> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.reduce.sh/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# YouTube

> Aggregate content from YouTube channels

## Overview

YouTube sources in Reduce allow you to track new video uploads from your favorite channels. Reduce automatically fetches video metadata, so you can stay up-to-date without watching every video.

## How It Works

When you add a YouTube channel as a source, Reduce:

1. **Fetches new videos** published since your last delivery
2. **Extracts metadata** including title, duration, view count, and publish date
3. **Curates relevant content** based on your newsletter's content window

<Note>
  Reduce only includes videos published within your newsletter's content window (e.g., last 7 days for weekly newsletters). This ensures you receive fresh, recent content.
</Note>

## Adding a YouTube Channel

You can add a YouTube channel using either the channel name or full URL:

### By Channel URL

```
https://www.youtube.com/@fireship
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheLinuxExperiment
```

### By Channel Handle

```
@fireship
@ThePrimeagen
```

<Tip>
  The easiest way is to copy the URL directly from the channel's page in your browser.
</Tip>

## What Content Is Fetched

Reduce captures the following from each video:

* **Video title** - The full video title
* **Publish date** - When the video was uploaded
* **Duration** - Video length
* **View count** - Number of views at fetch time
* **Thumbnail** - Video thumbnail image
* **Video URL** - Direct link to the video

## Content Freshness

YouTube sources are checked:

* **Before each delivery** according to your newsletter's schedule
* **Within your content window** - only videos newer than your lookback period are included

For example, if you have a weekly newsletter with a 7-day content window, Reduce fetches videos uploaded in the past 7 days.

## Tips for Choosing Channels

<Card title="Choose Consistent Publishers" icon="calendar-check">
  Channels that upload regularly (daily or weekly) work best for frequent newsletter cadences.
</Card>

<Card title="Match Content Density" icon="gauge-high">
  High-volume channels (multiple uploads per day) are ideal for daily newsletters. Lower-volume channels work well for weekly or monthly digests.
</Card>

<Card title="Focus Your Niche" icon="bullseye">
  Add channels that align tightly with your newsletter's theme. A focused set of 5-10 channels usually performs better than a broad list of 50.
</Card>

## Examples

### Tech Newsletter

* `@fireship` - Quick tech news and tutorials
* `@ThePrimeagen` - Programming and developer content
* `@TechLinked` - Daily tech news

### Personal Finance

* `@GrahamStephan` - Finance and real estate
* `@TheFinancialDiet` - Money management tips
* `@AndreJikh` - Investment strategies

### Productivity

* `@AliAbdaal` - Productivity and learning
* `@ThomasFrank` - Study and organization tips
* `@CalNewport` - Deep work and focus

<Note>
  Channel availability and content vary. Always preview a few videos from a channel before adding it to ensure it matches your newsletter's quality standards.
</Note>