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
The homepage and Tools pages both offer public-link and upload tabs. The setup page keeps both entries too, so you can start there directly. Public links support a free, view-only 15-second trial; uploads require sign-in.
| 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. TikTok and Instagram page or share links are not supported. You can upload a video file you own or have permission to analyze.
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 | 5–60 minutes |
The screenplay minimum applies to the selected analysis range. Each new episode must be 1–5 minutes. For a selected range under 5 minutes, choose a story script or AI video prompts.
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 AI video prompts, a story script or a professional episodic screenplay, then create and review your first result.
Choose an output, range and episode mode
Choose the correct output and language, understand automatic episode detection, and check the quote before analysis starts.