youtube_transcripts

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

The description discloses several important behaviors beyond annotations: the fallback chain (captions → Gemini → yt-dlp), parallel fetching, partial failure tolerance, and cost implications (billing per video). This is valuable context not provided by the sparse annotations.

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?

The description is concise and front-loaded with the purpose. Each sentence adds new information: batch capability, fallback chain, parallel behavior, and cost control. No redundant or wasted words.

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 the complexity of batch processing, the description covers key aspects: fallback order, concurrency, failure handling, and cost. Minor gap: it does not describe the return format, but no output schema exists and the tool name implies the result. Overall, the description is quite complete.

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?

The input schema already provides detailed descriptions for all three parameters (URLs cap, allowPaid default, languages). The description's mention of 'Set allowPaid false to keep the whole batch free' adds little beyond the schema. Baseline 3 applies due to full schema coverage.

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?

The description clearly states the tool's function: 'Get transcripts for several videos in one call.' It uses a specific verb (get) and resource (transcripts), and explicitly contrasts with the single-video tool 'youtube_transcript', making it easy to distinguish.

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?

The description provides explicit guidance on when to use this tool: for multiple videos in one call. It names the alternative single-video tool and explains the behavior difference (default allowPaid false vs. true), helping the agent choose the right tool.

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