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Troubleshooting

Video to Text import or playback problems

Troubleshoot link import (up to 2 GB), unsupported URLs, stuck downloads, iOS playback.

Written By Umakhan Magomedov

Last updated 6 days ago

Use this guide when Video to Text fails to import a link, gets stuck during download, shows a playback error on iOS or you do not receive a completion notification.

Link import failed

Symptom: "Failed to download file" or the download stops immediately.

Unsupported URL: some platform pages cannot be downloaded automatically. Try a direct media link, upload from your device, or use a supported platform (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok).

Common causes: private or age-restricted video, incomplete URL, unsupported platform or file larger than 2 GB for link import.

  1. Confirm the video plays in a browser without signing in.

  2. Copy the URL from the platform share menu, not the address bar.

  3. Try a shorter video or a direct .mp4 link if available.

  4. Upload a smaller file from your device (large videos are compressed automatically). See File format not supported or file too large.

Download or Processing stuck

Symptom: progress stays on Downloading, Saving or Processing for a long time.

  1. Wait at least 5 to 10 minutes for long link imports (up to 2 GB).

  2. Check your internet connection. Switch from mobile data to Wi-Fi if possible.

  3. Return to the app if you minimized it during download. iOS may pause the connection in background.

  4. Open History in Video to Text. If the job failed, tap Retry.

  5. If stuck repeatedly, cancel and try again with a shorter video or manual upload.

Video does not play on iOS

Symptom: transcription succeeded but the Video tab shows a black screen or playback error on iPhone or iPad.

Common cause: the source uses a codec iOS WebView cannot decode inline (for example some HEVC/H.265 files).

  1. Read the transcript and summary: processing still completed successfully.

  2. Try importing the same content via Paste link so the server delivers an optimized file.

  3. Convert the video to H.264 MP4 on a computer and upload from your device.

  4. Use Download video to save the file and open it in the native Photos or Files app.

No push notification when ready

Symptom: transcription finished but you did not receive an alert.

  1. Check Profile → Settings → Notifications shows Enabled.

  2. Verify iOS/Android system settings allow VocaLingo notifications.

  3. Make sure you allowed notifications when prompted during the job.

  4. Open History: the result may be ready even without a notification.

  5. See Push notifications and Push notifications not working for full troubleshooting.

When to contact support

Contact support if the same video fails after retry, you were charged tokens for a failed job or playback fails on every source including link imports under 2 GB.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, after download starts on the server. For best results on iOS, keep the app open until Saving completes. Transcription itself runs in the background. See How Video to Text works.

Paste link downloads on the server (up to 2 GB). Device upload sends the file from your phone or computer; large videos are compressed first for faster transfer.

Tokens are charged per transcription job. If playback fails but text is correct, you do not need to re-transcribe. Try link import or download the video file instead.

Only public posts are supported. Private accounts, region blocks and expired links may fail. See Importing audio from a link for supported sources.

Short videos often finish in under a minute. Long link imports can take several minutes. If Processing exceeds 30 minutes, open History and retry or contact support.

Video to Text primarily uses push notifications when enabled. Email delivery depends on your account notification settings.

The format may be unsupported. Convert to MP4 (H.264) and try again. Details: File format not supported or file too large.

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