How to Cite TikTok in APA Format

Complete guide to citing TikTok in APA 7th edition with examples, unique formatting requirements, and common issues specific to this source.

TikTok presents unique citation challenges that require specific guidance beyond general source type rules. This page provides targeted help for finding citation information, handling TikTok's particular format requirements, and avoiding common mistakes specific to this platform.

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Quick Reference: TikTok Citations

Reference List Format:
Author, A. A. (Year). Title. Source.

TikTok-Specific Notes:
Citing TikTok in APA 7th edition involves unique considerations due to its status as a social media platform focused on video content. The basic format includes the author's real name and username, the date of posting, a description of the content in square brackets, the platform's name, and the URL. An example citation might look like this: Smith, J. [@johnsmith]. (2023, March 15). [Short video about climate change] [Video]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@johnsmith/video/1234567890. This format ensures all necessary identifying information is included, such as the creator's username, which is crucial for locating the content.

TikTok differs from standard citation rules primarily in how it addresses the ephemeral and multimedia nature of its content. Unlike traditional text-based sources, TikTok videos require a description of the format (e.g., [Video]) and content description in square brackets because the title is often not part of the video metadata. This differs from more traditional sources where a title is directly cited. Additionally, the publication date requires both the month and day, reflecting the rapid and ongoing nature of social media updates.

Common points of confusion include determining the correct author name, which requires both the real name and the username if both are available. Students might also overlook the need for a descriptive label in brackets, which clarifies the type of content being cited. Best practices for citing TikTok include double-checking the accuracy of the username and URL, describing the content succinctly but clearly, and ensuring the citation reflects the latest version of the APA guidelines. By following these practices, students can effectively integrate TikTok content into their academic work.

In-Text Citation:
- Parenthetical: ([Author], [Year])
- Narrative: [Author] ([Year])

Key Points:
- Use Social Media format with TikTok specifics
- Locate citation info on TikTok's website
- Handle TikTok's unique formatting requirements

Last Updated: 2025-10-30 | Reading Time: 5 minutes

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Where to Find Citation Information on TikTok

Finding citation information on TikTok requires a slightly different approach compared to traditional websites, as TikTok is primarily a social media platform focused on short-form videos rather than text-based articles. However, students can still extract necessary citation details by examining specific elements within the app or website. Here's a detailed guide on how to locate the required citation information on TikTok:

Author

On TikTok, the "author" refers to the content creator or user who posted the video. To find the author's name:
- User Handle and Display Name: The author's username (handle) and display name are visible on the video post itself. When you open a video, look for the user handle preceded by the "@" symbol, typically located near the bottom-left corner of the video or on the profile page.
- Profile Page: Clicking on the username or profile picture will take you to the creator's profile page, where you can confirm their display name and username.

Publication Date

The publication date on TikTok indicates when the video was posted. To find this information:
- Date Under Video: Directly under the video, there is often a timestamp indicating how long ago the video was posted (e.g., "2d" for two days ago, "1w" for one week ago). For exact dates, you may need to convert this relative time to an actual date based on the current date.

Title

TikTok does not have a traditional "title" like articles; instead, videos often have captions or descriptions:
- Video Caption: Look for the text that the creator has added to the video. This is usually found just under the video or to the side, depending on whether you are using the mobile app or desktop version. The caption serves as the “title” for citation purposes.
- Hashtags and Descriptions: These are part of the caption and can provide context.

URL/Access Information

To correctly cite a TikTok video, it is essential to have the precise URL:
- URL in Browser Address Bar: When accessing TikTok via a web browser, the URL for a specific video can be found in the address bar at the top. Copy this URL directly for citation purposes.
- Share Feature: On both the app and the web version, you can use the "Share" feature (usually represented by an arrow icon) to copy the direct link to the video.

Practical Tips

By following these steps, students can effectively gather the necessary citation information from TikTok for academic purposes, adapting the unique layout of the platform to the requirements of citation formats like APA.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your TikTok Citation

What You Need

Before creating a TikTok citation, you will need the following items:

  1. An account on TikTok or access to the TikTok website.
  2. The TikTok video URL you want to cite.
  3. A basic understanding of APA format for citations.
  4. Note-taking tools, such as a pen and paper or a digital note application, to write down your citation details.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Locate the TikTok Video

Action: Open the TikTok app or visit the TikTok website. Search for the TikTok video you want to cite.

Verification: Ensure you have the correct video by checking the title, creator, and content.

Time Estimate: 2-5 minutes.

Tip for Efficiency: Use keywords related to the video topic to find it faster.

Step 2: Copy the Video URL

Action: Once you find the video, click on the "Share" button, which is usually represented by an arrow icon. Select the "Copy Link" option to get the URL of the video.

Verification: Paste the link into a note or browser address bar to ensure it directs you to the correct video.

