Google's changes to YouTube API causing authentication errors: 'NoLinkedYouTubeAccount'

Hey everyone, I’m really frustrated right now. Google just changed the YouTube API and it’s causing major problems for my project. They’ve made it so you need user interaction for every video upload now. This is a huge issue for automated systems.

I’m wondering if anyone knows a way around this. Maybe we can use the OAuth 2.0 token in a clever way? If we could get the token once and store it, we might be able to use it for multiple uploads. That would at least make this a small hurdle instead of a complete roadblock.

Has anyone figured out how to cache and reuse the token? Any examples would be super helpful. I’ve tried looking at the YouTube Developers Forum, but they’ve shut it down and told us to come here instead.

Here’s a snippet of my old code that’s not working anymore:

def authenticate_youtube():
    try:
        credentials = get_stored_credentials()
        if not credentials or credentials.expired:
            flow = flow_from_clientsecrets('client_secrets.json', YOUTUBE_SCOPE)
            credentials = run_flow(flow, storage)
        
        return build(YOUTUBE_API_SERVICE_NAME, YOUTUBE_API_VERSION,
                     http=credentials.authorize(httplib2.Http()))
    except HttpError as e:
        print(f'An HTTP error {e.resp.status} occurred: {e.content}')

Any ideas on how to fix this or work around the new restrictions? Thanks in advance for any help!

I’ve been wrestling with this issue too, and it’s a real pain. One thing that’s worked for me is setting up a cron job to refresh the OAuth token automatically. It’s not perfect, but it’s kept my automated uploads running.

Here’s the gist:

  1. Set up a script to refresh your token
  2. Use a cron job to run this script regularly (I do it daily)
  3. Store the refreshed token securely

This way, you’re always working with a valid token. It’s a bit of a hack, but it’s been reliable for me. Just make sure you’re handling errors properly - network issues, API changes, etc.

Also, consider reaching out to Google’s support. Sometimes they can provide workarounds or at least give you a heads up on upcoming changes. It’s worth a shot.

Remember, this is all subject to Google’s terms, so tread carefully. Good luck with your project!

I’ve encountered similar issues with the YouTube API changes. One potential workaround I’ve explored is using refresh tokens. Once you obtain initial authorization, you can save the refresh token and use it to generate new access tokens without user interaction. This approach requires careful handling of token expiration and secure storage of refresh tokens.

Here’s a basic outline of the process:

  1. Perform initial authorization flow to obtain refresh token
  2. Store refresh token securely
  3. Use refresh token to obtain new access tokens as needed

While this method isn’t foolproof, it can help reduce the frequency of user interactions required for authentication. Remember to implement proper error handling and token refresh logic in your code.

Keep in mind that this approach still requires periodic user re-authorization, typically every few months or when the refresh token expires. Always refer to the latest YouTube API documentation for best practices and compliance with their terms of service.

yo dude, that sucks bout the api changes. have u considered usin a proxy service? might help bypass some restrictions. also, check out jwt tokens - they can last longer than regular oauth. just make sure ur not breakin any tos. good luck man, hope u figure it out!

hey man, i feel ur pain. google’s always changin stuff n makin our lives harder. have u tried usin a headless browser to simulate user interaction? might be a workaround. could set it up w/ selenium or smthin similar. not perfect but might help u out. good luck!

I’ve been grappling with this issue too, and it’s definitely a headache. One approach that’s shown some promise is using a service account instead of traditional OAuth. It bypasses the need for user interaction, though it does come with its own set of limitations.

Here’s what I’ve found works:

  1. Create a service account in Google Cloud Console
  2. Enable Domain-Wide Delegation for this account
  3. Use the service account credentials to authenticate

This method allows for server-to-server authentication without user intervention. It’s not perfect - you’ll need admin access to the YouTube account, and there are restrictions on what actions you can perform. But for basic upload tasks, it’s been a workable solution.

Just be aware that this approach might not be suitable for all use cases, especially if you’re dealing with personal YouTube accounts. Always make sure you’re complying with YouTube’s terms of service.