How to Cite a Podcast in APA & MLA

In APA 7, list all hosts separated by commas, then use "et al." if there are more than three: Winfrey, O., Friend, A., & Smith, J. (Hosts). In MLA 9, simply list the hosts' names in the author position or omit them and begin with the episode title if no single host is clearly credited.

In APA 7, include the episode and season number in parentheses if available: (No. 5, Season 2). In MLA 9, include "season X, episode Y" or just "episode X" after the podcast title. Always include them if your episode has an assigned number—it helps readers find the exact episode.

Add a timestamp in the citation or in parentheses in your text. In APA 7, you can note it in brackets: [Audio podcast episode, 24:15–26:30]. In MLA 9, add the timestamp after the URL: www.example.com, 24:15. Always include the timestamp if you're quoting directly from the podcast.

Yes. If you're citing someone who appeared as a guest on a podcast, cite the guest as the author and note their appearance. For example: Smith, J. (2023, June 10). Interview. In [Podcast name], hosted by O. Winfrey. [URL]. This distinguishes between quoting the host and quoting a guest interviewed on the show.

Use the production company or network name if available (e.g., "Spotify Studios," "Apple Podcasts Originals"). If neither exists, use the platform name (e.g., "Spotify," "Apple Podcasts") or the host's name or podcast network. In MLA 9, the "publisher" field is more flexible—use whatever entity is responsible for distributing the show.

Most podcasting platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts) have a "Share" button on the episode page that gives you a direct link. If the podcast is hosted on its own website, copy the episode URL from there. For APA 7 citations, include the full URL; for MLA 9, format it as you would any web URL (typically without "https://" in the citation, though some instructors prefer it included).