Chrono Nav for YouTube

Adds newer/older videos from the current channel to the top of YouTube's recommended list.

Features

• Chronological Video Navigation: Adds newer/older videos from the current channel to the top of YouTube's recommended list, specific to the current channel.

• Optimized Data Fetching: Uses channel RSS feeds for recent video data (15 latest) and the YouTube Data API (v3) for complete video history and details.

• Local Cache: Stores fetched video information to help future navigation and minimize unnecessary API calls.

• API Support: Allows users to supply their own YouTube Data API key for access to full video history and metadata.

Optimizations & API Usage

• Staged Data Fetching: Prioritizes RSS feeds (no API quota cost) for initial data. API calls are only made when older videos or specific details are required.

• Caching: Local storage prevents unnecessary API calls.

• API Quota:

  • Operates within the YouTube Data API v3's free daily quota (default 10,000 points).

  • A single navigation can use anywhere from 0 to 200 tokens, depending on how old the current video is. To use 200 tokens, the video would need to be the 10000th upload on the channel. 200 tokens is 2% of the daily free quota.

  • Includes a limit for each navigation to minimize the chances of quickly hitting the quota. Even with heavy usage, exceeding the free quota is unlikely.

• Seamless Design: Injected videos are styled by cloning existing YouTube page elements.

Screenshots

Videos injected to the top of the YouTube sidebar:

The popup for API key management, cache statistics, and API token usage:

Getting the Extension

• Firefox: Mozilla Add-on Store

• Other Browsers: GitHub Releases.

API Key

Using a YouTube Data API v3 key is optional but recommended for accessing full channel video history and detailed metadata (like duration/view counts). RSS feeds are used otherwise.

You can obtain a free API key from the Google Cloud Console and enter it into the extension's popup.

To get a YouTube Data API key, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Google Cloud Console. You'll need to log in with your Google account.
2. Create a new project. If you don't have one already, give your project a name.
3. Enable the YouTube Data API v3. In the API Library, search for "YouTube Data API v3" and enable it for your project.
4. Create credentials. Navigate to the "Credentials" page. Click on "Create credentials" and select "API key". Your API key will then be generated.

License

This software is released into the public domain. See the LICENSE file for more details.

(The Unlicense)