When writing about music, you might wonder how to properly format song titles. Do you put them in quotes, italics, or leave them as they are? Proper formatting matters for clarity, professionalism, and adherence to style guides used in journalism, academia, and publishing.
Formatting song titles correctly ensures consistency in writing and helps readers distinguish between songs, albums, and other creative works. If you’re a student, journalist, blogger, or music enthusiast, knowing whether to use quotation marks or italics can make your content look polished and authoritative.
Different style guides, including AP Stylebook, Chicago Manual of Style, MLA, and APA, have specific rules on formatting song titles. This guide will break down those rules, explaining when and why to use quotation marks instead of italics, and how different contexts (academic papers, blog posts, and social media) influence formatting choices.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to format song titles correctly, along with practical examples and common mistakes to avoid.
Understanding Song Title Formatting
Song title formatting follows specific rules based on where and how the title is used. Unlike book titles, which are italicized, song titles are typically enclosed in quotation marks. This distinction helps differentiate individual songs from larger bodies of work, such as albums or musicals.
For example:
- Correct: Thriller is one of the best-selling albums of all time, featuring the song “Billie Jean.”
- Incorrect: “Billie Jean” is one of the most famous songs from Thriller.
The key difference lies in how individual creative works are treated. Smaller works (songs, poems, short stories) are placed in quotation marks, while larger works (albums, books, movies) are italicized.
However, some people mistakenly italicize song titles, which is incorrect under most style guides. The confusion arises because different formatting rules exist for various types of content. That’s why it’s essential to follow a specific style guide when writing professionally.
Do Song Titles Go in Quotes or Italics?
If you’ve ever been unsure whether to put a song title in quotes or italics, the simple answer is:
Use quotation marks (” “) for song titles
Use italics for album titles
Why are song titles placed in quotation marks?
Song titles are considered shorter works that belong to a larger collection (an album, a musical, or a soundtrack). Style guides dictate that shorter works should be enclosed in quotation marks, while longer works, like books and films, should be italicized.
For example:
- “Someone Like You” is a song by Adele from the album 21.
- The album 21 features multiple hit songs, including “Rolling in the Deep.”
The rule applies across different writing styles, whether you’re working on an essay, a blog post, or a newspaper article. Some common mistakes include italicizing song titles or leaving them unformatted, which can look unprofessional in formal writing.
However, different style guides have their own nuances, which we’ll explore next.
Quotation Marks vs. Italics: What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse when to use quotation marks and when to use italics while writing song titles. The distinction is simple but crucial for maintaining consistency in writing.
When to Use Quotation Marks (” “)
Quotation marks are used for smaller works, such as:
Song titles (“Yesterday” by The Beatles)
Short stories (“The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe)
Poems (“The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost)
Articles (“The Impact of AI on Society”)
When to Use Italics ( * * )
Italics are used for larger works, such as:
Albums (** Abbey Road by The Beatles**)
Books (** To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee**)
Movies (** The Godfather )
TV Shows ( Stranger Things **)
This differentiation helps readers instantly recognize whether a title refers to a song (a single track) or an album (a collection of songs).
For example:
- Correct: “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is a song from Nevermind.
- Incorrect: “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is a song from Nevermind.
The mistake in the second example is that the song title is italicized when it should be in quotation marks.
Exceptions to the Rule
While quotation marks are the standard for song titles, some modern digital formats, such as social media and informal blog posts, may use capitalization instead:
- Example (Casual Writing): I love listening to BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY!
- Example (Correct Formal Writing): I love listening to “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
While capitalizing a song title is not grammatically correct, it’s commonly seen in tweets, Facebook posts, and informal discussions.
AP Stylebook Guidelines for Song Titles
If you’re writing for newspapers, blogs, or magazines, you’ll likely follow the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook. AP Style is widely used in journalism and professional writing, and it has specific rules for formatting song titles.
AP Style Song Title Rules:
Song titles should always be enclosed in quotation marks
Album titles should be written in regular text (not italicized or in quotes)
For example, in AP Style:
- Correct: The song “Hello” by Adele was a global hit.
- Incorrect: The song Hello by Adele was a global hit.
Unlike other style guides (like MLA or Chicago), AP Style does not use italics at all. Instead, AP relies on quotation marks for all shorter works, including songs, poems, and article titles.
AP Style Formatting for Different Music Titles:
- Single Songs: “Yesterday”
- Albums: Abbey Road
- EPs (Extended Plays): Revolver
- Musicals: The Phantom of the Opera
- Movies with Musical Scores: A Star is Born
Another unique rule in AP Style is that composition titles should follow headline capitalization:
- Correct: “Stairway to Heaven”
- Incorrect: “stairway to heaven”
This means that the first and last words of a song title, as well as all major words in between, should be capitalized. Words like “a,” “an,” “the,” “and,” or “of” are lowercase unless they are the first or last words of the title.
