A podcast reference list entry has four parts: Author, Date, Title, and Source. The author or authors are the host or hosts of the podcast.
Start with the author. Then add the date, title, and source details.
Author (i.e., the host)
The first element in an APA-formatted reference list entry is the host’s last name or the hosts’ last names. You also use the name or names, in parenthetical and narrative in-text citations.
One Host (APA Format)
Quick Examples
Parenthetical in-text citation Amusement parks provide a lot of entertainment (Glass, 2011). Progress can happen slowly, so people may not always notice signs that things are improving (Dubner, 2024).
Narrative in-text citation
Glass (2011) explores stories from amusement parks. Dubner (2024) discusses signs of progress that can be easy to miss.
Dubner, S. J. (Host). (2024, June 5). Signs of progress, one year at a time (No. 594) [Audio podcast episode]. In Freakonomics Radio. Freakonomics Radio Network. https://tinyurl.com/2zxc4yff
How to Cite One Host Use the year in the parenthetical or narrative in-text citation. The full date appears only in the reference list entry.
Parenthetical In-text Citation Format the parenthetical in-text citation as follows:
Write the host's last name and the year in parentheses.
Separate the last name and year with a comma and a space.
See Figure A1-1 for an example of a parenthetical in-text citation.
Figure A1-1: Parenthetical In-text Citation
Narrative In-text Citation Format the narrative in-text citation as follows:
Write the host’s last name in the sentence.
Write the year in parentheses immediately after the name.
See Figure A1-2 for an example of a narrative in-text citation.
Figure A1-2: Narrative In-text Citation
Reference List Entry Format the author section of the reference list entry as follows:
Write the host's last name, followed by a comma and a space.
Write the host's initial or initials, followed by a period and space.
See Figure A1-3 for an example of an author with one initial. See Figure A1-4 for an example of an author with two initials.
Figure A1-3: Host With One Initial
Figure A1-4: Host With Two Initials
Two Hosts (APA Format)
Quick Examples
Parenthetical in-text citation
ADHD is often misunderstood (Clark & Bryant, 2024).
Narrative in-text citation
Clark and Bryant (2024) explain attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in part one of a two-part episode.
How to Cite Two Hosts Include both hosts' names and use the year in the parenthetical or narrative in-text citation. The full date appears only in the reference list entry.
Parenthetical In-text Citation Format the parenthetical in-text citation as follows:
Write both hosts’ last names and the year in parentheses.
Separate the hosts’ last names with a space, an ampersand (&), and a space.
Separate the second host’s last name and the year with a comma and a space.
See Figure A2-1 for an example of a parenthetical in-text citation for two hosts.
Figure A2-1: Parenthetical In-text Citation for Two Hosts
Narrative In-text Citation Format the narrative in-text citation as follows:
Write both hosts’ last names as part of the sentence.
Use “and” between the hosts’ last names.
Write the year in parentheses straight after the second host’s last name.
See Figure A2-2 for an example of a narrative in-text citation with two hosts.
Figure A2-2: Narrative In-text Citation for Two Hosts
Reference List Entry Format the author section of the reference list entry as follows:
Write each host’s last name first, followed by their initials.
Place a comma after the first host’s initials.
Add an ampersand (&) before the second host’s name.
Use a period after the second host’s initials.
See Figure A2-3 for an example of a reference list entry for two hosts.
Figure A2-3: Reference List Entry for Two Hosts
Three to Twenty Hosts (APA Format)
Quick Examples
Parenthetical in-text citation The hosts discuss current issues, pop culture, and everyday life from an Australian perspective (Freedman et al., 2014–present).
Narrative in-text citation Freedman et al. (2014–present) discuss current issues, pop culture, and everyday life from an Australian perspective.
Reference list entry Freedman, M., Stephens, J., Wainwright, H., Stephens, C., Lester, A., & Vernem, E. (Hosts). (2014–present). Mamamia out loud [Video podcast]. Mamamia Podcasts. https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/mamamia-out-loud
How to Cite Three to Twenty Hosts In a parenthetical or narrative in-text citation, write only the first host’s last name, followed by et al. and the year.
In the reference list entry, include all the hosts’ names.
Parenthetical In-text Citation Format the parenthetical in-text citation as follows:
Write the first host’s last name, followed by et al. inside parentheses.
Add the year after et al.
Separate et al. and the year with a comma and a space.
See Figure A3-1 for an example of a parenthetical in-text citation for six hosts.
