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YouTube MCP Server

YouTube MCP Server

by danieldoalto
OverviewSchemaSourceRelated ServersDiscussionsAdmin
TypeScript
Remote

channels_getChannel

Retrieve a YouTube channel's details by providing its channel ID. Get metadata including title, description, and statistics.

Instructions

Get information about a YouTube channel

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": {
      "channelId": "<channelId>"
    },
    "name": "channels_getChannel"
  }
}

Input Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
channelIdYesThe YouTube channel ID

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. First observedv1.0.0

TDQS

C2.9/5.0
Behavior2/5

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

Without annotations, the description bears full responsibility for behavioral disclosure. It only states 'Get information' without specifying what information is returned, any required permissions, or side effects. This is insufficient for an agent to understand the tool's behavior.

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 a single, concise sentence with no redundancy. While it could be expanded to include more details, it is not overly verbose for a simple tool.

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

Completeness2/5

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

Given the simplicity (1 param, no output schema, no annotations), the description is too sparse. It fails to clarify what 'information' is returned, how it differs from similar tools, or any usage constraints like authentication requirements.

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 one parameter with a description ('The YouTube channel ID'), achieving 100% schema description coverage. The tool description adds no additional meaning beyond what the schema already provides, so the baseline score of 3 is appropriate.

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 action 'Get information' and the resource 'a YouTube channel'. It distinguishes from siblings like channels_getChannels (plural) and channels_searchChannels by the singular focus, but does not explicitly contrast them.

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

Usage Guidelines2/5

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

No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as channels_getChannels or channels_searchChannels. There is no mention of prerequisites, limitations, or context.

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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