Keep the original recording independently and download approved clips before the displayed episode expiry. CastCuts media normally lasts 24 hours from successful source validation; clips inherit that deadline. Rendering again does not extend it. Use your own storage for the durable archive.
Read the episode deadline before starting a batch
Check the local expiry date and time displayed in the library, episode review or storage view. Plan enough time for rendering, review and actual downloads before that deadline. Clips use the source episode's expiry rather than receiving another 24 hours when rendered. A late render therefore does not create a fresh storage window. Keep the camera or imported source in your own permitted storage from the outset. Do not use a private playback link as a permanent archive reference; access depends on the episode remaining available.
Keep a small export record outside the episode
For each approved clip, record the source filename, start and end times, final title, caption corrections worth retaining and intended destination. Include the prepared source version if you removed an introduction or split the recording externally. A simple document is enough; the purpose is to reproduce an editorial decision after temporary media is gone. Distinguish a selected moment from a rendered clip, a rendered clip from a downloaded file, and a download from a published post. Mark each stage only after you have verified it.
Verify the files you actually saved
Download the original when you need an independent copy and download every approved rendered MP4. Name files clearly and confirm every download has completed. Play the beginning and end, listen through the clip and check captions, headline and framing. Compare the filename with your export record so a rejected test does not replace the approved version. Store a second copy through your usual backup process when appropriate. A thumbnail or an open player tab does not prove a durable file exists on your device.
Plan later edits and publishing from your saved assets
Publish or schedule from downloaded files through your own accounts and tools. For later editing, retain the master and notes so you can upload a supported source again. That creates a new episode; old transcripts, corrections and clip records do not reappear. Expired media becomes unavailable and associated data is cleaned up. Complete the handoff while access exists rather than depending on recovery.
Fictional worked example: a late-session export handoff
Illustrative example. The people, recordings and results described here are fictional.
A producer uploads at 10:00 and notes the displayed deadline for the next day. They approve three clips and reject two tests. Their export record identifies approved filenames, timestamps and corrected guest spelling. They download and play the three MP4s, then save them with the original and a backup for later publication.
A completed handoff consists of verified files and enough notes to identify the approved versions.
Check before you finish
- The exact displayed source expiry is known before rendering begins.
- The original and a reproducible export record are saved independently.
- Every approved MP4 has finished downloading and plays correctly.
- Later publication uses saved files with a clear approved-version label.
Practical questions
Does rendering a new clip extend retention?
No. Clips inherit the source episode's expiry. Check the displayed deadline and complete rendering, review and download before it rather than counting 24 hours from the latest clip.
Does Pro keep my podcast files longer?
Pro removes CastCuts branding from newly rendered clips. It does not extend the 24-hour media retention window; keep originals and finished exports in your own storage.
Can I restore expired clips by uploading the same original?
Uploading a source again creates a new episode; it does not restore old clip records or caption corrections. Use your saved timestamps and editorial notes to rebuild any needed excerpt.
Use this workflow in CastCuts
Review export branding before saving final clips
CastCuts selects continuous 1–90 second excerpts and exports 9:16, 720 × 1280 H.264/AAC MP4 files. Automatic transcription and transcript-based suggestions support English and require review. Free exports include CastCuts branding; Pro removes it from new renders for $9 USD/month, with the same processing and storage limits. Episode media is retained for 24 hours. Keep your originals and download finished clips before expiry. Publishing is manual.