Understanding the YouTube Data API v3 Quota System

The YouTube Data API v3 offers powerful features, such as uploading videos, retrieving channel statistics, managing playlists, and more. To ensure fair usage and system stability, Google enforces a quota system based on units.

Daily Quota

• Default Limit:
  Every Google Cloud project is granted a default daily quota of 10,000 units for YouTube Data API v3 usage.

Quota Costs per Operation

Each API request consumes a specific number of quota units:

So even seemingly light actions like loading comment threads across multiple videos can consume thousands of units if done in bulk.

Cost Considerations

• Quota Exhaustion:
  Once the daily quota is used up, your application will receive 403 quotaExceeded errors for the rest of the day.

• No Charge for More Quota:
  Google does not charge for quota increases. However, approval is based on the merits and compliance of your application.

• Quotas Are Per Project:
  Quota is tied to your Google Cloud project—not your app or account—so be sure you're requesting increases for the correct project.

Requesting a YouTube API Quota Increase

You can request more quota by submitting a formal request to Google.

Option 1: Using the Quota Dashboard (Recommended)

Step 1: Go to Google Cloud Console

• Open: https://console.cloud.google.com

• Select the appropriate project.

Step 2: Navigate to Quotas

IAM & Admin > Quotas

or directly: https://console.cloud.google.com/iam-admin/quotas

Step 3: Filter for YouTube Data API v3

• In the Service filter box, type:

  YouTube Data API v3

• Check the box beside Queries per day or other quotas you want to increase.

Step 4: Click "Edit Quotas"

• A request form will appear.

Step 5: Fill Out the Quota Request Form

Provide:

• Contact Information

• OAuth Client ID (if asked)

• A description of your app

• Why you need more quota (include estimated usage and number of users)

Step 6: Submit the Request

• Google will review your request and typically respond within 3–5 business days.

Option 2: Using the Direct Quota Request Form

You can also use this official form:

YouTube API Project Quota Increase Form

Fill in:

• Project name

• Project number (found in your GCP dashboard)

• API name: YouTube Data API v3

• Reason for the quota increase

• Expected usage (requests/day)

What actually happens when you exceed 10,000 quota units/day:

1. You have to apply for a quota increase via a form (which you're filling out).

2. Google reviews your request — often they’ll ask:

   • Why you need more quota

   • How your app works

   • If it’s public or private

   • If it’s monetized

3. If approved, you still won’t be charged — but:

   • They expect you to comply with strict API policies.

   • They may require OAuth verification or branding review.

   • They might ask you to switch to a commercial license if you’re using it at scale for a product/business.

Summary:

🧠 Pro Tips

• Keep your request clear, specific, and honest.

• Make sure your OAuth consent screen is verified, especially if requesting large quotas.

• Mention data retention policies, user control, and how your app respects YouTube policies.

• If rejected, you can improve your justification and reapply.