> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.apexgenius.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect YouTube

> Connect the intended YouTube channel, choose access, enable its resource and verify a first read from your AI.

Connect the channel you want your AI to use. Start with reads, then add upload or channel management access when you need it.

[Explore the YouTube connector and tools](https://www.apexgenius.ai/connectors/youtube). For performance data and daily reports, use [YouTube Analytics](/integrations/youtube-analytics).

## Connect your channel

**Before you start**

* A Google account with access to the YouTube channel you intend to connect. Check the channel in YouTube first, especially if you use a Brand Account.
* An ApexGenius account with this module available. If setup is pending or the module is missing, contact support.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open YouTube in Connections">
    Find the YouTube group and open YouTube. Each module has its own channel and access selection.

    <Frame caption="Find the YouTube group and open YouTube. Analytics & Reporting has its own setup.">
      <img src="https://www.apexgenius.ai/images/integration-guides/youtube/20260907-group-two-real.webp" alt="The real Connections page showing YouTube and YouTube Analytics & Reporting as separate modules in the YouTube group." width="1080" height="432" style={{ width: '100%', height: 'auto' }} />
    </Frame>

    <Frame caption="Choose your channel access, then select Connect.">
      <img src="https://www.apexgenius.ai/images/integration-guides/youtube/20260907-connect-real.webp" alt="The real YouTube module with its Connect button and Read channel and videos access selection." width="1080" height="604" style={{ width: '100%', height: 'auto' }} />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose the access you need">
    Under Channel access, start with Read channel and videos. Upload videos, Upload and manage the channel, and Read channel memberships request different access. Then choose Connect. For an existing connection, choose Apply access with Google.

    <Frame caption="Start with Read channel and videos, or choose the access your task needs.">
      <img src="https://www.apexgenius.ai/images/integration-guides/youtube/20260907-access-real.webp" alt="The real Channel access panel with Read channel and videos selected." width="844" height="221" style={{ width: '100%', height: 'auto' }} />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select your Google account and YouTube channel">
    On Google’s own page, select the account with access to your intended channel. If Google offers a channel or Brand Account choice, select the intended channel. Review the requested permissions before continuing. Already granted permissions may make these screens look different. Return to ApexGenius when Google finishes.

    <Frame caption="Review the requested YouTube permission, then choose Allow.">
      <img src="https://www.apexgenius.ai/images/integration-guides/youtube/20260907-google-consent-real.webp" alt="The real Google consent screen requesting View your YouTube account, with Cancel and Allow." width="540" height="385" style={{ width: '100%', height: 'auto' }} />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable the connected channel">
    Confirm the saved channel name. Open Tools, find Allowed resources, and choose Refresh if needed. Enable the intended channel. Enabling it allows ApexGenius to use existing access; it does not grant new YouTube permissions. If the channel is wrong, stop and connect the intended channel.

    <Frame caption="Check the channel name and turn on its access.">
      <img src="https://www.apexgenius.ai/images/integration-guides/youtube/20260907-resource-real.webp" alt="The ApexGeniusAI YouTube channel enabled in Allowed resources, showing one of one enabled." width="1080" height="190" style={{ width: '100%', height: 'auto' }} />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check the connection status">
    Use Test connection or Check again when offered. Read the returned status and confirm the saved channel. A healthy connection does not yet prove that a report query or publishing action will work.

    <Frame caption="Select Test connection and check the returned channel and status.">
      <img src="https://www.apexgenius.ai/images/integration-guides/youtube/20260907-validated-real.webp" alt="The real connection test returning ApexGeniusAI is healthy, with authorization saved and a validation time." width="1056" height="384" style={{ width: '100%', height: 'auto' }} />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run your first read with an AI agent">
    Open AI agents and add or select your AI client. Allow this connection with Read only for the first test. Use the question below, then compare the returned channel and data with YouTube Studio. Empty recent analytics can mean data is not available yet.

    <Note>
      **AI agents · First read**

      * **Connection:** YouTube
      * **Access for first test:** Read only

      Copy the first question below into your connected AI client. Check the returned channel and result.

      Illustrated setup guidance. Follow the controls shown in your own account. Illustrated guide by ApexGenius, not a screenshot; your screen may differ.
    </Note>
  </Step>
</Steps>

**Try a first question with your AI agent**

```text theme={"system"}
Show the name and details of my connected YouTube channel.
```

Check connection status, the first tool result, and the channel identity separately. If access is missing, return to Channel access and review the needed permission with Google. Disconnect stops this module in ApexGenius; Google Account access removal can affect other Google apps.

## Add your AI

Follow the [ChatGPT](https://www.apexgenius.ai/chatgpt-for-youtube#setup), [Claude](https://www.apexgenius.ai/claude-for-youtube#setup) or [Codex](https://www.apexgenius.ai/codex-for-youtube#setup) guide. Each keeps the YouTube connection selected through sign-in and includes a first read-only question.

## If setup does not work

| What you see                                         | What to do                                                                                                          |
| ---------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Connect is missing or setup is pending               | Contact support to check whether your account and the module are enabled.                                           |
| Google reports a callback or app configuration error | Report the error code to support. Changing the selected channel will not repair the operator’s Google setup.        |
| Wrong channel saved                                  | Stop. Select the intended Google account and channel before granting access.                                        |
| Channel missing from Allowed resources               | Check its identity and access in YouTube, then refresh resources. Refresh does not repair Google consent.           |
| Read works but a write is unavailable                | Check the access option and allowed tools. Broader access requires Google consent; uploads also require the worker. |
| Connection needs reauthorization                     | Use Reconnect and verify that the saved channel is still the intended one.                                          |

## Limits and data

Uploads default to private and are capped at 256 MiB per video. Channel management, captions, live features and memberships have distinct access or eligibility requirements. This connector does not fetch transcripts from arbitrary YouTube videos. Google review may limit uploads even when connection setup succeeds.

Disconnect stops this module in ApexGenius. Removing ApexGenius from Google Account access can affect sibling Google connections.

[Open YouTube setup](https://www.apexgenius.ai/connections/youtube) · [Official YouTube authorization guide](https://developers.google.com/youtube/v3/guides/auth/server-side-web-apps)