Time Estimate: 1-2 minutes.

Tip for Efficiency: Keep your notes open so you can paste the URL immediately after copying.

Step 3: Identify the Author

Action: Determine the author of the TikTok video. This is usually the username of the creator displayed on their profile.

Verification: Make sure you have the correct username by checking the profile linked to the video.

Time Estimate: 2 minutes.

Tip for Efficiency: Take a screenshot of the username for easy reference.

Step 4: Gather the Year of Creation

Action: Look for the date when the TikTok video was published. You can find this underneath the video or on the creator's profile.

Verification: Ensure you have the exact year of publication, as it is essential for the citation.

Time Estimate: 1-2 minutes.

Tip for Efficiency: Write the date down next to the username for quick access.

Step 5: Write the Video Title

Action: Identify the title of the TikTok video. If the creator does not provide a specific title, you can create a brief descriptive title based on the content of the video.

Verification: Ensure that the title captures the essence of the video and is concise.

Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes.

Tip for Efficiency: Use a catchy or memorable phrase from the video as the title if applicable.

Step 6: Construct the Citation

Action: Using the information you have gathered, construct the citation in APA format. The template you will use is: Author, A. A. (Year). Title. Source.

For example, if the creator is "JohnDoe", the video was published in 2023, and the title is "How to Cook Pasta", your citation would look like this:
JohnDoe. (2023). How to cook pasta. https://www.tiktok.com

Verification: Double-check your formatting. Ensure that the author's name is in the correct format, with the last name first, followed by the first initial. The title should be in italics.

Time Estimate: 3-5 minutes.

Tip for Efficiency: Use a citation generator tool or APA guide for quick reference.

Step 7: Review Your Citation

Action: Read through your citation to ensure it is accurate and follows the APA style guidelines. Pay attention to punctuation and formatting.

Verification: Compare your citation against APA resources or examples to check for errors.

Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes.

Tip for Efficiency: Utilize online APA citation tools for proofreading your citation.

Step 8: Save Your Citation

Action: Once you are satisfied with your citation, save it in a document or note for future reference. This could be in a Word document, Google Doc, or a note-taking application.

Verification: Ensure that your citation is saved correctly and can be easily accessed later.

Time Estimate: 2 minutes.

Tip for Efficiency: Organize your citations in a dedicated folder for quick retrieval when needed.

By following these steps, you can create a proper APA citation for a TikTok video, ensuring that you acknowledge the creator and provide a reference for your work. This process will not only enhance your research skills but also help you engage more effectively with digital content.

Real Examples from TikTok

This section provides authentic citation examples from TikTok using recent publications from 2023-2024.

I understand your request for generating APA citations for TikTok content, but as of my last update in October 2023, there isn't a direct way to cite TikTok posts in APA format. However, we can create a hypothetical scenario for educational purposes on how you might cite TikTok content, noting that the actual content and URLs would need to be verified by users directly. Here's how you might format such citations:

Example 1: Standard Individual Author

Scenario Description

This content is a short video posted by a popular TikTok creator discussing mental health awareness.

Complete Reference List Citation

Doe, J. (2023, March 15). How to manage anxiety in daily life [Video]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@johndoe/video/123456789

In-text Citation (Parenthetical Format)

(Doe, 2023)

In-text Citation (Narrative Format)

Doe (2023) discusses strategies for managing anxiety in daily life.

Notes

This example is notable for being a personal account by an individual creator. The citation includes the date, title in italics, medium in brackets, and the URL.

Example 2: Corporate Author

Scenario Description

A video by the World Health Organization on TikTok about COVID-19 vaccination updates.

Complete Reference List Citation

World Health Organization. (2023, April 10). COVID-19 vaccination updates [Video]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@who/video/987654321

In-text Citation (Parenthetical Format)

(World Health Organization, 2023)

In-text Citation (Narrative Format)

The World Health Organization (2023) provides updates on COVID-19 vaccinations.

Notes

This example highlights a corporate author, which is the World Health Organization. It's essential to identify the organization as the author when they are responsible for the content.

Example 3: Multiple Authors

Scenario Description

A collaborative video from two influencers on TikTok discussing sustainable fashion.

Complete Reference List Citation

Smith, A., & Johnson, B. (2023, May 22). Sustainable fashion tips for 2023 [Video]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@smithandjohnson/video/234567890

In-text Citation (Parenthetical Format)

(Smith & Johnson, 2023)

In-text Citation (Narrative Format)

Smith and Johnson (2023) share tips on sustainable fashion for 2023.

Notes

This example demonstrates how to format a citation with multiple authors, listing them in the order they appear on the content.

Example 4: Special Formatting Case

Scenario Description

A TikTok video featuring a viral dance challenge that uses a unique hashtag as the title.

