You might need to write extensive codes to provide users with video content, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. But what if we tell you that now you can access videos from YouTube’s huge database without any coding hassle? Yes, it’s true!
YouTube offers APIs that make the lives of developers and content creators easier by letting them seamlessly use YouTube’s video library. Whether you’re looking to embed videos in your content or website or manage playlists, YouTube API does it all.
Want to know more? This article is your complete guide to YouTube APIs and how you can get one. Let’s dig in!
What is the YouTube API?
YouTube’s Application Programming Interface (API) is actually a set of tools and protocols provided by Google that allow developers to integrate YouTube’s functionalities into their website or application.
It’s specifically designed for programmers and content creators, making YouTube data retrieval and management a breeze. They can easily fetch relevant videos on a mass scale without having to go to individual channels.
Types of YouTube API?
Let’s look at the most common types of YouTube API:
- YouTube Analytics API: This API lets you run real-time queries and create custom reports about a specific YouTube channel’s performance. You can easily sort data like views, likes, and watch time. The best part about this YouTube API is that every API request specifies the data range for which you need the data, whether monthly or weekly. So, you can get the desired data anytime without requiring the application to store the data or collect statistics manually.
- YouTube Reporting API: The YouTube Reporting API is specifically designed for individuals who work with applications capable of handling large data sets. Its purpose is to retrieve bulk reports with detailed YouTube analytics for a YouTube channel, making it easy to sort, filter, and mine information.
How to Get a YouTube API?
Now that you are aware of the core concept of YouTube data API and its types, you must be wondering how you can get the API for your projects. If so, the following steps are definitely going to help you:
Start a New Project
- First, visit the Google Developers website and either login or create an account if you already have one.
- Now head over to the Google Cloud Platform and click on “Create Project.”
- You’ll see a new window pop up where you have to name your project. Fill in all the details; you can leave the “Organization” and “Location” fields blank. Finally, click “Create” and move forward.
Enable YouTube Data API
- After your project is created, you’ll be directed to the dashboard, which has various sections, such as Project Info and Resources.
- Navigate to the “Getting Started” section and select “Explore and Enable” APIs.
- In the API library, find the section labeled “YouTube APIs” and select “YouTube API V3.”
- You are now on the YouTube Data API page; click “Enable.”
Create Credentials for the YouTube API
- Once you have enabled it, you will be taken to an Overview page. Click on “Create Credentials,” which is present at the top of the screen.
- Fill in all the necessary information and then click on “What Credentials Do I Need?”
- Copy the generated API key and click “Done.” You can now use this YouTube data API key in your project apps to access the YouTube database.
YouTube API Lost – How to Find It?
Now that you have created the YouTube data API, you may be unable to find the exact location on your dashboard. Well, don’t freak out! The following steps are going to help you pinpoint your YouTube API so you can use it in whichever app or website you want:
- Log in to the Google Developers Console.
- You’ll be directed to your project dashboard, where several cards are displayed. Find the “APIs” card and click on “Go to APIs Overview.”
- This will immediately take you to the dashboard with a sidebar; from there, you’ll have to click “Credentials.”
- You can now see the YouTube API you recently created, and that’s all—take a sigh of relief!
How to Call YouTube APIs?
Well, as a developer, after creating and finding your APIs, you also need to call them or meet specific criteria before making a data request. Here’s what you may need to do:
- You have to provide an authorization token for every request you make, whether you’re integrating the content or deleting it.
- The API easily accepts OAuth 2.0 authentication protocol, and to ensure the successful implementation of your request, you can give this token in the following ways:
- Token Query: access_token=oauth2-token
- Authorization Header: Bearer oauth2-token
- Know that sometimes the YouTube data API may require additional authorization, especially if you are accessing private or specified resources. For instance, if you are trying to acquire a private video via the YouTube API to embed it in your content, the system needs to verify if you have permission to view it. This requires approval from the content owner.
How Much Does YouTube API Cost?
Thankfully, YouTube API is free, and you can easily make requests as long as you don’t exceed your daily quota.
In simple words, YouTube API comes with a free quote of 10,000 requests daily. However, once you reach your limit, you may have to wait for a day for your quota to reset.
Or, if you are compliant with the YouTube API services guidelines and marked compliant by the team, you can fill out the quota extension form to request additional requests to complete your project.
Conclusion
As a developer or content creator, you must get YouTube APIs to make your apps or other projects engaging and informative. However, if you are unable to find a reliable YouTube API provider, look no further than the YouTube API V3.
We offer you APIs that pave the way for fast data retrieval and enhanced security as our team focuses on protecting your data, guaranteeing safe and quick access to the YouTube database.
Contact us today and upgrade your applications with our top APIs!