# Create API Credentials

#### Generate an API Key

1. In your Google Cloud project, go to **"APIs & Services"** → **"Credentials"**
2. Click **"+ Create Credentials"** at the top
3. Select **"API Key"** from the dropdown
4. A modal will appear titled **"**Create API Key**"** with configuration options
5. **Configure the API Key:** **Name your API key:**

   * Enter a descriptive name in the **"Name"** field
   * Example: `StreamLink-YouTube-API-Key`
   * This helps you identify the key later

   **Application restrictions**:

   * Select **"None"** for the simplest setup
   * This allows the key to work from any location

   **API restrictions**:

   * Select **"Restrict key"**
   * In the dropdown menu that appears, search for and select: "**YouTube Data API v3**"
   * This ensures the key can only be used for specific APIs
6. Click the blue **"Create"** button at the bottom
7. **Copy your API key** from the confirmation modal that appears
   * Example format: `AIzaSyAbc123Def456Ghi789Jkl012Mno345Pqr`
   * Click the copy icon or manually select and copy the entire key

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Save Your API Key Securely!** Treat it like a password. Don't share it publicly.
{% endhint %}

#### Test Your API Key (Optional)

You can test your API key using this URL in a browser:

```
https://www.googleapis.com/youtube/v3/search?part=id&maxResults=1&q=test&type=video&key=YOUR_API_KEY_HERE
```

Replace `YOUR_API_KEY_HERE` with your actual API key.

**Expected Result:** JSON response with video search results

**If you see an error:**

* `"API_KEY_INVALID"` → Key is wrong, regenerate it
* `"ACCESS_NOT_CONFIGURED"` → YouTube Data API v3 not enabled
* `"PERMISSION_DENIED"` → API restrictions too strict


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