Create & Set Up YouTube API Key, ID, & Secret for Kodi: In this article, I’ll guide you through creating your own personal YouTube API key in just a few easy steps. I’ll explain what a YouTube API key is, what it’s used for, and then walk you through the process of generating one. For most users, YouTube is all about watching videos or uploading their own content. However, as the world’s largest video platform, YouTube can also be integrated into websites and apps by developers and site owners.

You might be wondering, “Why does this matter to me?” Well, some FireStick apps and Kodi addons require you to enter a YouTube API key to access YouTube content directly within the app or addon. In this guide, I’ll show you how to create a personal YouTube API key so you can enable YouTube streaming in apps and addons that need it. But before we dive in, let’s cover some key information.

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What Is an API?

An API, or application programming interface, acts as a bridge between two different software systems, allowing them to communicate and work together. For instance, WhatsApp offers a business API that enables companies to automate and manage conversations with their customers directly within WhatsApp. In a similar way, YouTube’s API lets developers and third-party websites access certain features of YouTube’s platform. With the YouTube API, developers of FireStick apps and Kodi addons can embed YouTube videos, manage playlists, and offer other YouTube-related features to their users. Essentially, this lets users watch YouTube content through these apps and addons without having to use the YouTube website or app itself.

What Is an API Key?

An API key is a unique code that grants access to an API. Without this key, you usually cannot use the API. Think of the key as a virtual fingerprint — it verifies your identity and unlocks the API’s functions. YouTube allows anyone to create free personal API keys. However, most regular YouTube users will never need to create one. As mentioned earlier, FireStick and Kodi users only need a personal YouTube API key if they want to access YouTube content built into specific apps or addons. If that applies to you, here’s how to create your own API key.

How to Create a Personal YouTube API Key, Client ID, and Secret

Before you begin, make sure you have a Google account, as it’s required to create a personal YouTube API key.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your YouTube API key:

On your computer, visit console.developers.google.com and sign in with your Google account. If it’s your first time, click AGREE AND CONTINUE.
Click CREATE PROJECT on the right side of the screen. Wait a few moments while your project is set up.
Enter any project name you like and leave the location as default. Then click CREATE.
Once your project is created, you’ll see the project dashboard. From the left menu, select Library.
Scroll down or use the search bar to find YouTube Data API v3, then click on it.
Click the ENABLE button to activate the API. Wait a moment as Google processes this.
Next, click CREATE CREDENTIALS in the top-right corner.
In the dropdown for “Select an API,” choose YouTube Data API v3. For the data type, select Public data, then click NEXT.
Your YouTube API key will appear. Copy it and save it somewhere safe and easy to access, like a text file. Click DONE. You’ve now created your personal YouTube API key, which you can find anytime under the Credentials tab. Next, you’ll create your API Client ID and Secret.
Under the Credentials tab, click OAuth consent screen.
Choose External and click CREATE.
Enter an app name (you can reuse the project name), then select your Google account email from the User support email dropdown.
Scroll down to Developer contact information and enter your email address again. Click SAVE AND CONTINUE.
On the Scopes page, scroll down and click SAVE AND CONTINUE.
On the Test users page, scroll down and click SAVE AND CONTINUE.
On the Summary page, scroll down and click BACK TO DASHBOARD.
Go back to Credentials on the left menu.
Click CREATE CREDENTIALS at the top, then select OAuth client ID from the dropdown.
Choose Application type and select TVs and Limited Input devices. The name field can remain as default. Click CREATE.

A pop-up will appear showing your new YouTube Client ID and Client Secret. Be sure to copy and save these alongside your API key. That’s it! You’ve successfully created your YouTube API Key, Client ID, and Secret. The next step is to enter these details into your YouTube addon on Kodi to start streaming.

How to Set Up Your API Key, Client ID, and Secret on Kodi

Now that you have created your credentials, it’s time to enter them into your YouTube addon on Kodi. The process is straightforward. Follow these simple steps:

Open the YouTube addon on Kodi, scroll down, and select Settings.
In the left-hand menu, navigate to the API tab.
In the API settings, click on the fields for API Key, API ID, and API Secret, then type or paste your respective credentials into each box. Click OK to save your changes.

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FAQs

How can I access the YouTube API key I created?

Simply log in to the Google Developers Console. From your project dashboard, select Credentials in the left-hand menu. Your YouTube API key will be listed under the API Keys section.

Is it free to create a personal YouTube API key?

Yes, creating and using a YouTube API key is free, as long as you stay within the daily usage quota. For most individual users, this quota is rarely reached.

Why does the YouTube Data API have a daily quota?

The quota exists to ensure fair use across all developers and users. Every API request—meaning every time the API is use to interact with YouTube—counts against the daily quota. This prevents any single application from negatively affecting the service quality or blocking access for others.

Wrapping Up

In this guide, I’ve walked you through how to create your YouTube API key, client ID, and secret step-by-step. These credentials provide a powerful way to access YouTube’s vast content library—where over 400 hours of video are upload every minute—through FireStick apps and Kodi addons. If you found this helpful or have questions, feel free to leave a comment below!

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