My YouTube import isn't working

Written By Michael

Last updated 30 days ago

YouTube imports fail for a handful of predictable reasons. This guide helps you fix the link, know when to retry, and when to upload a file instead.

Check the basics first

  1. Confirm the video is public and a normal upload (not Stories-only).

  2. Paste the full watch URL with the video ID.

  3. Wait for the preview card (title and thumbnail). No preview means Choppity cannot access the video yet.

  4. Make sure the video is under 3 hours and within your plan limits.

When YouTube blocks the import

Sometimes YouTube will block a download request, even when the link looks fine and worked before. We do our best to keep our import services as stable as possible, but this can still happen because YouTube controls access on their side, not Choppity.

If you see a message about YouTube blocking downloads, wait a while and tap Try again. Often the block is temporary.

If the same video keeps failing after several retries over a day or two, contact us from the Contact link in the dashboard sidebar. Tell us the YouTube URL and what error you saw. We can work with you to find a solution.

Guaranteed option: upload from your computer

When you need a reliable path that does not depend on YouTube, upload the video file directly from your computer instead of pasting a link.

  1. Download the video from YouTube Studio (if it is your content) or export it from your editing app.

  2. In Choppity, start a new clip project and choose the Upload tab.

  3. Select the MP4 or MOV file from your documents or downloads folder.

File uploads go straight to Choppity and are not affected by YouTube blocking. See Uploading a video file from your computer for full steps and file size limits.

Common error messages

Message

What it means

Private video

Only public videos can be imported. Change visibility or upload a file.

Age-restricted

YouTube blocks download. Export from YouTube Studio and upload MP4.

Live stream / premiere

Wait until the broadcast ends and YouTube finishes processing.

Live recording is not ready yet

Try again in a few hours after YouTube encodes the replay.

Video no longer available

Deleted or removed. Use another source.

YouTube is temporarily blocking downloads

YouTube blocked this request. Retry later, upload the file from your computer, or contact us if it keeps happening.

Retry or switch to upload

Transient errors show Try again. Permanent blocks show Upload a file. On a folder that already failed, use Retry if the original URL is saved.

More tips

  • Test the link in a private browser window while logged out.

  • Corporate or region-blocked videos may never import: export locally and upload instead.

  • Member-only or paid content cannot be pulled by URL.