How to Cite
Every SciTube research animation is a separate communication output, connected to its original research. Here's how to reference the video, use its DOI and give the research the appropriate credit.
Updated 30 October 2026SciTube research animations can be cited in academic papers, teaching materials, presentations, reports and other publications.
Where a video has been registered with Crossref, it has its own Digital Object Identifier (DOI), separate from the DOI of the original research paper.
To reference a particular video, use the publication details displayed on its SciTube page.
Open the video's individual SciTube publication page.
Note the title, credited contributor or publisher, publication date and DOI.
Include the DOI link and follow your institution's required referencing format.
01 Recommended citation
A useful citation identifies the credited creator or author, year, title, video format, SciTube publication and persistent DOI.
[Credited creator or author]. ([Year]). [Title of research animation] [Video]. SciTube. https://doi.org/[video-DOI]
Replace the bracketed fields with the details displayed on the individual SciTube publication page. Use the contributors credited for the video rather than automatically copying the author list from the original research paper.
The exact layout depends on the reference style you're following.
02 Common citation styles
Universities and publishers use different referencing conventions. These templates show how an online SciTube video might be referenced.
APA 7th edition
SciTube. (Year, Month Day). Title of research animation [Video]. https://doi.org/[video-DOI]
Harvard
SciTube (Year) Title of research animation [Online video]. Available at: https://doi.org/[video-DOI] (Accessed: Day Month Year).
Vancouver-style online video
SciTube. Title of research animation [Internet]. Year [cited Year Mon Day]. Available from: https://doi.org/[video-DOI]
These are illustrative templates, not ready-made references to specific SciTube videos. In APA, the organisation responsible for posting the video is generally credited as the author. Other styles may use the identified creator or a different ordering of information.
Always follow the requirements of your journal, publisher or university.
03 Should you cite the video or the paper?
Both have different purposes, and choosing the right reference is straightforward.
Cite the research
If you're referring to scientific findings, methods, data or conclusions, cite the original scholarly publication.
Cite the communication
If you're referencing the animation, visual explanation, educational resource or dissemination output, cite the SciTube video.
You can cite both. For example, a publication discussing the scientific findings and how they were communicated visually may appropriately reference both the paper and the animation.
The SciTube publication page provides a connection to the original scholarly work, including its DOI where available.
04 Understanding the SciTube DOI
A DOI is a persistent digital identifier. It provides a reliable way to find and cite a publication, even if its website address changes in the future.
Where assigned, the SciTube DOI is registered through Crossref and links to the individual video publication.
https://doi.org/[video-DOI]
We recommend including the full https://doi.org/ link in your reference. This is the standard Crossref-supported format for displaying DOI links.
If a video has not yet received its DOI, you can use its SciTube publication URL temporarily or contact us for help.
One important distinction: a DOI makes a video identifiable and citable. It does not mean the video has undergone independent academic journal peer review.
05 Special Editions and institutional records
SciTube animations may also appear within themed annual Special Editions.
When citing an individual animation, use its own title, publication details and DOI rather than referencing the entire Special Edition.
If the collection itself is relevant, you can also identify the Special Edition title and year in your accompanying text.
The video's DOI and publication details can also be used, where appropriate, in research profiles, institutional records, grant reports, teaching resources and communication or engagement reports.
Whether a SciTube video counts towards a particular formal reporting or assessment category is determined by the relevant institution, funder or assessment body.
06 Linking and sharing
When sharing an animation with colleagues, students, collaborators or online audiences, use the video's DOI link wherever possible.
This takes visitors to its SciTube publication page, where they can watch the animation and find the associated research, contributors and publication information.
If you want to embed or reuse an animation, the applicable permissions are explained in our Publication & Access information.
07 Need help with a citation?
If you're unsure how to reference a particular SciTube animation, just send us the publication link and the citation style you need.
We'll be happy to help you identify the relevant publication details. Contact us at info@sciencediffusion.com .