Should I Italicize Song Titles?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: In formal writing—such as academic papers, books, or reputable journalism—where the chosen style guide (MLA, Chicago, APA) mandates italics for song titles, using italics signals professionalism and consistency.
• Good fit: When publishing on a platform that supports rich text formatting (e.g., blogs, digital magazines) and you want the title to stand out visually among surrounding prose.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: In plain‑text environments (SMS, some social media posts, code comments) where italics cannot be rendered, using asterisks or quotation marks may be clearer.
• Warning sign: If your organization’s house style explicitly prefers quotation marks for song titles, deviating could cause editorial conflict.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Provides a visual cue that distinguishes the song title from surrounding text, enhancing readability.
• Aligns your work with widely‑accepted style manuals, which can improve credibility with editors and scholars.

Cons

• May not display correctly on all devices or platforms, potentially causing formatting glitches.
• Inconsistent application—if other titles (books, movies) are treated differently—can appear sloppy.

Decision Checklist

• Does the publication or institution you’re writing for specify a style guide that recommends italics for song titles?
• Will the medium you’re using reliably render italic formatting?
• Is visual consistency with other title types (books, albums) important for your piece?

Alternatives to Consider

If italics aren’t feasible, you can use quotation marks (“Song Title”), title case in plain text, or a combination of bolding and capitalization. Choose the method that matches the surrounding style and ensures the title remains identifiable.

Final Recommendation

Generally, italicizing song titles is advisable when you are following a formal style guide and the publishing platform supports rich text. In casual or plain‑text contexts, opt for quotation marks or another clear convention. When in doubt, consult the specific style guide or editorial guidelines you are adhering to.