Retrieve information about a YouTube playlist using its ID. Enables AI assistants to access playlist details.
Get information about a YouTube playlist
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| playlistId | Yes | The YouTube playlist ID |
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
v1.0.2Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description must fully disclose behavior. It does not mention auth requirements, rate limits, error handling, or what happens if the playlist is private or deleted.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single sentence is efficient and front-loaded. It is appropriately sized for a simple tool, though slightly more detail would be justified.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given low complexity (1 param, no output schema), the description is minimally adequate. However, it fails to specify what 'information' includes (e.g., metadata, statistics, thumbnails).
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. Description adds no additional meaning beyond what the schema already provides for the single parameter.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description uses specific verb 'Get' and resource 'YouTube playlist', making the main action and object clear. However, it does not distinguish from sibling tools like playlists_getPlaylistItems or videos_getVideo.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as playlists_getPlaylistItems or channels_getChannels. No context on prerequisites or typical use cases.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.