How to Get Transcripts for a Whole YouTube Channel or Playlist (No API Key)

Description and use

Retrieving transcripts for all videos in a YouTube channel or playlist without an API key and minimal code.

Problem

Obtaining transcripts for every video in a YouTube channel or large playlist without using a YouTube Data API key and without code failures on servers.

Outcome

The 30 newest TED videos were processed in 16 seconds, yielding 29 transcripts; one request failed with error "bot_detected" and was not charged.

Workflow

• 1. Open Apify actor page and click "Try for free".
• 2. Paste video/playlist/channel URLs or IDs into the input field.
• 3. Set preferred languages and transcript format.
• 4. Click "Start" and export results.
• 5. (Optional) Use Python script with apify-client to run the actor programmatically and iterate over results.
• 6. (Optional) Save each transcript as a separate text file for RAG or indexing.

Evidence

The 30 newest videos of @TED took 16 seconds and returned 29 transcripts. The 30th came back with error: bot_detected (YouTube refused that one request) and wasn’t charged.

Source

Option 1: No code (Apify Console)

Source