Hosted MCP server
YouTube transcripts in VS Code
GitHub Copilot's agent mode in VS Code can call MCP tools. Add GetYouTubeTranscript in .vscode/mcp.json and Copilot can read a video's transcript, search YouTube, or list a channel's videos when your request needs it.
Set it up
- 1
Get an API key
Sign in at getyoutubetranscript.com and create a key on the developers page (100 free credits, no card). Keys start with sk_live_.
- 2
Create .vscode/mcp.json
This version makes VS Code ask for the key once and store it securely, so the key never sits in the file:
{ "inputs": [ { "type": "promptString", "id": "gyt-api-key", "description": "GetYouTubeTranscript API key", "password": true } ], "servers": { "getyoutubetranscript": { "type": "http", "url": "https://getyoutubetranscript.com/api/mcp", "headers": { "Authorization": "Bearer ${input:gyt-api-key}" } } } } - 3
Start the server
Open the file in VS Code and click Start above the server entry. Enter your key when prompted.
- 4
Use agent mode
Open Copilot Chat, switch to Agent, and check the tools list includes the getyoutubetranscript tools.
What to ask Copilot
- Read this video and write a README section that explains the same setup: <YouTube URL>
- Summarize the three most recent uploads on @Fireship.
- Find a talk about WebGPU and list the APIs it demos.
- Turn this lecture into a checklist in docs/notes.md: <YouTube URL>
Tools VS Code gets
| Tool | What it does | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| get_youtube_transcript | Full transcript plus title, author, thumbnail | 1 credit |
| search_youtube | Search videos or channels, paginated | 1 credit |
| get_channel_latest_videos | A channel's metadata and recent uploads | Free |
| search_channel_videos | Search within one channel | 1 credit |
| list_channel_videos | Every video a channel has uploaded | 1 credit |
| list_playlist_videos | Every video in a playlist | 1 credit |
| get_credits | Remaining credit balance for the key | Free |
Good to know
- The server is hosted, so there is nothing to run locally and no proxy to manage.
- Tools that only read metadata, like a channel's latest uploads and your credit balance, are free.
Links
Questions about VS Code
Why use the input prompt instead of pasting the key?
The "inputs" block makes VS Code ask for the key and keep it in its secret storage, so you can commit .vscode/mcp.json without leaking it.
Can I add it for every workspace?
Yes. Run "MCP: Open User Configuration" from the command palette and add the same server block there.
What does it cost?
Each transcript, search or channel page uses one credit from your account, and failed requests are not charged. New accounts get 100 free credits, no card, and paid plans add more credits each month.