Figure A3-1: Parenthetical In-text Citation for Six Hosts
Narrative In-text Citation Format the narrative in-text citation as follows:
Write the first host’s last name followed by et al. as part of the sentence.
Write the year in parentheses immediately after et al.
See Figure A3-2 for an example of a narrative in-text citation for six hosts.
Figure A3-2: Narrative In-text Citation for Six Hosts
Reference List Entry Format the author section of the reference list entry as follows:
Write each host’s last name first, followed by initials. Include all host’s names when the podcast has three to twenty hosts.
Separate hosts with commas.
Add an ampersand (&) before the final host’s name.
End the host section with a period.
See Figure A3-3 for an example of a reference list entry for six hosts.
Figure A3-3: Reference List Entry for Six Hosts
Date
The date tells the reader when a podcast episode or podcast series was published.
In parenthetical and narrative in-text citations, include only the year or year range.
In the reference list entry, use the full release date for a podcast episode, or use the year range for a whole podcast series.
Podcast Episode
Quick Examples
Parenthetical in-text citation Amusement parks provide a lot of entertainment (Glass, 2011).
Narrative in-text citation Glass (2011) explores stories from amusement parks.
Reference List Entry Format the date section of the reference list entry as follows:
Write the year, month, and day inside parentheses.
Separate the year and month with a comma and a space.
Write the day after the month.
Add a period after the closing parenthesis.
Write the month in full. Do not abbreviate it.
See Figure E-3 for an example of how the date appears in a reference list entry.
Figure E3: Reference List Entry for a Podcast (Year, Month, and Day)
Podcast Series
Quick Examples
Parenthetical in-text citation
Live comedy can create a strong connection between performers and audiences (Robinson & Williams, 2016–2018).
Narrative in-text citation
Robinson and Williams (2016–2018) show how comedy podcasts can combine personal storytelling, interviews, and live audience reaction.
Include a parenthetical or narrative in-text citation.
Parenthetical In-text Citation Format the parenthetical in-text citation as follows:
Write the year range after the host's name or hosts' names inside the parentheses.
Separate the cited host name or names and the year range with a comma and a space.
See Figure YR-1 for an example of a parenthetical in-text citation.
Figure YR-1: Parenthetical In-text Citation (Year Range Only)
Narrative In-text Citation Format the narrative in-text citation as follows:
Write the year range in parentheses straight after the host's name or hosts' names as part of the sentence.
See Figure YR-2 for an example of a narrative in-text citation.
Figure YR-2: Narrative In-text Citation (Year Range Only)
Reference List Entry
Format the date section of the reference list entry as follows:
Write the start year and end year inside parentheses.
Use an en dash between the years. If the podcast series is still running, write the start year, an en dash, and the word “present.”
Add a period after the closing parenthesis.
Do not usually include the month or day for a podcast series. Use the year range instead.
See Figure YR-3 for an example of how the date appears in a reference list entry.
Figure YR3: Reference List Entry for a Podcast Series
Title
The title section tells the reader what podcast episode or podcast series you used.
The format differs depending on whether the title refers to a podcast episode, or a podcast series.
Podcast Episode
Example Dubner, S. J. (Host). (2024, June 5). Signs of progress, one year at a time (No. 591) [Audio podcast episode]. In Freakonomics Radio. Freakonomics Radio Network. https://tinyurl.com/2zxc4yff
Write the episode title first. Use sentence case for the episode title. This means you capitalize:
the first word of the title
the first word after a colon
proper nouns
Do not italicize the episode title.
If the podcast gives an episode number, write it in parentheses after the episode title. Do not italicize either the episode title or the episode number.
Then add [Audio podcast episode] or [Video podcast episode].
After that, write: In Title e.g., In [podcast series title].
See Figure TE-1 for an example.
Figure TE-1: Podcast Episode Title in a Reference List Entry
For a whole podcast series, write the podcast series title after the date.
Italicize the podcast series title.
Use sentence case for the series title. This means you capitalize:
the first word of the title
the first word after a colon
proper nouns
After the podcast series title, add [Audio podcast] or [Video podcast].
Do not write an episode title or episode number when citing the whole podcast series.
See Figure TS-1 for an example.
Figure TS-1: Podcast Series Title in a Reference List Entry
Source
The source section tells the reader where the podcast episode or podcast series came from and where it can be found.
Do not treat Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or another podcast app as the publisher unless that app actually produced or published the podcast.
