YouTube Video Download Not Working

YouTube video file downloads are not supported due to platform restrictions. Transcription and cover image downloads work normally.

Written By Tokscript Support

Last updated 3 days ago

Full YouTube videos can't be downloaded through the TokScript MCP connector (YouTube's terms of service). YouTube Shorts are downloadable, but regular YouTube videos are not.

What You Can and Can't Download:

Can Download:

  • TikTok videos (HD, no watermark).

  • Instagram Reels (HD, no watermark).

  • YouTube Shorts (HD).

  • Cover images/thumbnails for any platform (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts).

Can't Download:

  • Full YouTube videos (longer than 60 seconds or not marked as Shorts).

Why YouTube Videos Aren't Downloadable:

YouTube's Terms of Service restrict downloading videos without explicit permission. TokScript respects these terms and doesn't offer YouTube video downloads through any method (website, MCP, Chrome Extension).

What You CAN Do Instead:

  1. Transcribe the Video: Use TokScript to get the full transcript, then share it with Claude or ChatGPT for analysis.

  2. Download the Cover Image: You can grab the thumbnail for presentations or reports.

  3. Get Engagement Stats: Pull views, likes, comments, and publish date.

  4. Download YouTube Shorts: If the creator posted it as a Short (under 60 seconds), you can download that instead.

If It's a YouTube Short:

  • Ask TokScript to "Download this YouTube Short: [URL]"

  • You'll get a download link if it's actually a Short.

  • Regular videos and longer content won't download, even if they're on YouTube.

Legal Note:

Even if you found a workaround to download YouTube videos, YouTube's Terms of Service forbid it. Only transcribe or analyze YouTube content, or download Shorts if you're using it for personal, research, or fair-use purposes.