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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about TidyTube's features and limitations.

Why don't I see playlists I've saved from other channels?

Unfortunately, the YouTube Data API v3 has a significant limitation - it doesn't provide access to playlists that users have saved or added to their library from other channels. The API only allows us to show:

  • Playlists you've created yourself
  • Playlists from specific channels (when viewing a channel)
  • Individual playlists by their IDs

This means TidyTube can only display playlists you've personally created, not ones you've bookmarked from other creators.

How can I organize my videos without saved playlists?

Here are some effective alternatives:

  • Create your own themed playlists (e.g., 'Cooking Videos', 'Tech Reviews')
  • Add videos from any channel to your personal playlists
  • Use descriptive playlist names for easy searching
  • Make playlists public to share with friends
  • Regularly organize and update your playlists

You can add any video you find to your own playlists, giving you better control over organization.

Why do I sometimes see 'cached data' or 'quota exceeded' messages?

YouTube has strict limits on how many API requests apps can make per day. When these limits are reached:

  • TidyTube shows cached (previously saved) data to keep working
  • Some features may be temporarily limited
  • Data typically refreshes within 24 hours

This helps ensure the app remains functional even during high usage periods while respecting YouTube's usage policies.

Can I request new features for TidyTube?

Absolutely! While some limitations are due to YouTube's API restrictions, we're always looking to improve TidyTube within those constraints.

You can also help by submitting feature requests to Google for expanded YouTube API functionality.

Is my data secure in TidyTube?

Yes! TidyTube follows strict security practices:

  • All data is encrypted in transit and at rest
  • We only access the minimum YouTube data needed for functionality
  • Your authentication is handled securely through Google OAuth
  • We never store your YouTube passwords
  • You can export or delete your data at any time from Settings

Why might some videos not load or show errors?

Several factors can affect video loading:

  • Videos may be region-restricted
  • Content might be age-restricted or require verification
  • Videos could be private or deleted by the creator
  • Network connectivity issues
  • YouTube API temporary outages

TidyTube shows available information from YouTube's API, but playback depends on YouTube's own restrictions and policies.