Podcast Episode
Example Dubner, S. J. (Host). (2024, June 5). Signs of progress, one year at a time (No. 591) [Audio podcast episode]. In Freakonomics Radio. Freakonomics Radio Network. https://tinyurl.com/2zxc4yff
For a podcast episode, write the source after the bracketed description.
Use this pattern: In Podcast Series Title. Publisher or production company. URL
Italicize the podcast series title.
Include the publisher, production company, or podcast network if it is clearly shown and is different from the podcast title or host.
Do not put a period after the URL.
Figure SE-1 shows an example where:
Freakonomics Radio is the podcast series title.
Freakonomics Radio Network is the publisher or production company.
The URL takes the reader to the episode.
Figure SE-1: Podcast Episode Source Reference List Entry
For a whole podcast series, write the source after the bracketed description.
Use this pattern: Publisher or production company. URL
Include the publisher, production company, or podcast network if it is clearly shown.
Do not repeat the podcast title as the publisher if this creates confusion and does not help the reader find the source.
Do not put a period after the URL.
Figure SS-1 shows an example where:
WNYC Studios is the publisher or production company.
The URL takes the reader to the podcast series.
Figure SS-1: Podcast Series Source Reference List Entry
Zotero - a Free Citation Generator
Zotero can help you cite a podcast in APA format quickly and accurately.
With Zotero, you can:
Add the podcast episode’s citation information into your Zotero library.
Add in-text citations directly into your Word document.
Create an APA-formatted reference list automatically in your Word document.
When you use Zotero, check the reference carefully.
Make sure the host, date, episode title, podcast title, production company, and URL are correct.
Common Podcast Citation Errors
Here are common errors to watch for when you cite a podcast in APA format, and how to fix them:
Using the guest instead of the host as the author
Incorrect: Marsh, A. (Guest). (2020, April 27). Psychopaths and superheroes [Audio podcast episode]. In The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvkn Correct: Santos, L. (Host). (2020, April 27). Psychopaths and superheroes [Audio podcast episode]. In The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvkn Note: Laurie Santos (the host) is the author, even if Abigail Marsh appears as a guest.
Leaving out the role label (Host) Incorrect: Santos, L. (2020, April 27). Psychopaths and superheroes [Audio podcast episode]. In The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvkn Correct: Santos, L. (Host). (2020, April 27). Psychopaths and superheroes [Audio podcast episode]. In The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvkn Note: Add (Host) after the host’s name.
Putting (Host) in the wrong place Incorrect: Santos, L. (2020, April 27). (Host). Psychopaths and superheroes [Audio podcast episode]. In The happiness lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvkn Correct: Santos, L. (Host). (2020, April 27). Psychopaths and superheroes [Audio podcast episode]. In The happiness lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvkn Note: The role label comes straight after the host’s name.
Using the full first name in the reference list entry
Incorrect: Santos, Laurie. (Host). (2020, April 27). Psychopaths and superheroes [Audio podcast episode]. In The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvkn Correct: Santos, L. (Host). (2020, April 27). Psychopaths and superheroes [Audio podcast episode]. In The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvkn Note: Use initials for given names in the reference list entry.
Using title case instead of sentence case for the episode title
Incorrect: Santos, L. (Host). (2020, April 27). Psychopaths and Superheroes [Audio podcast episode]. In The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvkn Correct: Santos, L. (Host). (2020, April 27). Psychopaths and superheroes [Audio podcast episode]. In The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvkn
Not italicizing the podcast series title Incorrect: Santos, L. (Host). (2020, April 27). Psychopaths and superheroes [Audio podcast episode]. In The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvkn Correct: Santos, L. (Host). (2020, April 27). Psychopaths and superheroes [Audio podcast episode]. In The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvkn
Italicizing the podcast episode title Incorrect: Santos, L. (Host). (2020, April 27). Psychopaths and superheroes [Audio podcast episode]. In The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvkn Correct: Santos, L. (Host). (2020, April 27). Psychopaths and superheroes [Audio podcast episode]. In The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvkn Note: Do not italicize the episode title. Italicize the podcast title.
