How to Cite AI-Generated Content in APA Format

Citing AI-generated content in APA format requires the AI tool developer, the year, a description of the prompt or content, the AI model version, and the URL. APA published specific guidance for citing AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and other generative AI systems.

Basic AI-Generated Content Citation Format

The standard APA 7th edition format for AI-generated content is:

Reference list entry:

Author of AI Tool. (Year). Description of content generated [Generated by AI Tool Name]. AI Tool Name (Model version). https://www.example.com

Parenthetical in-text citation: (Author of AI Tool, Year)

Narrative in-text citation: Author of AI Tool (Year)

In-Text Citation Examples

When you reference AI-generated content within your paper, you have two options:

• Parenthetical: The text was generated using a large language model (OpenAI, 2024).
• Narrative: OpenAI (2024) generated the text response used in this analysis.

Common Variations

ChatGPT Response

OpenAI. (2024). Summary of the effects of climate change on coastal communities [Generated by ChatGPT]. ChatGPT (GPT-4). https://chat.openai.com/share/example

AI-Generated Image

OpenAI. (2024). Image of a futuristic cityscape at sunset [Generated by DALL-E 3]. DALL-E 3. https://openai.com/dall-e-3

Google Gemini or Other AI Tools

Google. (2024). Comparison of renewable energy technologies [Generated by Gemini]. Gemini (1.5 Pro). https://gemini.google.com

Tips for Citing AI-Generated Content

• Credit the developer of the AI tool (e.g., OpenAI, Google, Anthropic) as the author.
• Include the model version (e.g., GPT-4, Claude 3) when known.
• Describe the content generated in the title position, as AI outputs typically do not have formal titles.
• Include a shareable link to the AI conversation when possible. If no link is available, note the prompt in your text and include the AI tool in your reference list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I always need to cite AI-generated content? Yes. APA guidelines state that you should cite AI-generated content whenever it is used in your work. You should also disclose how you used the AI tool in your methodology or author note.

Can AI be listed as an author? No. APA does not consider AI tools to be authors. The developer or company behind the tool is listed as the author.

What if the AI-generated content is not recoverable? Provide the prompt you used in the text of your paper and include the AI tool in your reference list. Note in your citation that the output is not directly retrievable by readers.