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get_video_transcript

Extract video transcripts from YouTube for content analysis, summarization, and keyword extraction using the official YouTube Data API.

Instructions

Fetches the full transcript (auto-generated or manual) of a video. Returns concatenated transcript text, word count, and segment count. Useful for content analysis, summarization, and keyword extraction.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
video_idYesYouTube video ID (e.g. dQw4w9WgXcQ).
Behavior2/5

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It mentions returning transcript text, word count, and segment count, but does not disclose behavioral traits such as whether it handles auto-generated vs. manual transcripts differently, error handling for missing transcripts, rate limits, or authentication needs. This is a significant gap for a tool with no annotation coverage.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

The description is concise and front-loaded, stating the purpose in the first sentence and adding utility context in the second. Both sentences earn their place by providing value, though it could be slightly more structured for clarity.

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

Completeness3/5

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

Given no annotations and no output schema, the description partially compensates by specifying return values (concatenated transcript text, word count, segment count) and use cases. However, it lacks details on behavioral aspects like error handling or transcript types, making it adequate but with clear gaps for a tool with no structured support.

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?

The input schema has 100% coverage with a clear description for video_id, so the baseline is 3. The description does not add any parameter-specific details beyond what the schema provides (e.g., format examples or constraints), but it does not need to compensate for gaps.

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 clearly states the tool fetches a video transcript (specific verb+resource) and mentions it returns concatenated text, word count, and segment count. However, it does not explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like get_video_details or get_video_comments, which might also provide transcript-related data, leaving some ambiguity.

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 description implies usage for 'content analysis, summarization, and keyword extraction,' suggesting when to use it, but does not provide explicit guidance on when to choose this tool over alternatives like get_video_details (which might include transcript info) or when not to use it. No prerequisites or exclusions are mentioned.

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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