A public YouTube video can still fail to import because YouTube restricts the source or blocks the download network. Check that you supplied one supported public video, read the actual error and use your original recording when available. CastCuts cannot guarantee access to every YouTube URL, and a bot-check error does not mean your video file is broken.
Start with the exact individual video
Use the public watch or Shorts link for the recording you have permission to edit. Check that it identifies the intended episode rather than a playlist, channel or search page. Ongoing live streams and sign-in-required videos are not supported import sources. If you own the upload, confirm its current visibility and availability in YouTube Studio before investigating the clip editor. Do not change private material to public solely to work around an import failure.
Tell a source restriction from a network failure
Read whether the error concerns an unavailable or private source, a download restriction, a timeout or the validated file’s limits. Browser playback and server download use different access paths, so one can succeed while the other fails. CastCuts may attempt limited recovery for an explicit bot check, but blocking can continue. Do not assume that repeatedly submitting the same link will change the source’s permissions or the network’s availability.
Prefer your recording master when you have it
The original editing export avoids a dependency on a YouTube download. If it is unavailable, YouTube documents downloading videos you uploaded through Studio, subject to its restrictions; Google Takeout is another documented option for your uploads. These options do not grant rights to another creator’s video. Obtain a permitted copy from its owner when appropriate. Check picture, audio, size and duration before uploading the recovered file to CastCuts.
Continue from a ready episode, then review the clip
After upload or import succeeds, play the source and wait separately for any English transcription you need. Select a complete 1–90 second passage, check the frame and correct captions against the audio. Download and inspect the rendered MP4 before publishing it manually. Keep the source and finished clips in your own storage: the CastCuts retention window is 24 hours, and creating a clip does not extend it.
A fictional public interview blocked during download
Illustrative example. The people, recordings and results described here are fictional.
A host’s public interview plays normally on YouTube but the importer reports a bot-check failure. The host confirms the exact video and checks the visible import result. Instead of repeatedly submitting the URL, they find the original MP4 from their editing project, verify the guest microphone and upload it. The source is now ready for clipping without claiming that the YouTube restriction was permanently solved.
A file fallback can complete the editing task while link availability remains unresolved.
Check before you finish
- The link points to one permitted public video, not a playlist or live stream.
- The actual error has been checked before another import attempt.
- An original export or an authorized owner download has been verified.
- The imported source, transcript state and downloaded clip are checked separately.
Practical questions
Does a public YouTube link guarantee import?
No. Public visibility is only one requirement. Source restrictions, network blocking, media limits and changing availability can still prevent a download.
Should I provide YouTube cookies or my password?
No. CastCuts does not use your browser cookies or YouTube password for imports. Use the supported link flow or upload an authorized video file.
Can I clip without uploading to YouTube first?
Yes. Upload a supported MP4, MOV or WebM file with both video and audio directly to CastCuts. YouTube hosting is not a prerequisite for making clips.
Use this workflow in CastCuts
Make Shorts from an original video or permitted link
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.