How to Cite a Podcast in APA Format

Citing a podcast in APA format requires the host’s name, episode date, episode title, podcast name, and URL. APA treats podcast episodes similarly to television episodes, with the host functioning as the author.

Basic Podcast Citation Format

The standard APA 7th edition format for a podcast episode citation is:

Reference list entry:

Host, A. A. (Host). (Year, Month Day). Title of episode (No. episode number) [Audio podcast episode]. In Podcast Name. Publisher. https://www.example.com/episode

Parenthetical in-text citation: (Host, Year)

Narrative in-text citation: Host (Year)

In-Text Citation Examples

When you reference a podcast episode within your paper, you have two options:

• Parenthetical: The interview revealed unexpected insights about language development (Gross, 2024).
• Narrative: Gross (2024) discussed language development with leading researchers.

Common Variations

Podcast Episode with Multiple Hosts

List all hosts up to 20 in the reference. For in-text citations with three or more hosts, use the first host’s name followed by “et al.”

Gladwell, M., & Engber, D. (Hosts). (2024, March 5). The strange case of the missing data (No. 42) [Audio podcast episode]. In Revisionist History. Pushkin Industries. https://www.example.com/episode

Entire Podcast Series

Host, A. A. (Host). (Year-present). Podcast name [Audio podcast]. Publisher. https://www.example.com/podcast

Podcast with No Episode Number

Simply omit the episode number from the reference entry.

Koenig, S. (Host). (2014, October 3). The alibi [Audio podcast episode]. In Serial. WBEZ Chicago. https://serialpodcast.org

Tips for Citing Podcasts

• Identify the host as the author unless a different person is the primary creator.
• Use [Audio podcast episode] for individual episodes and [Audio podcast] for an entire series.
• Include the episode number in parentheses after the title when available.
• Provide the URL where the episode can be accessed, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or the podcast website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a video podcast? Use [Video podcast episode] instead of [Audio podcast episode] in the format description.

What if the podcast has no identifiable host? Use the production company or network as the author of the podcast.

Should I cite the platform (Spotify, Apple Podcasts) or the producer? Cite the production company as the publisher. The URL can link to whichever platform you accessed the episode from.