Why Does AP Style Use Quotation Marks Instead of Italics?
AP Style is designed for journalists and news publications, which often publish content in formats where italics may not be supported, such as print newspapers, online articles, and wire services. Because of these limitations, AP Style avoids italics entirely and relies on quotation marks for clarity.
Chicago Manual of Style Rules for Song Titles
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) is widely used in publishing, academia, and literature. It provides a clear distinction between how to format different types of titles, including song titles, album titles, and musical compositions.
Basic Rule for Song Titles in Chicago Style
- Song titles should always be placed in quotation marks
- Album titles should be italicized
For example:
- Correct: “Bohemian Rhapsody” is one of the most famous songs from A Night at the Opera.
- Incorrect: “Bohemian Rhapsody” is one of the most famous songs from A Night at the Opera.
Formatting Guidelines for Different Musical Works
- Individual Songs: “Hotel California”
- Albums: Hotel California
- Operas and Musicals: Les Misérables
- Symphonies and Classical Works: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5
Additional Considerations
- Longer Classical Works: If a composition has a generic title, such as Symphony No. 9, the title should be italicized. However, if a classical piece has a specific nickname, it should be in quotation marks (e.g., “Moonlight Sonata”).
- Musical Scores vs. Songs: A musical’s title should be italicized, while an individual song from the musical should be in quotation marks. For example, “Memory” is a song from Cats.
- Foreign Language Songs: Song titles in other languages should also be placed in quotation marks, but capitalization rules may vary based on the language.
Following Chicago Style ensures clarity and consistency, particularly in academic and book publishing.
MLA and APA Formatting for Song Titles
The Modern Language Association (MLA) and American Psychological Association (APA) have specific formatting rules for song titles. These rules apply to academic writing, research papers, and citations in scholarly articles.
MLA Formatting for Song Titles
- Song titles should be placed in quotation marks
- Album titles should be italicized
- The first and last words, along with major words, should be capitalized
Example:
- “Shape of You” appears on the album Divide.
When citing a song in an MLA Works Cited page, the format is:
Artist Last Name, First Name. “Song Title.” Album Title, Record Label, Year.
Example:
Sheeran, Ed. “Perfect.” Divide, Asylum Records, 2017.
APA Formatting for Song Titles
- Song titles should be italicized when mentioned in a paper
- Album titles should also be italicized
Example:
- Ed Sheeran’s Perfect is a love song from Divide.
However, in an APA reference list citation, song titles appear in sentence case (only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized), while album titles remain italicized.
Example:
Sheeran, E. (2017). Perfect. On Divide. Asylum Records.
Key Differences Between MLA and APA
| Feature | MLA Style | APA Style |
| Song Title Formatting | “Song Title” (quotes) | Song Title (italics) |
| Album Title Formatting | Album Title (italics) | Album Title (italics) |
| Citation Style | Artist’s name first | Artist’s last name first |
| Capitalization | Title case | Sentence case in reference list |
Following these guidelines ensures proper citation and formatting in academic work.
Why Are Song Titles in Quotes? The Reason Behind It
You might wonder why song titles are placed in quotation marks rather than italicized. The reason lies in grammatical conventions and the hierarchy of creative works in different writing styles.
1. Differentiating Between Short and Long Works
- Short works (songs, poems, short stories) are enclosed in quotation marks
- Long works (albums, books, movies) are italicized
A song is a single entity within a larger album, so it follows the same rule as short stories within a book or articles within a magazine.
Example:
- “Imagine” is a song from Imagine, an album by John Lennon.
2. Industry Standards and Style Guides
All major writing styles—including AP, MLA, and Chicago—agree that song titles should be enclosed in quotation marks because they are smaller components of a larger work. This ensures consistency across different writing platforms.
3. Avoiding Confusion in Reading
Using quotation marks for song titles helps distinguish them from album titles, artist names, or surrounding text. Without them, a sentence could become ambiguous.
Example:
- Without quotes: Yesterday by The Beatles is a classic.
- With quotes: “Yesterday” by The Beatles is a classic.
Using quotation marks makes it instantly clear that “Yesterday” is the song title, not just a reference to the past.
How to Format Song Titles in Essays and Academic Writing
When writing an essay, thesis, or research paper, it’s crucial to follow the correct formatting rules to ensure professionalism and adherence to academic standards.
