Troubleshooting Video Upload Issues

If you're experiencing difficulties uploading videos from Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive, including the "unable to fetch video information" error, this guide will help you resolve the most common issues and provide alternative solutions.


1. Check Your URL


Detailed Steps for URL Verification


For Facebook:


  • Navigate to your video on your Facebook page
  • Set the video privacy to "Public" so our system can access it
  • Click directly on the video to open it in its own window or tab
  • Copy the URL from your browser's address bar (not from any share options)
  • Verify the URL format looks like: https://www.facebook.com/YourChurchName/videos/123456789
  • Ensure you're using the direct video link, not a share link


For YouTube:


  • Go to your video on YouTube
  • Copy the URL directly from your browser's address bar
  • Verify the URL format looks like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VkeY6P04bs&t=5s
  • Avoid using shortened URLs (youtu.be links) or share links
  • Make sure the video is set to public or unlisted (not private)


For Vimeo:


  • Navigate to your video on Vimeo
  • Check that the video privacy is set to "Public" or "Anyone with the link can view"
  • Click on the video to open it in its own window
  • Copy the URL directly from your browser's address bar (not from embed or share options)
  • Verify the URL format looks like: https://vimeo.com/123456789
  • Ensure the video is not password-protected or domain-restricted
  • Avoid using embed links or shortened Vimeo links


For Google Drive:


  • Locate your video file in Google Drive
  • Right-click on the video file and select "Share"
  • Change the sharing settings to "Anyone with the link" can view
  • If you're part of an organization, ensure there are no restrictions blocking external access
  • Click "Copy link" to get the shareable URL
  • Verify the URL format looks like: https://drive.google.com/file/d/[FILE_ID]/view
  • Ensure you're using the shareable link, not a preview or thumbnail link


2. Upload an Already Recorded Video


If you already have the video file saved on your computer, upload it directly to Sermon Shots:


  1. Open the video upload flow in Sermon Shots.
  2. Select Upload From This Device (also shown as Upload from Computer in some screens).
  3. Choose the recorded video file from your computer and wait for it to finish uploading and processing.
  4. Once processing and transcription are complete, the video will be ready for creating clips.


For the smoothest processing, use a video encoded as 1080p H.264/MP4 with a bitrate of 8K or lower. 4K videos can be uploaded, but high-quality or HDR 4K files may take longer to process or cause compile errors. Re-encoding them to 1080p with a tool such as HandBrake is recommended.


Avoid starting the same upload more than once if the dashboard has not refreshed. Check the dashboard status first; videos typically move from uploading to transcribing and then become ready for clip creation.


3. Alternative Solutions


If the correct URL format doesn't resolve the issue, you have two reliable backup options:


Option 1: Upload Directly from Your Computer If you have the original video file saved on your computer, you can upload it directly to Sermon Shots using the "Upload From This Device" option.
Option 2: Download from Platform First, Then Upload


For Facebook:


  • Go to your Facebook page
  • Navigate to your video
  • Click the three-dot menu on the video
  • Select "Download" (if available)
  • Upload the downloaded file to Sermon Shots


For YouTube:


  • Go to YouTube Studio
  • Find your video in the Content section
  • Click the three-dot menu next to your video
  • Select "Download" to save it to your computer
  • Upload the file through "Upload from Computer" in Sermon Shots


For Vimeo:


  • Go to your video on Vimeo
  • Ensure you have download permissions enabled for the video
  • Click the "Download" button below the video player
  • Select your preferred quality/format
  • Save the file to your computer
  • Upload the file through "Upload from Computer" in Sermon Shots


Note: You must be the video owner or have download permissions enabled to download from Vimeo.


For Google Drive:


  • Locate your video file in Google Drive
  • Right-click on the file (or click the three-dot menu)
  • Select "Download"
  • Wait for the file to download to your computer
  • Upload the file through "Upload from Computer" in Sermon Shots


Here's a quick video that shows you: How to download your own video from YouTube and Facebook


Still Having Issues?

YouTube-related changes typically resolve themselves within a few days. If you continue to experience problems after following these steps, or if you need assistance with any part of this process, please contact our support team at contact@sermonshots.com.

Updated on: 09/11/2026

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