YouTube Configuration

The YouTube Feed feature in WP Social Ninja lets you connect your YouTube channel and display your videos, playlists, and channel details directly on your WordPress website. Once connected, your YouTube content updates automatically, keeping your site fresh and engaging.

There are two ways to connect: the quick Connect via Google method, or the API Key method (recommended for long-term stability). Both are covered below, and both are secured through WP Social Ninja's connection bridge, which keeps your connection reliable and refreshing in the background.

Configure the YouTube Platform

To get started, you'll first configure the YouTube platform.

From your WordPress dashboard, navigate to WP Social Ninja → Platforms. Click the Social Feeds tab, find YouTube in the list, and click the Connect button.

A pop-up will appear with two connection types:

• API Key (Recommended) — Connect via Token
• OAuth 2.0 (Deprecated Soon) — Connect via Google

This guide explains both.

Connect via Google (Quickest)

This is the fastest way to get connected — just sign in with Google, and WP Social Ninja links your channel automatically.

NOTE

In the latest version this option is labeled "OAuth 2.0 (Deprecated Soon)". It still works today, but it will be phased out — so if you want the most future-proof setup, use the API Key method further below.

First, in the YouTube Configuration pop-up, select the OAuth 2.0 (Deprecated Soon) tab — labeled Connect via Google. Then click the Sign In And Get Google Access Code button and approve access. As the pop-up notes, it only takes one click.

TIP

No access codes to copy or paste. Once you sign in and approve, WP Social Ninja receives everything it needs and connects your YouTube channel automatically.

API Key (Recommended for Stability)

For the most stable, long-term connection, use a free API Key from the Google Cloud Console. It takes a few more steps to set up, but it's the method we recommend keeping in place.

In the YouTube Configuration pop-up, select the API Key (Recommended) tab — labeled Connect via Token. This is where you'll paste your key into the API Key field once it's ready. First, let's create that key over in Google.

Get Your API Key from Google

Go to the Google Cloud Console and log in with your Google account. In the top menu, click the Select a Project dropdown. When the pop-up appears, click New Project.

Enter a Project name (e.g., "WP Social Ninja") and click Create.

Once the project is created, go to APIs & Services → Credentials from the main menu.

Now, click the + Create Credentials button at the top, and select the API key option.

Enter a name for your API key and click Create.

A pop-up will appear with your new key. Click the Copy icon.

To make the key work, you must enable the YouTube Data API v3 — otherwise the API Key won't function. Click API Library from APIs & Services.

From the API Library, scroll down and select the YouTube Data API v3, then enable it.

Add the API Key to WP Social Ninja

Return to your WordPress dashboard and open the YouTube configuration pop-up. Select the API Key (Recommended) option, paste your key into the YouTube API Key field, and click Save. Your YouTube account is now connected.

You'll see a success message like the one below:

TIP

For your security, WP Social Ninja now encrypts stored YouTube API keys at rest, so your credentials stay protected.

However you choose to connect, your YouTube content is now ready to display — next, design how it looks with a YouTube feed template.