TypeError when accessing videoId property in YouTube API v3 integration with RapidAPI

Other Questions RapidAPI
1

I’m working on a YouTube clone project and running into issues with the YouTube v3 API through RapidAPI. The application crashes when I try to render video components.

The Problem:
When I attempt to check for videoId in my component, I get a TypeError saying it can’t read properties of undefined. This happens specifically when trying to conditionally render video cards.

My Component Code:

import {Grid, Container} from '@mui/material';
import {VideoItem, ChannelItem} from './';

const VideoList = ({videoData}) => {
  return (
    <Grid container spacing={3} justifyContent="flex-start">
      {videoData.map((video, index) => (
        <Container key={index}>
          {video.id.videoId && <VideoItem videoInfo={video}/>}
        </Container>
      ))}
    </Grid>
  )
}

export default VideoList

Error Message:

VideoList.jsx:9 Uncaught TypeError: Cannot read properties of undefined (reading 'videoId')
    at VideoList.jsx:9:1
    at Array.map (<anonymous>)
    at VideoList (VideoList.jsx:7:1)
    at renderWithHooks (react-dom.development.js:16305:1)
    at mountIndeterminateComponent (react-dom.development.js:20074:1)

The error occurs right when I try to access video.id.videoId. Has anyone encountered this issue before? What’s the best way to handle this API response structure?

2

This occurs due to async API calls and React rendering. When your component first loads, videoData may be empty or id properties might not have loaded yet. I’ve encountered this issue frequently. You can add a check before your map: {videoData?.length > 0 && videoData.map((video, index) => { ... })}. It’s also a good idea to display a loading state while the API call is in progress. Alternatively, setting a default empty array in your initial state or using videoData = videoData || [] before mapping can also help. Keep in mind that the YouTube API via RapidAPI can be slow and unpredictable, so always assume your data isn’t ready during the initial render.

3

Had the exact same problem building my video app last year. YouTube’s API response structure is inconsistent - sometimes you get video.id.videoId for search results, other times just video.id as a string from different endpoints. I fixed it by adding a better check before accessing the nested property. Try {video.id && video.id.videoId && <VideoItem videoInfo={video}/>} or use optional chaining: {video.id?.videoId && <VideoItem videoInfo={video}/>}. Check your actual API response in the browser console to see the data structure. RapidAPI sometimes wraps YouTube responses in extra layers too.

4

classic react issue. your videoData is probably undefined when the component first mounts. try adding if (!videoData) return null; at the top before your map. also make sure your parent component is passing videoData correctly - console.log it to check what’s coming through.