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Search YouTube

youtube_search
Read-only

Search YouTube videos by text. Returns video_id, title, duration and thumbnails, one page at a time. Cost: 2 credits per page; a failed call costs 0.1.

Tool call template

Replace each placeholder with a value matching the input schema. Only required parameters are included; add optional parameters as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {
      "query": "<query>"
    },
    "name": "youtube_search"
  }
}

Input Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
pageNo1-based page number.
queryYesSearch text.

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. First observed

TDQS

A3.8/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

The annotations already establish this as a read-only, open-world search. The description adds meaningful behavior beyond them: pagination, returned fields, and a clear per-page and failed-call credit cost, which an agent needs before invoking a metered tool.

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?

Two tight sentences. The core action and return shape come first, followed by pagination and credit cost, with no wasted wording.

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

Completeness4/5

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

With no output schema, the description usefully names the returned fields, and it covers pagination and cost. For a simple two-parameter search tool this is close to complete, though it could mention credit balance requirements or rate-limit implications.

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

Parameters3/5

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

Schema coverage is 100%, so both query and page are already documented. The description reinforces pagination with 'one page at a time' and cost per page, but adds no syntax or semantics beyond what the schema provides, so baseline 3 applies.

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

Purpose4/5

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

The description gives a specific verb and resource: search YouTube videos by text, and it lists the returned fields. It does not explicitly distinguish the tool from siblings like youtube_info or youtube_download, but the purpose is unambiguous.

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

Usage Guidelines3/5

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

The definition implies this is the tool for text-based video lookup and notes pagination with 'one page at a time.' It does not say when to prefer this over youtube_info or youtube_download, so alternative selection is left to inference.

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

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