How to get YouTube API and Channel ID

Ensure that the YouTube API key and Channel ID are correct:

• API Key: You can generate a new key in the Google Cloud Console.
• Channel ID: For a channel URL like https://www.youtube.com/c/YourChannelName, the channelId would be a string like UCYourChannelID, where UCYourChannelID is the unique identifier of the channel.

Your YouTube channel ID is located in your account settings on a computer or mobile browser or at the end of your channel URL.

To find your channel ID in your account settings:

1. Sign in to YouTube
2. Select your profile picture in the top right
3. Select Settings
4. Select Advanced settings from the left menu

Your channel's user and channel IDs will be displayed

How to get YouTube API keys

YouTube grants each developer a unique API key that allows them to connect their website or app to the platform. Each API key is designated for an individual project. If you’re using the API on two separate tools, you will need two different API keys.

Here is how developers can get access to YouTube API keys in a step-by-step process:

1. Sign in to Google Developers Console:

Log in with your Google account, you would be automatically taken to an empty dashboard. 

2. Create a new project:

Now click the Create Project button on the upper right-hand corner. Now add a project name, select your organization, and select a location.

The API key from here on will be applicable to the specific project. If you are working on multiple projects together, ensure that you have selected the current project. 

3. Explore & Enable APIs:

Once the project is created, the screen shifts to a brand new dashboard with different cards: Project Info, Resources, etc.

Choose the Getting Started card and select Explore & Enable APIs.

4. Navigate to YouTube Data API v3

Once you’ve reached the library, you’ll see a page divided into sections. Select the YouTube Data API v3 under the YouTube APIs section.

5. Enable the API.

Once you have arrived at the YouTube Data API page, click the blue button with the word Enable.

6. Create a credential.

After clicking Enable, you’ll be taken to an overview page. On the top right corner, click Create Credentials.

Right below that, click on the blue button titled What credentials do I need? After that, your API key will automatically load.

7. A screen will appear with the API key.

Done! You’ve got your API key. It’s saved in your credentials for easy retrieval.