You posted a video months ago, and now you want its transcript, or subtitles in another language. The original file is gone from your phone, so the obvious idea is to paste the video's link into a transcription tool.
On Spokly, links from YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X don't work, and that's on purpose. This guide explains why, and shows the official ways each platform gives you to save your own videos, so you can transcribe them properly.
Why Spokly doesn't download from social media links
Social platforms set rules for how videos on their sites can be used. Their terms generally don't allow downloading videos through outside tools, even public ones. Videos also belong to the people who made them: a link that's easy to share isn't permission to copy the file.
So Spokly doesn't download videos from these sites, and it blocks their links. What it does support:
- Files on your device, which you upload directly. This works for videos of any origin that you have the right to use.
- Links to your own files on Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive, or direct links to an audio or video file, up to 50 MB.
The good news is that every major platform gives you an official way to get your own videos back. They're described below. Menus change from time to time, so the exact labels you see may differ slightly.
First, check what you already have
Before you download anything, look for the original file. It's usually better quality than a downloaded copy, and it doesn't have anything added by the platform.
- Your phone's gallery or camera roll, if you recorded on your phone.
- Your phone's cloud backup, such as Google Photos or iCloud Photos.
- Your editing app's projects or exports, if you edited the video before posting.
- The folder on your computer where you exported the final video.
If you find it, skip ahead to transcribing.
YouTube: download from YouTube Studio
YouTube lets you download videos you uploaded to your own channel.
- Go to YouTube Studio on a computer and sign in to your channel.
- Click Content in the left menu.
- Hover over the video and click the Options menu (the three dots).
- Click Download.
The download is a video file you can upload to Spokly. If you need many videos at once, Google Takeout (takeout.google.com) can export your YouTube data, including the videos you uploaded. Choose YouTube in the list of products, then follow the steps.
TikTok: save your own video
For a video you posted:
- Open the video in the TikTok app.
- Tap Share (or the ⋯ menu).
- Tap Save video.
The video is saved to your phone's gallery. If you don't see the option, it may depend on your app version or settings.
For a full copy of your account's data, TikTok also offers a data download in Settings and privacy → Account → Download your data. What's included and how long it takes can vary, so the Save video option is usually the quicker route for one video.
Instagram: save your Reels and posts
For a Reel you posted:
- Open the Reel from your profile.
- Tap the ⋯ menu.
- Tap Save to camera roll (some versions show Download).
Watch out for music. If the Reel uses a song from Instagram's music library, Instagram may save it without that audio, so your voice may be missing or the transcript incomplete. Reels with your own recorded voice keep their sound.
Instagram also has settings for saving what you post to your phone automatically. Look in your profile settings under the options for archiving and downloading; turning these on means future posts are saved as you publish them.
For older content in bulk, use Accounts Center → Your information and permissions → Download your information. You can choose to include media, and Instagram prepares a file for you to download.
Facebook: download your own video
For a video you uploaded:
- Find it on your profile → Videos.
- Open the video and click or tap the ⋯ menu.
- Choose the save option. Its name depends on your device:
- Download video on a computer
- Save video on Android
- Save to phone on iPhone
For many videos at once, use Accounts Center → Your information and permissions → Download your information, and include your posts and media.
X: download an archive of your data
X doesn't have a download button on posts, even your own. Instead, on the web:
- Go to More → Settings and privacy → Your account → Download an archive of your data.
- Confirm your password.
- Click Request archive.
- X emails you when the archive is ready. Then download it.
The archive is meant to include your posts and the media attached to them. It can take a while to be ready, so if you just need one recent video, check your phone or computer for the original file first.
Keep your originals next time
Getting files back from platforms works, but it's slower than having them ready. A little organization saves time the next time you want a transcript or subtitles:
- Keep the final export. When you finish editing a video, save the exported file in one folder before you upload it anywhere.
- Name files clearly, with the date and topic, for example
2026-10-16 podcast intro.mp4, so you can find them months later. - Back up that folder to a cloud drive or an external disk.
- Turn on saving to your phone in the apps you post from, where it's offered, so posted videos end up in your gallery too.
- Make subtitles before you post. If you create the subtitle file while you still have the video open, you never need to download it again.
These habits also help if a platform ever removes a video or your account has a problem: your work is still yours, on your own device.
Videos that aren't yours
If the video belongs to someone else, don't download it with a third-party tool. Instead:
- Ask the creator for the original file, or for permission to use it and a copy.
- Check if the platform already has captions. Many videos have subtitles you can turn on while watching.
- For your own reference, take notes while watching rather than copying the video.
If you're working with a client or a guest, ask them to send the original file. It saves time and it's always better quality.
Now transcribe or subtitle it
Once you have the file on your computer:
- Open the audio and video to text tool on the Spokly home page.
- Drop the video onto the box. MP4, MOV and WebM work, among others, up to 60 minutes per file.
- Choose the spoken language, then click Transcribe for free.
Everything runs in your browser, so the video isn't uploaded. Our guide to transcribing audio for free without uploading covers settings and tips for the best result.
For subtitles, use the subtitle maker instead: it makes an SRT or VTT file from the same video. Then follow how to add subtitles to a YouTube video to upload it.
If your file is large or on another device, you can also put it in Dropbox, Google Drive or OneDrive, share it with "Anyone with the link", and paste that link into Spokly instead of uploading.
Spokly's AI tools that turn a transcript into captions, posts and articles are coming soon. Transcription and subtitles are free today.
FAQ
Why can't I paste a YouTube or TikTok link into Spokly?
Those platforms don't allow downloading videos through outside tools, so Spokly blocks their links. Save your own video with the platform's official option, then upload the file.
Is downloading my own video from YouTube Studio allowed?
Yes. YouTube Studio's Download option is an official feature for videos you uploaded to your channel.
The download option is missing. What can I do?
Check the original file on your phone, computer or cloud backup first. If it's not there, use the platform's data download (Google Takeout for YouTube, or the data download in TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X settings).
Is a downloaded copy good enough for transcription?
Usually, yes. Transcription only needs clear sound, and platform copies keep the audio clear enough in most cases. If you have the original file, it's still the better choice.
Can I paste a Google Drive or Dropbox link instead of uploading?
Yes, if the file is shared with "Anyone with the link" and is up to 50 MB. Spokly fetches the file and passes it to your browser without storing it.