My YouTube Channel Scored 20/100 — So I Built a Free Tool Instead of Paying TubeBuddy

Description and use

A new YouTube channel scored 20/100. The author built OnyxIQ, a free browser extension that analyzes the channel via YouTube API, offering both a free and a one‑time $49 paid version without subscription.

Problem

A new YouTube channel received a low growth score (20/100) and the creator wanted a cost‑effective way to analyze and improve channel performance without paying monthly subscription services.

Outcome

OnyxIQ provides a free or one‑time purchase alternative to paid growth tools, delivering transparent analytics without server costs or data leakage.

Workflow

• 1. Install OnyxIQ from a single link (demo mode).
• 2. Optionally provide a free YouTube API key for real data analysis.
• 3. Sign in with YouTube to unlock advanced features (90‑day analytics, per‑video audits, coach feed).
• 4. Use the extension to run Channel X‑Ray, Keyword Lab, Competitor Compare, Thumbnail Feed‑Test, and Upload Checklist.
• 5. Review audit results and implement suggested fixes.

Evidence

I built software for a living, and the honest next step was supposed to be "pay TubeBuddy or vidIQ $20 a month to tell me what I did wrong."

Source

OnyxIQ is a browser extension (no store page yet — it installs from one link in two minutes).

Source

The Basic version is free. The Prime version is a one-time $49 — one payment, a license key, no subscription, no credit meter.

Source