How to Transcribe YouTube Videos Without Downloading Anything
Paste the YouTube link and get the transcript: how import works, free plan limits, the 'via Brazil' option when download fails, and what to do when the video won't import.
You don't need to download the video: paste the YouTube link into the New transcription screen and the platform downloads the audio on the server, transcribes it, and delivers it to your library like any other file.
Paste the link
In New transcription, use the import by URL option and paste the YouTube video address.
Choose language and engine
Select the video's language or leave it on automatic detection. The engine follows your plan's default (Premium); the only one that doesn't work for imports is Nano, because it runs in the browser — imports always use a cloud-based engine.
Wait and check your library
The server downloads the audio and transcribes it. The cost in cycles is the normal one for the chosen engine, based on the video's duration.
Limits and behaviors worth knowing
- Free plan: videos up to 30 minutes. Longer videos return a duration limit error with the detected duration — upgrade or use a clip;
- Repeated videos are not downloaded twice: there is a global check that reuses the recent download of the same video, speeding up the process;
- The video must be accessible to our server — removed or restricted videos fail to import.
When YouTube blocks the download
YouTube sometimes restricts downloads from servers. For these cases, there is the "via Brazil" option on import: the download is routed through a Brazilian connection, which resolves most blocks.
Import failed? The order we recommend trying: (1) try again in a few minutes; (2) check the via Brazil option; (3) if it persists, download the audio yourself and upload the file — the result is the same.
Frequently asked questions
Does transcribing from YouTube cost cycles?
Yes, the normal engine cost based on the video's duration (e.g., a 10-min video on Premium = 40 cycles).
Does it work with sites other than YouTube?
Yes — the same screen accepts direct URLs to media files. See Upload by URL and API.
Can I get just the video's SRT caption?
Yes: transcribe the video and export it as SRT or VTT (formats available starting on the Lite plan). See Export captions.
A 2-hour video on the free plan?
No — the free plan imports up to 30 minutes. Lite accepts files up to 60 minutes, Advanced up to 120 minutes, and Pro up to 240 minutes.
The import stays "processing" and fails at the end. What now?
It might be YouTube blocking the download. Try with via Brazil checked; if it persists, upload the file manually and open a ticket with the video link so we can investigate.
Related articles
Didn't resolve your question? Open a ticket — normal priority tickets are answered within 24 hours.