YouTube API

API

Integrate YouTube video functionality into your websites and applications

Overview

The YouTube API enables developers to embed and manage YouTube content in apps/websites. Key endpoints include video search, retrieval of video/channel/playlist details, uploads, comment management, and analytics access. Responses are JSON-formatted. Use cases range from embedding custom video players, curating dynamic playlists, analyzing channel metrics (views, subscribers), to enabling direct video uploads from apps. It supports OAuth 2.0 for authenticated actions (e.g., user playlist management) and API keys for public data access.

Example Integration (JavaScript)

script.js JS


fetch('https://developers.google.com/youtube/')
  .then(res => res.json())
  .then(data => console.log(data))
  .catch(err => console.error(err));

Key Features

RESTful architecture
JSON response format
OAuth 2.0 authentication
Video search & retrieval
Playlist management
Video upload support
Channel analytics access

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is the YouTube API free to use?

Yes, it offers a free tier with quota limits; paid tiers are available for higher usage beyond the free quota.

? Does it require authentication?

Public operations (e.g., video search) need an API key; authenticated actions (e.g., uploads) require OAuth 2.0.

? What is the response format?

The YouTube API primarily returns responses in JSON format, which is easy to parse for most applications.

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Tool Info

Pricing Freemium

Category Video

Platform Public API

Pros

⊕ Comprehensive video functionality
⊕ Extensive documentation
⊕ Seamless Google Cloud integration
⊕ Supports public and authenticated operations
⊕ Scalable for high traffic

Cons

⊖ Free tier has quota limits
⊖ Requires API key/OAuth setup
⊖ Advanced features need paid plans
⊖ Strict rate limits
⊖ Policy compliance mandatory