API key guide
Get a YouTube API Key
Updated July 25, 2026
You only need a key for ThumbSpy's Research mode. Page Scan and URL Lookup work from the active YouTube tab or YouTube video URLs and do not use the YouTube Data API.
Video walkthrough
Video guide coming soon
This page will include the ThumbSpy walkthrough video for creating your own YouTube Data API key.
Steps
- Open Google Cloud Console with a Google account you control.
- Create a dedicated project for your own ThumbSpy use.
- Open APIs & Services, then Library, and enable YouTube Data API v3.
- Open APIs & Services, then Credentials, and choose Create credentials then API key.
- Restrict the key to YouTube Data API v3. Add an application restriction too if Google Cloud offers one that fits your usage.
- Paste the key into ThumbSpy's Research mode. Leave Remember this key on this device off unless you are comfortable storing it in Chrome extension storage.
Quota and safety
The key identifies your Google Cloud project for API access, quota, and reporting. It does not give ThumbSpy access to private YouTube account data.
Do not share a key you do not control. Do not reuse keys from unrelated projects. Watch your Google Cloud quota page if you run large channel scans.