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get_timed_transcript

Fetch timestamped YouTube transcript in JSON, SRT, VTT, CSV, or TXT format. Preprocess captions by filtering empty segments, merging overlaps, or removing silences.

Instructions

Returns timestamped transcript segments in multiple formats (JSON, SRT, VTT, CSV, TXT) with optional preprocessing

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
urlYesYouTube video URL or video ID
langNoLanguage code (default: en)en
formatNoOutput format (default: json). Options: 'json' (structured data), 'srt' (SubRip subtitles), 'vtt' (WebVTT captions), 'csv' (spreadsheet), 'txt' (plain text)json
filterEmptyNoRemove segments with empty or whitespace-only text (default: false). Useful for cleaning auto-generated captions.
mergeOverlapsNoMerge segments with overlapping timestamps (default: false). Useful for fixing word-level timing issues in auto-generated captions.
removeSilenceNoRemove silence markers like [silence], [pause], [Music] (default: false). More aggressive than filterEmpty.
Behavior3/5

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

No annotations exist, so description bears full burden. It mentions optional preprocessing but fails to disclose important behavioral traits such as access restrictions, rate limits, or error handling for unavailable videos.

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

Conciseness5/5

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

The description is a single concise sentence that front-loads the core function and mentions key differentiators (formats, preprocessing). No wasted words.

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

Completeness4/5

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

Given the absence of an output schema, the description should at least hint at return structure. It mentions 'timestamped transcript segments' which implies an array with timing and text, but could be more explicit about the data shape for each format.

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?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the schema already documents all parameters. The description summarizes them but does not add significant new meaning beyond what the schema provides.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states it returns timestamped transcript segments in multiple formats with optional preprocessing, which distinguishes it from sibling tools like get_transcript (likely simpler) and get_video_info (metadata).

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 timed transcripts with formatting and preprocessing, but does not explicitly tell when to use this tool versus alternatives like get_transcript, or mention any prerequisites or limitations.

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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