# Youtube

> Search YouTube videos and playlists or answer from timestamped transcripts. Use for YouTube links and spoken-content research.

- Skill: `alemar11/youtube` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 8 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add alemar11/youtube`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/alemar11/youtube/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Research & Search
- Author: alemar11 (https://skillmd.com/u/alemar11)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/alemar11/youtube

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# YouTube

Use `<skill-root>/scripts/youtube --json` for search and captions. Read
[CLI reference](references/cli.md) for exact options and
[states](references/states.md) when interpreting partial results or status fields.

- Topic: `videos search`, then retrieve relevant transcripts.
- Video: `transcripts get`; inspect `transcripts languages` if language matters.
- Playlist: `playlists list` for scope, then `playlists search-transcripts` for
  spoken-content search. Use `--max-videos 0` only for a requested complete scan.

Network commands already check `yt-dlp`; run `doctor` or `preflight` separately
only to diagnose availability. If access fails, report the cause and preserve
usable partial evidence. Do not silently install dependencies or use a paid
provider.

Cite timestamped moment links. Prefer manual captions and disclose automatic
captions or coverage gaps. Captions do not establish unspoken visuals; never
infer missing speech from titles or descriptions. Keep quotes brief.

Use browser cookies only when the user places account-scoped or restricted
content in scope; never export or persist cookies. Successful retrieval uses
`~/.cache/dotagents/skills/youtube/`; use `--no-cache` when requested. This skill
provides reads, not uploads or account changes.