youtube-summarize — Claude Code MCP server: features and setup
Fetch YouTube transcripts and video details, search for clips, or prepare transcript-based summaries. Useful when an agent needs video content in a readable form.
claude mcp add youtube-summarize -- uvx youtube-summarizeWhat youtube-summarize does
The server retrieves transcripts as text, JSON, SRT, or WebVTT, with optional timestamps and video details. It can search YouTube, show which transcript languages are available, and list playlist videos with sorting options. Playlist entries stay brief; request metadata separately for a specific video ID.
For summarization, summarize_transcript returns the transcript alongside the instructions and prompt, so a person can inspect them before the LLM acts. You can choose transcript languages and provide custom summarization guidance. Setup requires Python 3.13+ and the uv package manager; uvx youtube-summarize depends on both.
What it helps with
- fetch a video transcript in a chosen format
- find videos and filter results by upload time or duration
- list playlist videos and sort the results
- check which transcript languages a video offers
- prepare a transcript and instructions for summarization
Example prompts for the agent
- Find YouTube videos about MCP servers uploaded this month, sorted by views.
- Get this video's Russian transcript with timestamps and video details.
- Prepare a summary of this video, and show me the instructions and transcript first.
How to install youtube-summarize
Platform CLI
claude mcp add youtube-summarize -- uvx youtube-summarizeuvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from youtube-summarize <command>
Platform CLI
codex mcp add youtube-summarize -- uvx youtube-summarizeuvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from youtube-summarize <command>
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"youtube-summarize": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"youtube-summarize"
]
}
}
}uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from youtube-summarize <command>
Config file
{
"servers": {
"youtube-summarize": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"youtube-summarize"
]
}
}
}uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from youtube-summarize <command>
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add youtube-summarize uvx youtube-summarizeuvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from youtube-summarize <command>
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about youtube-summarize
How do I install youtube-summarize in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add youtube-summarize -- uvx youtube-summarize. Python 3.13+ and the uv package manager are required.
What does youtube-summarize do?
It fetches YouTube transcripts and video details, searches for videos, and lists playlist contents. It can also prepare transcript-based summaries for review.
Can I review the prompt before a video is summarized?
Yes. summarize_transcript separates the instructions and prompt from the video details and transcript, letting you inspect the material before summarization.