1. Follow the Style Guide Required by Your Institution
Each academic field has a preferred style guide:
- Humanities (English, Literature, Arts) → MLA Style (Song titles in quotes)
- Social Sciences (Psychology, Education, Business) → APA Style (Song titles in italics)
- Publishing and Journalism → Chicago Style (Song titles in quotes)
2. Formatting Song Titles in an Essay
When mentioning a song title in your essay, follow these rules:
- MLA & Chicago Style: “Song Title”
- APA Style: Song Title
Example:
- According to critics, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is one of the most innovative rock songs ever written. (MLA & Chicago)
- According to critics, Bohemian Rhapsody is one of the most innovative rock songs ever written. (APA)
3. Citing a Song in an Academic Paper
- MLA Format: “Song Title.” Album Title, Artist Name, Record Label, Year.
- APA Format: Artist Name. (Year). Song Title. On Album Title. Label.
Proper formatting prevents plagiarism and ensures credibility in academic writing.
Correctly Formatting Song Titles in Blog Posts and Articles
Writing for digital media, blogs, and online articles requires flexibility in song title formatting. Unlike academic writing, blogs often follow AP Style or simplified formatting for readability.
1. AP Style for Blog and News Articles
- Song titles are placed in quotation marks
- Album titles are written in regular text (no italics or quotes)
Example:
- Correct: Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” was a major hit from her album Fearless.
- Incorrect: Taylor Swift’s Love Story was a major hit from her album Fearless.
2. Using Song Titles in SEO-Optimized Blog Posts
For SEO purposes, it’s important to:
- Use song titles in headlines and subheadings
- Bold or capitalize song titles when necessary for emphasis
- Include relevant keywords to improve search rankings
Example:
- How “Shape of You” Became One of the Biggest Hits in Music History
3. Best Practices for Online Writing
- Keep formatting consistent across the blog
- Avoid excessive styling (e.g., bold, italics, and quotes together)
- Follow readability guidelines to ensure the song title stands out
Blogging allows some creative freedom, but maintaining clarity and consistency ensures professionalism.
Using Song Titles in Social Media Posts
Social media has transformed how we share and discuss music. Whether you’re posting on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, formatting song titles correctly can enhance clarity, engagement, and searchability.
1. The Best Way to Format Song Titles on Social Media
Unlike formal writing, social media offers more flexibility. However, to maintain clarity and professionalism, you should still use the correct format:
- Song titles should be placed in quotation marks
- Album titles should be italicized
Example:
- Just heard “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd again—such a masterpiece!
- The album After Hours has some of the best songs of the decade.
2. Tagging Artists for Engagement
- When mentioning a song title, tag the artist’s official account for more visibility.
- Use hashtags related to the song, artist, or album (e.g., #BlindingLights #TheWeeknd #R&BHits).
3. Formatting Song Titles for Different Platforms
Each social media platform has unique formatting rules:
- Twitter/X: Use quotation marks for song titles but keep them short due to character limits.
- Instagram: You can use quotation marks or even capital letters for emphasis (e.g., “Rolling in the Deep” is a timeless hit!).
- Facebook: Stick to traditional formatting with quotation marks and album titles in italics.
- YouTube Descriptions: Always use quotation marks for song titles in video captions and tags to improve search visibility.
4. Avoiding Common Mistakes in Social Media Posts
- Don’t overuse emojis in formal music discussions (e.g., “Love 🎵 Story” instead of “Love Story”).
- Don’t omit quotation marks (e.g., Love Story is a hit song vs. “Love Story” is a hit song).
- Avoid inconsistent formatting in multiple posts.
Using correct formatting in social media posts increases readability, professionalism, and searchability, helping your content stand out.
Common Mistakes When Formatting Song Titles
Many people incorrectly format song titles, especially in casual writing. Here are some of the most frequent mistakes:
1. Using Italics Instead of Quotation Marks
- Incorrect: Shape of You is my favorite song.
- Correct: “Shape of You” is my favorite song.
Italics are used for album titles, not song titles.
2. Capitalization Errors
Song titles should follow title case, meaning major words are capitalized:
- Incorrect: “rolling in the deep”
- Correct: “Rolling in the Deep”
3. Using All Caps Unnecessarily
Unless the official song title is in all caps, avoid writing it that way:
- Incorrect: “SOMEONE LIKE YOU”
- Correct: “Someone Like You”
4. Forgetting Quotation Marks in Formal Writing
In academic and journalistic writing, quotation marks are mandatory:
- Incorrect: I love listening to Let It Be by The Beatles.
- Correct: I love listening to “Let It Be” by The Beatles.
