FAQ: How do I cite a source in-text with no page numbers in APA Style?

Sources Without Page Numbers

Certain sources may not have page numbers. These include items like music, websites, television, movies, and online newspaper/magazine articles. When you directly quote from a source without page numbers, APA recommends using another locator to help readers find the quoted material. Depending on the source, this may be a paragraph number, section/heading name, or a timestamp.

If you are paraphrasing rather than directly quoting, a page number or other locator is not required in APA Style.

Ways to Cite a Direct Quote Without Page Numbers:

• Section or Heading Name

Use a section or heading name when the source is organized with clear headings and the heading helps identify where the quoted material appears. Long headings may be shortened.

In-Text Citation: (Gecht-Silver & Duncombe, 2015, Osteoarthritis section).

• Paragraph Number 

Use a paragraph number when no page numbers are available, and there is no section heading that would help readers locate the quoted material.  Count the paragraphs manually if they are not numbered.

In-Text Citation: (Chamberlin, 2014, para. 1).

• Section Heading with Paragraph Numbers

For greater precision, include both the section heading and paragraph number if a heading is available.

In-Text Citation: (DeAngelis, 2018, Musical Forays section, para. 4).

• Timestamp

For audiovisual sources such as YouTube videos, TED Talks, audiobooks, or television programs, use the timestamp for the beginning of the quotation in place of a page number.

In-Text Citation: (Cuddy, 2012, 2:12).

More Information

• APA Style Guide (Shapiro Library)
• APA Style Website: Direct Quotation of Material Without Page Numbers This link opens in a new window (APA)
• Direct Quotation of Material Without Page Numbers, Section 8.28 This link opens in a new window (APA Style Manual)

Disclaimer

This information is intended to be a guideline. Please be sure to speak to your professor about the appropriate way to cite a source with no page numbers in your class assignments and projects.