episode]. Wellness Pod. https://www.wellnesspod.com/episode45

Multi-Episode Podcast 

When citing multi-episode podcasts, include the series title and the specific episode. 

Example:

Johnson, B. (Host). (2021, October 20). History of the ancient world [Audio podcast episode]. In Historical chronicles. History Network. https://www.historynetwork.com/ancientworld/episode7

Podcast Episode with Multiple Hosts 

Include all hosts in the citation, separated by commas, and use an ampersand before the last name. 

Example:

Garcia, L., & Wong, T. (Hosts). (2020, December 15). The future of technology [Audio podcast episode]. Tech Talk. https://www.techtalk.com/episode22

Podcast Episode with No Host 

If no host is listed, start with the episode title. 

Example:

Understanding climate change [Audio podcast episode]. (2019, April 22). Green Earth. https://www.greenearthpodcast.com/climatechange

Special Cases and Considerations 

Citing a Podcast Transcript 

When citing a transcript, include the phrase “Transcript” in brackets. 

Example:

Adams, R. (Host). (2018, July 30). Cultural insights [Audio podcast episode, Transcript]. Culture Now. https://www.culturenow.com/transcript/episode56

Citing a Podcast Episode with No Title 

If an episode has no specific title, describe the episode in brackets. 

Example:

Lee, C. (Host). (2017, November 12). [Interview with Jane Doe] [Audio podcast episode]. Health Talks. https://www.healthtalks.com/interviewjanedoe 

Citing a Podcast Episode from a Streaming Service 

When a podcast is accessed via a streaming service, include the service name. 

Example:

Miller, S. (Host). (2021, June 10). Economic trends [Audio podcast episode]. In Business insights. Business Pod. Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/episode/5abc123xyz

Useful Tools and Resources for Accurate Citations 

Utilizing WriterBuddy Citation Generator can streamline the citation process, ensuring accuracy and saving time. It offers features specifically designed for creating accurate APA podcast citations.

FAQs

Why is it important to cite podcasts in APA style?

Citing podcasts in APA style is crucial because it gives proper credit to the creators, enhances the credibility of your work, and allows readers to trace the original source of the information. Proper citation upholds academic integrity and facilitates further research.

What are the key elements needed to cite a podcast in APA style?

The key elements for citing a podcast in APA style include the name of the podcast episode, the name of the podcast, the host(s), the production company (if applicable), the date of release, and the URL or digital object identifier (DOI).

How do I cite a podcast episode with multiple hosts in APA style?

For a podcast episode with multiple hosts, list all hosts separated by commas and use an ampersand before the last host’s name. For example: Garcia, L., & Wong, T. (Hosts). (2020, December 15). The future of technology [Audio podcast episode]. Tech Talk. https://www.techtalk.com/episode22

What should I do if a podcast episode has no specific title?

If a podcast episode has no specific title, describe the episode in brackets. For instance: Lee, C. (Host). (2017, November 12). [Interview with Jane Doe] [Audio podcast episode]. Health Talks. https://www.healthtalks.com/interviewjanedoe

Conclusion:

APA citations for podcasts include the host’s name, publication date, episode title, podcast name, and URL. Use the host’s last name and year for in-text citations. Create a full entry in your reference list. Always consult the current APA manual for the most up-to-date rules.

Related Citation Tools

Citation GeneratorChicago Citation
Easily generate accurate citations across various styles, saving time and avoiding formatting errors.Produce consistent Chicago-style citations, suitable for history, literature, and the arts.
APA CitationHarvard Citation
Create precise APA citations effortlessly, ideal for students and researchers following APA guidelines.Generate Harvard-style citations with ease, commonly used in the humanities and social sciences.
MLA CitationAMA Citation
Generate accurate MLA citations quickly, perfect for academic papers that require MLA formatting.Quickly create citations following the AMA style, ideal for medical and health-related academic writing.
ABNT CitationIEEE Citation
Automatically generate citations in accordance with ABNT standards, essential for academic writing in Brazil.Generate accurate IEEE citations, perfect for engineering, computer science, and other technical fields.
Vancouver CitationACS Citation
Create accurate citations using the Vancouver system, widely used in medical and scientific research papers.Produce citations in the ACS style, tailored for chemistry and related scientific disciplines.
Turabian CitationCSE Citation
Easily create citations in Turabian style, a simplified version of Chicago, ideal for students and researchers.Generate citations in the CSE style, commonly used in the natural sciences, including biology and environmental studies.

Stop Stressing, Start Writing

Join over 540,000+ happy users writing smarter with WriterBuddy. Try WriterBuddy for Free!

Copyright © 2024 WriterBuddy. All rights reserved.