Account Connection

TubeBay supports a dual-mode authentication architecture to ensure compatibility with all types of users and environments. Whether you want a "one-click" experience or full control over your API keys, TubeBay has you covered.

Google OAuth 2.0 (Proxy Mode)

OAuth is the gold standard for secure, limited-access authentication. TubeBay uses a secure authentication proxy to facilitate this connection.

How it works:

1. Request: The plugin requests an authorization code from the TubeBay Auth Proxy.
2. Consent: You authorize the TubeBay application to "View your YouTube account" on Google's secure consent screen.
3. Exchange: Google sends an authorization code back to the proxy, which then provides you with a Refresh Token.
4. Storage: Only the Refresh Token is stored on your WordPress site.

Advantages:

• No Project Hassle: You don't need to create a Google Cloud project or manage API quotas.
• Revocable: You can disconnect the plugin at any time from your Google account dashboard.
• Secure: Your permanent Google credentials are never shared with your website.

API Key Mode (Legacy)

For power users or those who wish to maintain their own API quotas and Google Cloud projects, TubeBay allows for manual credential entry.

Requirements:

• Google Cloud Project: You must have an active project.
• YouTube Data API v3: This specific API must be enabled.
• API Key: A standard unrestricted or IP-restricted API key.
• Channel ID: The unique ID of the YouTube channel you wish to sync.

Comparison Table

Feature	Google OAuth	API Key (Legacy)
Ease of Setup	High	Moderate
Security	Excellent	Good
Project Required	No	Yes
Custom Quotas	No	Yes
Stability	High	High

Connection Status & Discovery

When you connect via either method, TubeBay automatically attempts to:

1. Validate Credentials: Ensure the token or key is valid.
2. Discover Metadata: Pull the Channel Name and Thumbnail to personalize your dashboard.
3. Cache the Result: Record the connection status and last-sync time, ready for the first library sync.