Free tool
YouTube Video Summarizer
Skip the 40-minute video. Paste its transcript and get the key points, a TL;DR, or a detailed breakdown in seconds. Free, no signup.
How to get the transcript (10 seconds):
- Open the video on YouTube
- Below the video, tap ...more in the description, then Show transcript
- Select all the transcript text, copy it, and paste it below (timestamps are fine - we remove them)
Free to use. Powered by open-source AI models. Your text is not stored.
Frequently asked questions
How do I summarize a YouTube video with this tool?
Open the video on YouTube, click '...more' in the description, then 'Show transcript'. Select and copy the transcript text, paste it into the tool, pick a format, and click Summarize. Timestamps are removed automatically.
Why do I need to paste the transcript instead of just the video link?
YouTube blocks automated transcript downloads from server IPs. Pasting the official transcript (which YouTube provides free on every captioned video) is 100% reliable and keeps this tool free - no accounts or paid APIs needed.
What summary formats are available?
Three: Key points (a TL;DR line plus 6-10 bullets), Short (3-4 sentences), and Detailed (a structured breakdown with sections and a main takeaway).
How long can the video be?
Up to 60,000 transcript characters - roughly a 60-90 minute video. Longer transcripts are trimmed to the first 60,000 characters.
Is it free and private?
Yes - free with no signup, powered by open-source AI models, 10 summaries per hour per user. Your transcript is processed for the summary and not stored.
Summarizing an article instead? Use the AI Text Summarizer, or browse all free AI tools.