---
name: youtubeapi-mcp
description: Official YouTubeAPI.io MCP server for YouTube transcripts, search, metadata & comments.
---

# YouTubeAPI.io Official MCP Server (`youtubeapi-mcp-server`)

Official MCP Server for YouTubeAPI.io — Extract YouTube transcripts, video metadata, comments, channel videos & search ($1.20 Free Credits, No Card).

## Option A: Zero-Install Remote MCP (OAuth 2.1 / Streamable HTTP)
Connect directly in Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, or ChatGPT without installing local packages:
- **Remote OAuth 2.1 MCP URL**: `https://mcp.youtubeapi.io/v1/mcp`
- **Bearer Header Streamable HTTP URL**: `https://api.youtubeapi.io/mcp`

## Option B: Local `npx` Stdio MCP Configuration
1. Claim your instant API key (**12,000 Free Credits = $1.20 on signup, no credit card**) at **[https://youtubeapi.io](https://youtubeapi.io/?utm_source=mcp_readme)**.
2. Add to `claude_desktop_config.json` or `.cursor/mcp.json`:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "youtubeapi-mcp": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "youtubeapi-mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "YOUTUBEAPI_KEY": "your_api_key_here"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

## Available MCP Tools
- `get_youtube_transcript`: Extract timestamped transcript / captions from any YouTube video ID or full URL in <300ms.
- `search_youtube_videos`: Search YouTube videos and Shorts by keyword with view counts, channel metadata & publish dates.
- `get_youtube_video_details`: Get full metadata, statistics, chapters, and description for a YouTube video ID or URL.
- `get_youtube_comments`: Fetch top or newest comments from a YouTube video.

## Helpful Developer Links & Free Online Tools
- [https://youtubeapi.io/?utm_source=mcp_readme](https://youtubeapi.io/?utm_source=mcp_readme)
- [https://youtubeapi.io/tools/youtube-transcript-extractor](https://youtubeapi.io/tools/youtube-transcript-extractor)
- [https://youtubeapi.io/tools/youtube-quota-calculator](https://youtubeapi.io/tools/youtube-quota-calculator)
- [https://youtubeapi.io/docs](https://youtubeapi.io/docs)
- [https://youtubeapi.io/pricing](https://youtubeapi.io/pricing)

## License
MIT