5. Confusing Song and Album Formatting
- Incorrect: Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen is iconic.
- Correct: “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen is iconic.
Avoiding these mistakes helps maintain professionalism and readability across different types of writing.
Examples of Properly Formatted Song Titles
Understanding correct formatting is easiest with examples. Below are different ways to write song titles correctly in various contexts.
1. Formatting in a Sentence
- Correct: “Sweet Child O’ Mine” is one of Guns N’ Roses’ biggest hits.
- Incorrect: Sweet Child O’ Mine is one of Guns N’ Roses’ biggest hits.
2. Song Titles vs. Album Titles
- Correct: “Lose Yourself” is a track from 8 Mile: Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture.
- Incorrect: “Lose Yourself” is a track from 8 Mile: Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture.
3. Proper Formatting for Classical Music
- Correct: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 includes the famous “Ode to Joy” melody.
- Incorrect: Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9” includes the famous Ode to Joy melody.
4. Formatting in Blog Posts or Online Articles
- Correct: Many fans consider “Smells Like Teen Spirit” one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
- Incorrect: Many fans consider Smells Like Teen Spirit one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
5. Formatting in Academic Citations (MLA vs. APA)
MLA Format:
- Swift, Taylor. “Love Story.” Fearless, Big Machine Records, 2008.
APA Format:
- Swift, T. (2008). Love Story. On Fearless. Big Machine Records.
Following these formatting rules ensures consistency and correctness across different platforms.
Album Titles vs. Song Titles: Key Differences
A common mistake is treating album titles and song titles the same way. Here’s how they differ:
1. Song Titles
- Always placed in quotation marks
- Considered short works
- Examples:
- “Billie Jean”
- “Someone Like You”
- “Rolling in the Deep”
2. Album Titles
- Always italicized
- Considered long works
- Examples:
- Thriller
- 21
- Rumours
3. Why This Distinction Exists
Songs are individual pieces within a larger body of work (an album), just like chapters in a book. To differentiate them, quotation marks are used for songs, while italics are used for albums.
4. Example in a Sentence
- Correct: “Hotel California” is the most famous song from Hotel California by the Eagles.
- Incorrect: “Hotel California” is the most famous song from Hotel California by the Eagles.
Understanding the distinction ensures proper formatting and professional writing in any context.
How Other Languages Handle Song Title Formatting
Different languages have their own rules for formatting song titles. While English follows the quotation mark rule, other languages may use different styles.
1. Spanish Song Title Formatting
- Quotation marks are used for songs, but album titles may or may not be italicized
- Example:
- “Bésame Mucho” es una canción famosa del álbum Bésame Mucho.
2. French Song Title Formatting
- French often uses quotation marks for songs but also allows italics in formal writing
- Example:
- “La Vie en Rose” est une chanson iconique d’Édith Piaf.
3. German Song Title Formatting
- German follows a similar rule as English, using quotation marks for song titles
- Example:
- “99 Luftballons” wurde ein weltweiter Hit.
4. Italian Song Title Formatting
- Quotation marks are the most common, but some sources italicize song titles
- Example:
- “Con te partirò” è una delle canzoni più famose di Andrea Bocelli.
5. Asian Languages (Chinese, Japanese, Korean)
- Most Asian languages do not use quotation marks or italics in the same way
- Example:
- Chinese: 邓丽君的《月亮代表我的心》是一首经典歌曲。
- Japanese: 「世界に一つだけの花」はSMAPの代表曲です。
Understanding how different languages format song titles is essential for translators, international writers, and global publications.
Best Practices for Writing Song Titles in Professional Writing
When writing professionally, whether for journalism, academic work, or digital media, formatting song titles correctly is crucial. Following the proper guidelines ensures clarity, professionalism, and credibility.
1. Always Use Quotation Marks for Song Titles
In professional writing, song titles should always be enclosed in quotation marks while album titles should be italicized.
Example:
- Correct: “Bohemian Rhapsody” is one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
- Incorrect: Bohemian Rhapsody is one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
2. Follow the Appropriate Style Guide
Different professional contexts require different formatting:
- AP Style (used in journalism): Song titles in quotation marks
- MLA (used in academic writing): Song titles in quotation marks
- APA (used in research papers): Song titles in sentence case and quotation marks
3. Maintain Consistency in Your Writing
Inconsistent formatting looks unprofessional. If you start using quotation marks for one song title, maintain the same rule throughout your content.
Example:
- Correct: “Let It Be” and “Hey Jude” are two famous Beatles songs.
- Incorrect: “Let It Be” and Hey Jude are two famous Beatles songs.
4. Avoid Overuse of Capitalization or Symbols
Using all caps or excessive punctuation can look unprofessional.
