How to Reliably Extract YouTube Video IDs Using `preg_match`?

Parse YouTube Video ID Using preg_match

In an attempt to extract the video ID from a YouTube URL using preg_match, a common yet unsuccessful approach utilizes a specific regular expression. However, this expression often results in the "Unknown modifier '[' error.

Improved Solution

To overcome this error, an enhanced regular expression with better versatility emerges as a superior alternative:

if (preg_match('%(?:youtube(?:-nocookie)?\.com/(?:[^/]+/.+/|(?:v|e(?:mbed)?)/|.*[?&]v=)|youtu\.be/)([^"&?/\s]{11})%i', $url, $match)) {
    $video_id = $match[1];
}

Key Features

1. Flexibility: This comprehensive expression encompasses a wide range of YouTube URL formats, ensuring adaptability to various scenarios.

2. Accounted URLs: It successfully extracts video IDs from URLs with the following variations:

   • youtu.be URLs
   • YouTube embed URLs
   • Regular YouTube URLs with 'v=' or 'e/' prefixes
   • URLs with additional content following the video ID
3. Supported Platforms: The expression functions seamlessly with both YouTube.com and YouTube-nocookie.com URLs.
4. Embed Code Compatibility: It gracefully handles embed codes, extracting the video ID despite their specific format.

Sample URL Matching

This versatile expression accurately matches and extracts video IDs from a diverse set of URLs, including:

• http://youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ
• http://www.youtube.com/embed/dQw4w9WgXcQ
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
• http://www.youtube.com/e/dQw4w9WgXcQ
• http://www.youtube.com/v/dQw4w9WgXcQ
• http://www.youtube.com/user/username...
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?...

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