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YouTube Tutorial | How to Create a YouTube API Key and set restrictions

Learn how to create a YouTube API key for online projects. Essential for integrating videos into your website and growing your audience.

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Author: Joana | Founder of up2dateskills

Welcome to up2dateskills’ blog! In this tutorial, I will guide you through the process of creating a YouTube API key for your online projects.

How to Create a YouTube API Key and set restrictions

Step-by-step video tutorial

The YouTube Data API v3 is the one we are going to set up and it is used to interact with YouTube’s data and access various functionalities offered by YouTube to developers and content creators. It allows developers or some plugins to retrieve information about videos, channels, playlists, comments, and more. This API enables integration of YouTube features into applications, such as retrieving video metadata, searching for videos, managing playlists, and accessing user data.

Take a look at the steps below to see all you have to do to enable this feature.

Part #1 | Intro

Welcome to up2dateskills!

Part #2 | Getting started

Begin by ensuring that you’re logged into your Google account. This will provide the necessary access for creating and managing your YouTube API key.

Part #3 | Accessing Google Developers Console

Open a web browser and navigate to the Google Developers Console at console.developers.google.com. This is where you’ll manage your API projects and create new API keys.

Part #4 | Overview of YouTube APIs

Within the Google Developers Console, explore the available YouTube APIs by clicking on “enable APIs & services.” Familiarize yourself with the options, focusing on the YouTube Data API v3, which we’ll be using for this tutorial.

Part #5 | Creating a new project

Create a new project by clicking on the dropdown list in the dashboard and selecting “new project“. Name your project and hit “create“.

Part #6 | Creating a YouTube API

Navigate back to the API library and select the YouTube Data API v3. Enable the API if it’s your first time using it, or manage it if you’ve previously created APIs.

Next, go to “credentials” and create a new API key. Note that the default key is unrestricted, so it’s essential to set restrictions for security.

Part #7 | Setting restrictions to the YouTube API – Websites

To enhance security, set restrictions for your API key. Start by restricting its usage to specific websites. Input your website’s domain or subdomains to limit access using the following examples to set up your restrictions.

For one domain:

				
					https://example.com

For one specific subdomain:

				
					https://sub.example.com

For multiple subdomains:

				
					https://*.example.com

To enable Google features:

				
					*.googleapis.com/*

Once set, don’t forget to click on “restrict key” and choose the YouTube Data API v3.

Part #8 | Setting restrictions to the YouTube API – IP addresses

Alternatively, you can restrict API access based on IP addresses.

Once set, don’t forget to click on “restrict key” and choose the YouTube Data API v3.

Part #9 | Finding your website’s IP address

If you’re unsure of your website’s IP address, tools like Google Admin Toolbox can help. Go to toolbox.googleapps.com and enter your domain to get the corresponding IP address.

Part #10 | Help me keep my project going

Consider supporting up2dateskills by subscribing to the channel and liking the video. Your support enables the creation of more tutorials and content.

If you need guidance on integrating the API key into your WordPress website, we suggest watching our tutorial (coming soon), which is available both on our blog and on our YouTube channel.

Good luck for your online business!