Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vidlens free?

Yes — completely free and open source. No account, no subscription, no tracking.

Which video platforms are supported?

YouTube, YouTube Shorts, TikTok, Vimeo, Dailymotion, Twitch, Facebook, Instagram, Odysee, VK, direct .mp4/.webm/.mov links, and local files up to 2 GB.

Can Vidlens download YouTube or TikTok videos directly?

Not on its own — streaming platforms cipher-sign their stream URLs and block cross-origin access, so a page with no server cannot fetch them. Vidlens gives you three routes: connect your own downloader API for true one-click (setup guide), the platform's official download/offline feature, or a public downloader embedded right in the app (it covers TikTok, Instagram, Twitter/X, Vimeo and more — YouTube was disabled on the public instance). Then attach the file and it's bundled straight into your Offline Pack ZIP.

Only download videos you have the right to save — your own uploads, Creative-Commons content, or where the platform permits offline copies.

Can I get true one-click downloads?

Yes — connect a downloader API. Vidlens has no server, so it borrows one: run a free, open-source cobalt instance (Docker one-liner) and paste its URL into the Download dialog. The video is then fetched, saved, attached to your notes and bundled into your next Offline Pack in a single click. See the setup guide.

What is the Offline Pack?

A ZIP folder with the video (when available), an interactive offline viewer (viewer.html), your comments in JSON/CSV/TXT/SRT, and the transcript. Unzip anywhere, open viewer.html — zero internet needed. See How it works and use cases.

What is comments.srt?

Your timestamped comments as a standard subtitle file. Open the video in VLC or mpv, load comments.srt as a subtitle track, and your notes appear on top of the video at the right moments.

Where is my data stored? Is it private?

Locally, in your browser. Vidlens has no server, no account and no analytics — your comments never leave your device except in the export files you download yourself.

Can I use it for team video feedback?

Yes — export a single-file HTML (video embedded for local files) or an Offline Pack and send it to anyone. They just open it in a browser.

What's the maximum file size?

Local videos up to 2 GB play in the app and fit in the Offline Pack. The single-file HTML export (base64-embedded video) is capped at 150 MB — use the Offline Pack beyond that.

Does transcription work for every video?

Live speech-to-text works for local videos in Chrome/Edge. For platform videos, copy the platform's transcript and use Import — timestamps are parsed automatically.

Can I export only comments, without reactions?

Yes — untick "Include reactions" at the top of the Export menu. Every format then contains text comments only. A video-only pack with zero comments works too.