Leaving out [Audio podcast episode] Incorrect: Santos, L. (Host). (2020, April 27). Psychopaths and superheroes. In The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvkn Correct: Santos, L. (Host). (2020, April 27). Psychopaths and superheroes [Audio podcast episode]. In The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvkn
Writing [Podcast] instead of [Audio podcast episode] Incorrect: Santos, L. (Host). (2020, April 27). Psychopaths and superheroes [Podcast]. In The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvkn Correct: Santos, L. (Host). (2020, April 27). Psychopaths and superheroes [Audio podcast episode]. In The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvkn
Leaving out 'In' before the podcast title
Incorrect: Santos, L. (Host). (2020, April 27). Psychopaths and superheroes [Audio podcast episode]. The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvkn Correct: Santos, L. (Host). (2020, April 27). Psychopaths and superheroes [Audio podcast episode]. In The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvkn
Leaving out the production company
Incorrect: Santos, L. (Host). (2020, April 27). Psychopaths and superheroes [Audio podcast episode]. In The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvkn Correct: Santos, L. (Host). (2020, April 27). Psychopaths and superheroes [Audio podcast episode]. In The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvkn
Formatting the date incorrectly
Incorrect: Santos, L. (Host). (April 27, 2020). Psychopaths and superheroes [Audio podcast episode]. In The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvkn Correct: Santos, L. (Host). (2020, April 27). Psychopaths and superheroes [Audio podcast episode]. In The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvkn
Using the full date in a parenthetical in-text citation Incorrect: (Santos, 2020, April 27) Correct: (Santos, 2020)
Using the full date in a narrative in-text citation Incorrect: Santos (2020, April 27) discusses how helping others can affect happiness. Correct: Santos (2020) discusses how helping others can affect happiness.
Adding a period after the URL Incorrect: Santos, L. (Host). (2020, April 27). Psychopaths and superheroes [Audio podcast episode]. In The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvk. Correct: Santos, L. (Host). (2020, April 27). Psychopaths and superheroes [Audio podcast episode]. In The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos. Pushkin Industries. https://tinyurl.com/mrtvuvk
Missing matching citations
In an APA-formatted paper, every parenthetical or narrative in-text citation should have a matching reference list entry. Every reference list entry should also match at least one parenthetical or narrative in-text citation in the paper.
Quiz (15 Questions)
The quiz below helps you practise how to cite a podcast in APA format by checking your understanding of hosts, dates, episode titles, podcast titles, source information, in-text citations, and reference list entries.
Summary
You can cite a podcast in APA format in two main ways:
cite a single podcast episode
cite a whole podcast series
For a podcast episode, include the host or hosts, the full release date, the episode title, the episode number if one is given, the format in square brackets, the podcast series title, the publisher or production company if clearly shown, and the URL.
For a podcast series, include the host or hosts, the year range, the podcast title, the format in square brackets, the publisher or production company if clearly shown, and the URL.
Remember these key points:
The host is usually written as the author.
Use (Host) for one host and (Hosts) for two or more hosts.
Use the full date for a podcast episode.
Use a year range for a podcast series, such as (2016–2018) or (2014–present).
Write podcast episode titles in sentence case.
Italicize podcast series titles.
Use [Audio podcast episode] or [Video podcast episode] for a single episode.
Use [Audio podcast] or [Video podcast] for a whole series.
Do not treat Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or another podcast app as the publisher unless that app actually produced the podcast.
Do not put a period after the URL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the author when you cite a podcast in APA format?
The author is usually the host or hosts of the podcast. Write the host’s surname first, followed by initials. Then add the role in parentheses.
Example:
Dubner, S. J. (Host).
For two or more hosts, write:
Robinson, P., & Williams, J. (Hosts).
What is the difference between citing a podcast episode and citing a podcast series?
Cite a podcast episode when you used one specific episode.
Cite a podcast series when you are referring to the podcast as a whole.
A podcast episode uses the full release date and includes the episode title.
A podcast series uses a year range and does not include an episode title.
Do I include the episode number in a podcast citation?
Yes, include the episode number if the podcast gives one.
Write the episode number in parentheses after the episode title.
Example:
Signs of progress, one year at a time (No. 591) [Audio podcast episode].
Do not italicize the episode title or the episode number.
Is Apple Podcasts or Spotify the publisher?
Usually, no.
Apple Podcasts and Spotify are usually platforms where the podcast can be found. They are not usually the publisher.
The publisher is usually the podcast network, production company, broadcaster, or organization behind the podcast.
Example:
In Freakonomics Radio. Freakonomics Radio Network. URL
Note: The version of Microsoft Word used is the latest Word for Microsoft 365. The functions should also work in the 2021, 2019, 2016, and 2013 versions.