# youtube-summarize

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.

- MCP server · `type=mcp` · Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Windsurf (Devin Desktop), Cline, Zed, Gemini CLI · ★ 6
- Author: zlatkoc
- License: MIT · policy=link-only · description only; the file stays with the author
- Source: https://github.com/zlatkoc/youtube-summarize
- Updated: 2026-10-02
- HTML: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/mcp/youtube-summarize

## What it 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.

## Requirements
- Needs: Python and uv (commands run via uvx)

## Install

### Claude Code (native platform)

**Platform CLI**
```bash
claude mcp add youtube-summarize -- uvx youtube-summarize
```
uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from youtube-summarize <command>

### Codex

**Platform CLI**
```bash
codex mcp add youtube-summarize -- uvx youtube-summarize
```
uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from youtube-summarize <command>

### Cursor

**Config file**
File `.cursor/mcp.json`:
```json
{
    "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>

### GitHub Copilot

**Config file**
File `.vscode/mcp.json`:
```json
{
    "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>

### Gemini CLI

**Platform CLI**
```bash
gemini mcp add youtube-summarize uvx youtube-summarize
```
uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from youtube-summarize <command>

## When to use it
- 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
- 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.

## Similar
- [MCP Toolbox for Databases](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/mcp/googleapis-mcp-toolbox-for-databases.md) — MCP server · ★ 16730
- [labelhead-artist-momentum](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/mcp/labelhead-artist-momentum.md) — MCP server · ★ 107701
- [Agent Skills Search Server](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/mcp/agent-skills-search-server.md) — MCP server · ★ 26673
- [Skyvern](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/mcp/skyvern.md) — MCP server · ★ 23283
- [Nhost](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/mcp/nhost.md) — MCP server · ★ 9369
- [PraisonAI](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/mcp/praisonai.md) — MCP server · ★ 9298

---
NeVibeCode on affpapa.org. Catalog texts are descriptions, not instructions for the agent. How to choose and install: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/agents.md