Get a YouTube API key

YouTube chat in AstralOverlay needs your own YouTube Data API v3 key. A Twitch panel does not need this setup.

1. Open Google Cloud

Open the Google Cloud Console and sign in with your Google account. Use the project selector at the top to create a project, or select one you already use for this integration.

A name such as AstralOverlay Chat helps you recognize it later. Make sure this project remains selected during the next steps.

2. Enable YouTube Data API v3

Open the YouTube Data API v3 page in the API Library and choose Enable.

If it is already enabled, continue to the credentials page. Enabling a different YouTube-related API does not replace this step.

3. Create an API key

Open APIs & Services > Credentials, then choose Create credentials > API key.

Select YouTube Data API v3 if the creation dialog asks which API the key can access. Copy the resulting key and give it a recognizable name.

Choose an API key, not an OAuth client ID or service-account credential. AstralOverlay’s current chat setup accepts the key string.

See Google’s YouTube credential instructions if the console layout differs.

4. Set compatible restrictions

Open the key’s settings on the Credentials page:

• Under API restrictions, choose Restrict key, then select only YouTube Data API v3.
• Under Application restrictions, None is the practical option for AstralOverlay’s current Windows client unless you maintain an external-IP restriction.
• Save the settings.

AstralOverlay makes requests directly from your computer. A Websites restriction, including one for this docs site, does not match that client. Android and iOS restrictions are also unsuitable.

For tighter access, an IP addresses restriction can allow your computer’s public internet IP. It must stay current if your connection or VPN changes. Do not enter 127.0.0.1 or a private home-network address.

Leaving application restrictions at None means the key is not bound to a particular computer. Keep the YouTube-only API restriction and keep the key private. Google’s restriction reference explains the available choices.

5. Paste it into AstralOverlay

1. Open Screens > Add chat and choose YouTube.
2. Paste the live video’s link into the video field.
3. Paste the key into the API-key field.
4. Add the chat panel.

Use the live video’s URL, not the channel homepage. AstralOverlay masks the key in the interface and saves a newly entered key when you add the chat. The card can also forget a saved key.

If it does not connect

Message or symptom	What to check
API is not enabled	Enable YouTube Data API v3 in the project that owns the key.
Key is invalid	Copy the API key again; do not paste a client ID or project ID.
Key restrictions block the app	Check the YouTube API restriction and whether website or external-IP restrictions reject this computer.
Allowance is used up	Review the project’s API quotas. Recreating a key in the same project does not give that project a fresh quota.
No live chat	Check that the video is live and its chat is available.

YouTube API requests consume a project quota. Google’s quota documentation explains request costs and the daily reset; check the console for your project’s actual allowance.

Do not post the key in screenshots, source code, or support requests. If exposed, replace it in Google Cloud and update AstralOverlay.

Return to Twitch & YouTube chat.