summarize-youtube

Extract YouTube transcripts and generate structured summaries with key topics and quotes.

Updated Mar 26, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/ephes/agent-stuff --skill summarize-youtube
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: summarize-youtube
Source: https://github.com/ephes/agent-stuff/tree/main/claude/skills/summarize-youtube
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/ephes/agent-stuff --skill summarize-youtube

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill should be used when the user asks to "summarize a YouTube video", "summarize this video", pastes a YouTube URL and asks for a summary, says "what is this video about", or asks to "extract a transcript" from a YouTube link.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Extract transcripts from YouTube videos using the summarize CLI (@steipete/summarize) and produce a concise summary.
  • Transcript is processed locally and summarized in-context by Claude.
  • Use cases include quickly understanding video content, preparing meeting notes, or extracting key takeaways.

Quick Start

Paste a YouTube URL and ask for a summary; the skill will extract the transcript and generate a concise overview.

Frequently Asked Questions about summarize-youtube

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I summarize a YouTube video from a URL?

To summarize a YouTube video, paste the video URL and request a summary. The skill extracts the transcript locally using the summarize CLI and generates a concise in-context overview with key topics and notable quotes.

What is the best way to extract key takeaways from a YouTube transcript?

The best way to extract key takeaways is to provide the transcript or video link. The skill processes the transcript in-context and outputs a structured brief containing the title, summary, key topics, and notable quotes.

Can I get a structured summary of a YouTube video without watching it?

Yes, you can get a structured summary without watching the video. By providing the YouTube URL, the skill extracts the transcript and produces a structured brief covering the title, key topics, summary, and notable quotes.

Does the YouTube summarization process handle transcript extraction automatically?

Yes, the YouTube summarization process handles transcript extraction automatically. It uses the summarize CLI with extraction and YouTube auto flags to pull the transcript locally before generating the concise summary.

What limitations exist when summarizing YouTube transcripts in-context?

A key limitation of summarizing YouTube transcripts in-context is that the video must have an accessible transcript. If the video lacks captions or a transcript, the extraction process cannot generate the structured summary.

How does in-context YouTube video summarization work?

In-context YouTube video summarization works by extracting the transcript locally via the summarize CLI, then processing the text within the AI context to generate a structured summary with key topics and notable quotes.