YouTube Data
Fetch compact, structured YouTube metadata and stats through MCP so agents research channels and videos without burning context on HTML.
Overview
YouTube Data is a MCP server for the Grow phase that returns token-optimized structured YouTube Data API v3 results to coding agents.
What is this MCP server?
- YouTube Data API v3-backed MCP server with token-optimized structured responses
- Npm package `@kirbah/mcp-youtube` with `npx` runtime hint (version 1.1.8)
- Requires `YOUTUBE_API_KEY` for Google API access
- Optional `MDB_MCP_CONNECTION_STRING` for MongoDB-backed caching
- Stdio transport suited to Claude Code, Cursor, and local agent setups
- Package version 1.1.8
- Stdio transport via npm `@kirbah/mcp-youtube`
- Uses YouTube Data API v3 with documented `YOUTUBE_API_KEY` requirement
Community signal: 19 GitHub stars.
What problem does it solve?
Pasting YouTube pages or huge JSON blobs into agents wastes tokens and makes content research painfully slow.
Who is it for?
Solo creators and marketers using Claude Code or Cursor who repeatedly research channels, videos, and trends on YouTube.
Skip if: Builders who need video download, comment moderation at scale, or YouTube workflows with no Google API key.
What do I get? / Deliverables
After you configure the API key (and optional Mongo cache), agents pull concise YouTube metadata through MCP tools for content and distribution decisions.
- Structured YouTube channel and video fields via MCP tools
- Lower token usage versus raw page or bulk JSON paste
- Optional cached repeat queries when MongoDB connection is configured
Recommended MCP Servers
Journey fit
How it compares
YouTube Data API MCP bridge, not a browser automation skill or a full social scheduling SaaS.
Common Questions / FAQ
Who is YouTube Data MCP for?
It is for indie builders and creators who want agents to query YouTube Data API v3 through MCP with smaller, structured payloads.
When should I use YouTube Data MCP?
Use it during grow-phase content and distribution planning when you need repeatable video and channel lookups inside Claude Code or Cursor.
How do I add YouTube Data MCP to my agent?
Run `@kirbah/mcp-youtube` via npx in stdio mode, set `YOUTUBE_API_KEY`, optionally set `MDB_MCP_CONNECTION_STRING` for caching, and register the server in your MCP client config.