Complete Reference List Citation

Lee, C. (2023, June 5). #DanceChallenge2023 [Video]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@chrislee/video/345678901

In-text Citation (Parenthetical Format)

(Lee, 2023)

In-text Citation (Narrative Format)

Lee (2023) introduces the #DanceChallenge2023 on TikTok.

Notes

This example is unique due to its use of a hashtag as the title, which is common in social media contexts. The hashtag is italicized as part of the title.

Important Considerations

Common Issues When Citing TikTok

Identifying Authors on TikTok

Issue Description:
Identifying the correct author for a TikTok video can be challenging for students. Unlike traditional sources, TikTok videos are often created by individual users who may use pseudonyms or unique handles instead of real names.

Why This Happens:
TikTok is a social media platform where users often operate under creative usernames that do not easily map to identifiable personal names. This can make it difficult to determine the appropriate author to credit in academic work.

Solution:
1. Visit the TikTok video you wish to cite.
2. Locate the username of the creator, which is typically displayed prominently on the video page, usually preceded by the “@” symbol.
3. Use this username as the author in your citation unless the creator’s real name is available and preferred.

Example:
- Before: “Author Unknown”
- After: “@username” (e.g., @john_doe)

Date Formats on TikTok

Issue Description:
Students often struggle with citing the correct date for TikTok videos, as the platform may only display relative dates (e.g., “2 weeks ago”) instead of specific ones.

Why This Happens:
TikTok emphasizes engagement and trending content, often highlighting how recently a video was posted in relative terms rather than providing a precise date.

Solution:
1. Click on the video to open it fully in a web browser.
2. Look for a timestamp often found in the video’s metadata, or check the post’s comments section where users might discuss the posting date.
3. If a specific date is not visible, use the date you accessed the video.

Example:
- Before: “2 weeks ago”
- After: “September 18, 2023”

Handling URLs for TikTok

Issue Description:
Students may have difficulty creating stable URLs for TikTok videos, as sharing links can sometimes lead to temporary or broken links.

Why This Happens:
TikTok's dynamic content and updates can sometimes alter or redirect URLs, especially when sharing directly from the app.

Solution:
1. Open the TikTok video on a desktop browser to ensure you capture the full URL.
2. Copy the URL from the browser’s address bar, ensuring it is the permanent link to the video.
3. Double-check the link after pasting it into your document to confirm it directs correctly to the original content.

Example:
- Before: “Shared link from app”
- After: “https://www.tiktok.com/@username/video/1234567890123456789”

Access Requirements for TikTok

Issue Description:
Students may not consider access requirements, such as account restrictions or age limits, that could prevent others from viewing cited TikTok content.

Why This Happens:
TikTok videos may have privacy settings, age restrictions, or geographic limitations that restrict access, which is not immediately apparent when accessing content.

Solution:
1. Note any restrictions or requirements in your citation if known, such as "requires TikTok account login" or "age-restricted content."
2. When possible, choose videos that are publicly accessible to avoid access issues for your readers.

Example:
- Before: No mention of access restrictions.
- After: “Note: This video requires a TikTok account login to view.”

By understanding these unique challenges and applying the corresponding solutions, students can effectively and accurately cite TikTok videos in their academic work following APA 7th edition guidelines. This ensures credibility and accessibility of their references, maintaining the integrity of their scholarly efforts.

Note: For general Social Media citation errors, see How to Cite Social Media.

Frequently Asked Questions About TikTok

Q: How can I find the necessary information on TikTok to create an APA citation?

A: To gather citation details on TikTok, first locate the video. Note the username of the creator as the author, the publication date displayed just below the video, the title or a concise description of the content, and the persistent URL, which you can copy from the browser's address bar.

Q: How should I format the author's name when citing a TikTok video in APA?

A: TikTok creators often use unique usernames. In APA format, treat the username as the author, displaying it exactly as it appears on TikTok, including any capitalization or special characters, followed by the TikTok handle in brackets, e.g., Username [@username].

Q: TikTok videos often have unconventional publication dates, such as "1w" or "3d." How should I handle this in an APA citation?

A: TikTok uses relative time indicators, so to find the exact date, hover over or click on the date indicator if possible, or check the video's comments for more detailed timestamps. If this is not available, estimate the date based on the relative time and your access date, but always use the full date format (Year, Month Day) in the citation.

Q: What are the guidelines for including URLs and access dates when citing TikTok videos?

A: Include the complete URL of the TikTok video at the end of your citation. An access date is not typically required in APA 7th edition unless the content is likely to change over time, but it's good practice to note it for personal records.

Q: How does citing TikTok content differ from citing other social media platforms in APA format?

A: While the basic structure remains similar, TikTok citations require attention to the creator's username format and may involve unique challenges with publication dates due to the platform's relative dating system. Unlike some platforms, TikTok often lacks formal titles, so you may need to provide a brief description of the video content in brackets.

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