---
title: "API Key"
url: "https://docs.unified.to/concepts/glossary/api_key"
description: "Unified.to documentation"
generated_at: "2026-05-21T18:12:26.881Z"
---
# Glossary: API Key[Glossary](/concepts/glossary)

An **API key** is a single text string that both identifies an API’s client application and authorizes that client to access the API.

Using an API key is the simplest form of API authorization. It avoids the credentialing problems that arise with changes in staff, but unlike more complex authorization systems like OAuth 2, it is simpler to compromise.