diff --git a/yt_dlp/extractor/niconico.py b/yt_dlp/extractor/niconico.py
index 391eba2bea..e699e7bf11 100644
--- a/yt_dlp/extractor/niconico.py
+++ b/yt_dlp/extractor/niconico.py
@@ -428,7 +428,7 @@ class NiconicoIE(NiconicoBaseIE):
                 'actionTrackId': f'AAAAAAAAAA_{round(time_seconds() * 1000)}',
             }, expected_status=[400, 404])
 
-        api_data = api_resp['data']
+        api_data = traverse_obj(api_resp, ('data', {dict}))
         scheduled_time = traverse_obj(api_data, ('publishScheduledAt', {str}))
         status = traverse_obj(api_resp, ('meta', 'status', {int}))