How it works

See an overview of the program and answers to common questions.

Program overview

This program is for academic researchers interested in using YouTube’s global Data API for their next research project. Here’s how it works:

1

Confirm your eligibility

Verify that you’re an academic researcher affiliated with an accredited, higher-learning institution.

View entry criteria

2

Create a Google Cloud project

Before you apply, you’ll need to create an API project in the Google Cloud Console. Get started by visiting the enabled APIs page.

Read the guide

3

Submit your application

Apply with your institutional email (such as .edu), include as much detail as possible, and confirm that all of your information is accurate.

View the application

What data is available?

We’re starting this program with scaled, expanded access to global video metadata across the entire public YouTube corpus via our Data API. Learn more about what data is available in the YouTube API reference. We encourage all researchers with clear research goals to apply. We’re excited to work with you and learn which additional tools and data could support your work.

Frequently asked questions

Below, you’ll find answers to common questions about the program.

Who counts as a qualified researcher?

A qualified researcher is a student, research-focused staff, or faculty member affiliated with an accredited higher-learning institution.

View entry criteria

What can researchers study with YouTube’s Data API?

Our Researcher Program has no requirements or stipulations about which topics researchers are allowed to study. The Data API provides scaled access to video metadata across the entire public YouTube corpus. We encourage academics from diverse backgrounds, studying a range of topics, to apply.

Review API documentation

I’ve already applied for an increase in the Data API quota for academic studies through this form. Do I need to apply separately to YouTube’s Researcher Program?

Yes, you’ll need to submit a new application and be accepted to the YouTube Researcher Program to receive an increase in the Data API quota for academic research purposes.

A researcher is proposing I grant OAuth access to help them with their study. Is this allowed?

Yes, this is allowed as long as the researcher abides by our standard privacy Terms of Service (ToS) and regularly ensures that the researcher is still authorized to access the OAuth token. If your API project uses OAuth tokens, you may need to complete an additional OAuth Compliance Audit .

Beyond scaled Data API access, do you have a roadmap of expanded products, features, and services for the program?

This is a first step, and we look forward to hearing feedback from participating researchers regarding which data and tools could better support their research across disciplines. We’ll continue to build out more products and features over time.

What is considered an “eligible” academic institution?

Academic institutions are considered eligible for inclusion in the YouTube Researcher Program if they meet the following criteria:

are accredited and degree granting
are not-for profit
pass an ethics & compliance check

What standards do you use to determine if an academic institution is “accredited”?

For the US, we require that institutions are regionally accredited. Outside the US, we require that the institution is on a national list or is accredited by an international organization that is a member of or recognized by a higher education QA program (such as INQAAHE, CHEA or ENQA).

Why isn't my accredited institution on the eligible accredited institutions list?

If your accredited institution is not listed in the application form, please manually enter it in the “Other” field in the application form. Our team will review your application and if your accredited institution is eligible it will be added to our list.

What countries is the YouTube Researcher Program available in?

Currently the Researcher program is available to researchers at eligible academic institutions in the following countries:

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam.

Why isn’t the YouTube Researcher Program available in my country?

We are committed to supporting a diverse array of accredited academic institutions around the world and are working to make the YT Researcher program available as widely as possible. Therefore, we encourage eligible academics from diverse backgrounds studying a range of topics at any accredited academic institution to apply.

Ready to join the program?

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