# YouTube Video Audio API (https://www.socialcrawl.dev/platforms/youtube/video-audio)

> Returns the downloadable audio stream files for a YouTube video — each with a direct media `url`, mime type, bitrate, audio quality, sample rate, channels, and approximate duration. The stream URLs are time-limited: fetch them immediately and do not cache.

TL;DR: `GET /v1/youtube/video/audio` costs 5 credits per call and returns SocialCrawl's unified JSON schema. Single x-api-key auth, 100 free credits on signup.

## Parameters

| Parameter | Required | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `url` | yes | Full URL of the YouTube video. |

## Code example

```bash
curl "https://www.socialcrawl.dev/v1/youtube/video/audio?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DdQw4w9WgXcQ" \
  -H "x-api-key: sc_YOUR_API_KEY"
```

## FAQ

### How do I get a YouTube video's audio file via API?

Send a GET to /v1/youtube/video/audio with the video url. The response lists the downloadable audio streams, each with a direct media URL, mime type, bitrate, audio quality, sample rate, and channels.

### Are the audio stream URLs permanent?

No. The stream URLs are time-limited, so fetch the file immediately and do not cache the URL, which stops working after it expires.

### What audio details come back per stream?

Each stream includes its direct URL, mime type, bitrate, audio quality label, sample rate, channels, and approximate duration, so you can pick the format you need.

### How much does the audio files endpoint cost?

It is an advanced endpoint. Every new account starts with 100 free credits, so you can test it without adding a card.

### How is this different from the transcript endpoint?

The transcript endpoint returns spoken text, while video/audio returns the actual downloadable audio stream files. Use audio when you need the sound, not the words.

See the full YouTube API: https://www.socialcrawl.dev/platforms/youtube

## Pricing

- Standard endpoints: 1 credit per call
- Advanced endpoints: 5 credits per call
- Premium endpoints: 10 credits per call
- 100 free credits on signup, no credit card required. Cached responses cost 0 credits. Credit packs never expire.
- Full pricing: https://www.socialcrawl.dev/pricing

## Explore with AI

Questions this API answers, phrased for an AI assistant:

- How to get downloadable YouTube audio streams via API
- YouTube audio file API with direct media URLs