# YouTube Video Captions API

> Get available caption tracks for a YouTube video or request captions in SRT, XML, JSON3, or plain-text format. Use it to support transcription, accessibility, localization, or text analysis.

Source: https://www.sandbase.ai/model/youtube/video-captions
API reference: https://www.sandbase.ai/model/youtube/video-captions/docs

## Facts

- Provider: YouTube
- Type: Data API
- Endpoint: `POST https://api.sandbase.ai/v1/api/youtube/video-captions`
- Price: $0.02 per call
- Capabilities: api, youtube, social media
- Billing: pay per use from one SandBase balance; no provider account or subscription needed

## Call it

`POST https://api.sandbase.ai/v1/api/youtube/video-captions` with `Authorization: Bearer $SANDBASE_API_KEY` and the parameters as a JSON body.

| Parameter | Type | Required | Allowed values |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `videoId` | string | yes |  |
| `languageCode` | string | no |  |
| `format` | string | no | srt, xml, json3, txt |

## FAQ

### How do I use the YouTube Video Captions API?

Send a POST request to https://api.sandbase.ai/v1/api/youtube/video-captions with your SandBase API key in the Authorization header (Bearer) and the parameters as a JSON body. You can also try it in the Playground on this page without writing code.

### How much does the YouTube Video Captions API cost?

$0.02 per call, billed from your SandBase balance. You are only charged for calls you make; there is no subscription.

### What parameters does the YouTube Video Captions API accept?

Required: videoId (string). Optional: languageCode (string) and format (one of srt, xml, json3, txt). The Parameters table and the Playground on this page list every field.

### What does the YouTube Video Captions API return?

A JSON response returned in the same HTTP request (synchronous).

### Do I need a YouTube developer account or API key?

No. YouTube Video Captions runs through SandBase, so one SandBase API key covers this endpoint and every other API and model in the catalog. You do not need to apply for YouTube API access separately.

## README

### YouTube Video Captions API

Get available caption tracks for a YouTube video or request captions in SRT, XML, JSON3, or plain-text format. Use it to support transcription, accessibility, localization, or text analysis.

The response is the platform's original data structure.

#### Request

```bash
curl -X POST "https://api.sandbase.ai/v1/run" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $SANDBASE_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"model": "youtube/video-captions", "videoId": "dQw4w9WgXcQ"}'
```

#### Parameters

| Name | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| `videoId` | string | Yes | The unique identifier for a YouTube video. |
| `languageCode` | string | No | Caption language code, such as en, zh-Hans, or a.en. Leave it empty to retrieve available caption tracks. |
| `format` | string | No | Caption output format. |

#### Pricing

Flat price per call. Failed calls and empty results are not charged.