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

> Returns the downloadable video stream files for a YouTube video — each with a direct media `url`, mime type, resolution (`width`/`height`), quality label, fps, bitrate, and approximate duration. The stream URLs are time-limited: fetch them immediately and do not cache.

TL;DR: `GET /v1/youtube/video/files` 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/files?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DdQw4w9WgXcQ" \
  -H "x-api-key: sc_YOUR_API_KEY"
```

## FAQ

### How do I download a YouTube video via API?

Send a GET to /v1/youtube/video/files with the video url. The response lists the downloadable video streams, each with a direct media URL, resolution, quality label, fps, bitrate, and duration.

### Are the video stream URLs permanent?

No. Stream URLs are time-limited, so fetch the file right away and do not cache the URL, which stops working after it expires.

### What details come back for each video stream?

Each stream includes its direct URL, width and height, quality label, fps, bitrate, and approximate duration, so you can choose the resolution you want.

### How do I also get the audio track?

Use the sibling /v1/youtube/video/audio endpoint for downloadable audio streams. Together they cover the video and audio files for a given URL.

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

It is an advanced endpoint, and every new account starts with 100 free credits to test it without a card.

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 download YouTube video streams via API
- YouTube video file API with direct download URLs