The primary feature of CaptionPop is that it allows users to watch YouTube videos with multiple subtitle languages at once. It also allows users to bookmark subtitles, and create study flashcards from video snippets.

YouTube has been doing an audit of my use of the YouTube API for the last couple of months. Right now, they are saying that I am violating their terms of service by interfering with the functionality of the YouTube embedded player.

The following lines in the ToS were citing in my violation:

Policy #: III.F.1.a (YouTube Look and Feel) API Client must not change or interfere with user interfaces in YouTube Applications unless you have obtained YouTube's prior written approval

Policy #:: III.I.6 (Additional Prohibitions) API client should not modify, build upon, or block any portion or functionality of a YouTube player. https://developers.google.com/youtube/terms/developer-policies

My position is that I'm using the IFRAME API as it was intended. I cited the IFRAME API reference and a IFRAME API demo that would seem to imply that this type of functionality is encouraged https://developers.google.com/youtube/iframe_api_reference https://developers.google.com/youtube/youtube_player_demo

They don't seem willing to budge, and are threatening to turn off my API access in a couple of days.

I am posting to HN to seek advice on the best way to proceed with this situation. Also, if there is anybody at YouTube that could help me out, I would greatly appreciate it.

It would be a shame if I had to shutdown CaptionPop. It has helped a lot of people with their language learning journey and I believe it is a positive contribution to the YouTube ecosystem. Any advice appreciated!