YouTube Transcript Downloader

Get Playlist Transcripts

get_playlist_transcripts

Read-only

Get transcripts for the videos in a YouTube playlist (in playlist order) as timestamped markdown, one section per video. Use for working through a course, series, or curated list; for one known video use get_transcript. Read-only; requires an API key. Charges 1 credit per video that returns a transcript, including repeat calls; videos without captions are skipped free. A 10-video call typically costs up to 10 credits, so start with a small limit. Rate limit: 5 requests per 10 seconds.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
`url`	Yes	YouTube playlist URL (e.g. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxxxxxx)
`limit`	No	Number of videos to fetch from the start of the playlist, 1-50 (default 10). Upper bound on the credit charge for this call.

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema

Name	Required	Description
`failed`	Yes	Videos skipped without charge (no captions)
`playlist`	Yes	Playlist title
`succeeded`	Yes	Videos that returned a transcript (each charged 1 credit)
`creditsUsed`	Yes	Credits charged for this call
`totalVideos`	Yes	Videos attempted in this call
`transcripts`	Yes	All transcripts as timestamped markdown, one section per video, divider-separated
`creditsRemaining`	Yes	Account balance after this call

TDQS

A4.9/5.0

Behavior5/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already provide readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=false, and the description aligns by saying 'Read-only' and 'including repeat calls' for credit charges. It adds valuable context: API key requirement, per-video credit cost, free skips for videos without captions, and a rate limit.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Four sentences each serve a distinct purpose: purpose/format, usage/alternative, cost behavior, and rate limit. No wasted words, perfectly front-loaded with the core function.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

The description covers selection criteria, invocation constraints (auth, cost, rate limit), output format, and differentiates from siblings. With an output schema present, no further return-value detail is needed.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description adds extra meaning to the 'limit' parameter by framing it as an upper bound on credit charge ('start with a small limit'), which is useful beyond the schema's default/maximum.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description states exactly what the tool does: gets transcripts for videos in a YouTube playlist in playlist order as timestamped markdown. It clearly distinguishes from sibling get_transcript by explicitly directing 'for one known video use get_transcript'.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Explicitly states when to use this tool ('for working through a course, series, or curated list') and provides an alternative for a single video. Also includes practical usage constraints such as credit costs and rate limits.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

All YouTube Transcript Downloader tools Inspect

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TDQS

A4.8/5.0

Disambiguation5/5

Each tool targets a distinct resource/action: a single video, a channel's recent videos, a playlist's videos, and cleaning a transcript. The descriptions explicitly cross-reference when to use which, eliminating ambiguity.

Naming Consistency5/5

All tools follow a consistent snake_case verb_noun pattern: get_transcript, get_channel_transcripts, get_playlist_transcripts, polish_transcript. Singular/plural use logically matches the number of videos handled.

Tool Count5/5

Four tools is an appropriate, focused size for a transcript downloader. Each tool serves a clear purpose without redundancy or bloat.

Completeness5/5

The tool set covers the primary workflows: fetching a single transcript, fetching multiple transcripts from a channel or playlist, and polishing auto-generated captions. The read-only nature makes this surface complete for its stated domain.

Resources

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