Channel Lives

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

Adds meaningful traits beyond the annotations: it consumes paid API credits and requires confirm=true, and it clarifies that the write-shaped POST is 'read-like' and does not publish to social platforms. This resolves the tension with readOnlyHint=false by explaining the credit-consuming side effect rather than contradicting it.

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?

Front-loads the purpose and return fields, then usage, then the credit/confirm warning. Every sentence carries information, though the final sentence packaging of credit and publishing caveats is slightly dense.

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?

With no output schema, the description usefully enumerates returned fields (title, URL, thumbnail, view count, publish time, duration, continuationToken) and covers the confirm/credit requirement. An agent has nearly everything needed, with only sibling-selection guidance missing.

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 the baseline is 3, but the description adds the workflow semantics: handle/channelId seed the first page while continuationToken drives pagination. This relational guidance goes beyond the per-field schema text.

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?

States a specific verb ('Fetches') and resource ('live streams and past streams from a YouTube channel's Live tab'), listing concrete return fields. The 'Live tab' scope cleanly distinguishes it from siblings like youtube_channel_videos, youtube_channel_shorts, and youtube_channel_playlists.

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?

Explains the calling flow: use handle/channelId for the first page, then continuationToken to page through more. It also flags the confirm=true requirement. However, it never says when to choose this tool over sibling options such as youtube_channel_videos, leaving the when-to-use decision implied.

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