YouTube MCP Server
A remote MCP server for YouTube that needs no API key: transcripts of any public video, channel IDs and RSS feeds, downloads, thumbnail trends and earnings estimates.
Server URL: https://shortformkit.com/mcp (Streamable HTTP, no authentication, no YouTube Data API key). Add it as a custom connector in Claude or ChatGPT, or to Cursor, VS Code or Claude Code. Works with videos, Shorts and channel links.
What your assistant can do with YouTube
- Transcribe a video (
transcribe_video): Whisper transcript with timestamps, also for videos without captions, 90+ languages, optional English translation. Cut long videos with start and end. - Find a channel ID (
youtube_channel_id): the UC channel ID, handle, channel URL and RSS feed from a @handle or any video link. - Read a video (
get_video_info): title, channel, duration, available resolutions and description. - Save media (
download_media): MP4 up to 4K, MP3, thumbnail or one frame, optionally only a section. - Creator data:
youtube_thumbnail_trends(this week's measured thumbnail patterns in 10 niches),estimate_youtube_earnings(ad revenue range from views and niche) andcreator_monetization(Partner Program requirements and RPM tables with sources).
Prompts that work
- «Transcribe this video and give me chapters with timestamps: https://youtu.be/...»
- «What is the channel ID and RSS feed of @mkbhd?»
- «Summarise minutes 10 to 20 of this podcast episode.»
- «What do the top thumbnails in the finance niche look like this week?»
- «How much does a tech channel with 300K monthly views earn from ads?»
Add it
Claude: Customize, Connectors, + Add, Add custom connector, paste https://shortformkit.com/mcp.
ChatGPT: where your plan offers custom connectors (developer mode), add the same URL.
Claude Code:
claude mcp add --transport http shortformkit https://shortformkit.com/mcpCursor or VS Code: { "url": "https://shortformkit.com/mcp" } in your MCP config.
What it does not do
No uploads, no comments, no YouTube Studio analytics and no private or members-only videos. Those need the official YouTube Data and Analytics APIs with OAuth. Transcription runs on our server, up to 20 minutes of audio per call. All tools are on the Shortform Kit MCP server page.
How it works
- Copy the server URL https://shortformkit.com/mcp
- Add it as a connector In Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, VS Code or Claude Code.
- Paste a YouTube link or @handle Ask for a transcript, chapters, the channel ID or a download.
FAQ
What is a good YouTube MCP server URL?
https://shortformkit.com/mcp is free and needs no YouTube API key. It transcribes public videos, finds channel IDs and RSS feeds and saves MP4 or MP3.
Does it need a YouTube Data API key?
No. You paste the URL and nothing else.
Can it transcribe videos without captions?
Yes. It runs Whisper on the audio, so it also works when the video has no subtitles. Up to 20 minutes per call; use start and end for longer videos.
Can it upload videos or read my analytics?
No. That needs the official YouTube APIs with OAuth on your account.