Import a video: links, files and troubleshooting
Choose a supported YouTube link, direct video URL or upload, and resolve common import problems before starting an analysis.
Import a video you own or have permission to analyze, then check its preview before starting a task. A publicly viewable link does not itself grant permission to reuse the content.
Choose a source
| Source | What to provide | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube | A public watch, Shorts or youtu.be link | The individual video is accessible and allows playback on other websites. |
| Direct video URL | A public URL pointing to a video file | It is not a social-media page or a page containing a player. |
| Upload | A video file from your device | Its format and size pass the import page’s checks. |
YouTube live streams, playlist batches, private videos, disabled embeds and links requiring account cookies are not supported. To analyze one item in a playlist, use that video’s own link.
File size and selected duration are different limits
| Output | Maximum upload | Selected analysis range |
|---|---|---|
| Story script or AI video prompts | 500 MB | 8 seconds–10 minutes |
| Episodic screenplay | 3 GB | 30 seconds–60 minutes |
A longer source can contain the range you want to select. Selecting a short portion does not make an oversized upload pass the file-size check.
Example: if a two-hour file exceeds 3 GB, choosing a 45-minute screenplay range does not reduce the file being uploaded. Prepare a smaller authorized source file first, or use a supported accessible source link.
If the import does not work
| What happens | What to do |
|---|---|
| A social-video page is rejected as a direct URL. | Use a supported YouTube link or upload the video file you are entitled to analyze. |
| A YouTube video cannot play in the preview. | Check public availability and embedding. Do not repeatedly submit a private or restricted link. |
| An uploaded file is too large. | Reduce the source file size or prepare only the relevant portion before uploading. Keep dialogue and important text readable. |
| The imported video is not the one you expected. | Stop at the preview and replace the source before spending credits. |
| An old result no longer plays its source. | Check source retention; a saved text result can outlive its media. |
What happens to the source afterward
VidBreak imports media temporarily for analysis and does not offer source-video downloading. Source media and temporary derivatives are scheduled for deletion 24 hours after processing finishes.
The generated writing has a separate retention policy. Read results and retention, then continue to range and output settings.
VidBreak quick start: from video to script
Choose a story script, professional episodic screenplay or AI video prompts, then create and review your first result.
Set the range, output and episode mode
Choose the correct output and language, understand automatic episode detection, and check the quote before analysis starts.