- Incorrect: “SHAKE IT OFF!!!” is a popular song by Taylor Swift.
- Correct: “Shake It Off” is a popular song by Taylor Swift.
5. Always Check the Official Song Title
To avoid misrepresentation, refer to the official title as listed on streaming services or the artist’s website before writing.
By following these best practices, you ensure that song titles are formatted correctly, professionally, and consistently across all types of writing.
Song Titles in Digital Media: How Formatting Changes Online
With the rise of social media, blogs, and digital publications, formatting rules for song titles have become more flexible. However, consistency and readability remain essential.
1. How Formatting Differs Online vs. Print
- Print media (books, newspapers, academic papers): Requires strict adherence to style guides (AP, MLA, APA).
- Digital media (blogs, social media, streaming platforms): Allows for more flexibility, but consistency is key.
2. Common Practices for Digital Media
Since italics are not always available on all digital platforms, writers often rely on quotation marks or capitalization to highlight song titles.
Example:
- Twitter: “Yesterday” is my favorite song by The Beatles.
- Instagram: Just listened to “Lose Yourself” again!
- YouTube description: In this video, we break down the meaning behind “Someone Like You.”
3. SEO and Readability Considerations
For search engine optimization (SEO), it’s important to format song titles in a way that search engines can recognize.
- Use quotation marks for song titles in blog posts and articles.
- Place the song title near relevant keywords (e.g., “Top 10 Love Songs: Why ‘Perfect’ by Ed Sheeran Tops the List”).
4. Hashtags and Song Titles on Social Media
On platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, hashtags help categorize content but should not be confused with formatting rules.
- Correct: Just heard “Shape of You” again! #EdSheeran #PopHits
- Incorrect: Just heard Shape of You again! #EdSheeran #PopHits
5. Music Streaming Services and Metadata
On Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music, song titles are typically capitalized, but this does not apply to formal writing.
Understanding how formatting changes in digital media vs. traditional media helps maintain consistency while adapting to modern platforms.
Tools and Resources for Checking Song Title Formatting
If you’re unsure about how to format a song title correctly, several tools and resources can help.
1. Style Guide Websites
- AP Stylebook (Associated Press) – Used by journalists
- MLA Handbook – Used in academic writing
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) – Common for book writing
- APA Style (American Psychological Association) – Used in research papers
2. Online Music Databases
- Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music – Search for the correct song title
- Genius (genius.com) – Provides lyrics and official song titles
- Discogs (discogs.com) – Lists song and album details for accuracy
3. Grammar and Formatting Checkers
- Grammarly – Can help spot formatting inconsistencies in writing
- Hemingway Editor – Ensures readability and consistency
4. Official Artist Websites and Labels
- Many record labels and artist websites provide the official spelling and punctuation of song titles.
5. Citation Generators for Academic Writing
- EasyBib – Generates proper citations for MLA, APA, and Chicago styles
- Cite This For Me – Helps format song titles correctly in research papers
Using these tools ensures your song titles remain accurate, consistent, and professionally formatted in any writing scenario.
Conclusion:
Correctly formatting song titles may seem like a small detail, but it enhances clarity, professionalism, and readability in writing. Whether you’re writing for a blog, academic paper, news article, or social media, following the right formatting rules ensures your content is taken seriously. If you’re a Taylor Swift fan looking for inspiration, explore these 200 best Taylor Swift lyrics and quotes for every mood.
Key Takeaways:
- Use quotation marks for song titles in formal writing.
- Italicize album titles to differentiate them from songs.
- Follow the correct style guide (AP, MLA, APA) depending on the context.
- Check official sources for accurate song titles.
- Adapt formatting for digital media while maintaining consistency.
By applying these rules, your writing will look polished, professional, and easy to understand, no matter the platform.
FAQs
1. Do song titles always go in quotes?
Yes, in most formal writing styles (AP, MLA, and APA), song titles should always be placed in quotation marks.
2. Can I italicize song titles instead of using quotation marks?
No, italics are reserved for album titles. Songs are shorter works, so they always go in quotation marks.
3. How do I format a song title in an essay?
Follow MLA or APA formatting guidelines:
- MLA: “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele
- APA: “Rolling in the Deep” (Adele, 2011)
4. How should I write a song title in a YouTube video description?
Use quotation marks: “Someone Like You” by Adele. This ensures readability and proper recognition.
5. What happens if a song title already contains quotation marks?
If a song title includes quotation marks, use single quotes inside double quotes in formal writing.
- Example: “He referenced ‘Say You, Say Me’ by Lionel Richie in his essay.”