Upload Errors

Having trouble uploading files? This guide covers the most common upload errors and how to fix them.

File Type Not Supported

Error Message

We only accept audio and video files. [Type] are not supported

Cause

VideoToBe only accepts audio and video files. Images (JPG, PNG), documents (PDF, DOCX), and other file types cannot be uploaded.

Solution

Supported file formats include:

  • Audio: MP3, WAV, M4A, AAC, FLAC, OGG, WMA
  • Video: MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, WEBM, FLV, WMV

If you have an unsupported format, convert it using a free tool like FFmpeg or online converters.

VideoToBe extracts audio from video files automatically, so there's no need to convert video to audio before uploading.

File Size Exceeds Limit

Error Message

File size ([X]MB) exceeds the [limit]MB limit for free accounts. Upgrade to Premium for larger files

Cause

Your file exceeds the maximum size for your plan:

  • Free Plan: 500MB maximum per file
  • Pro Plan: 2GB (2000MB) maximum per file

Solution

You have several options:

  1. Compress the file: Use a tool to reduce file size without losing quality:
  2. Split the file: Divide long recordings into smaller chunks
  3. Upgrade to Pro: Get 2GB file support - compare plans

Code Reference

File size validation happens in src/lib/uploadUtils.js and src/app/actions/contentAction.js

File Duration Exceeds Limit

Error Message

Your file is [X] minutes long, which exceeds the free plan limit of 30 minutes

Cause

Free accounts can only transcribe files up to 30 minutes long. Pro accounts have unlimited duration.

Solution

  • Split the file: Divide recordings longer than 30 minutes into smaller segments
  • Upgrade to Pro: Remove the duration limit entirely - view pricing

Daily Limit Reached

Error Message

Daily limit of 3 transcriptions reached. Please upgrade to continue

Cause

Free accounts can transcribe 3 files per day. This limit works on a rolling 24-hour window from your first transcription.

Solution

  • Wait 24 hours: Limits work on a rolling 24-hour window. You can transcribe again 24 hours after your first upload of the day.
  • Upgrade to Pro: Get unlimited transcriptions - compare plans

Failed Uploads Don't Count

If an upload fails due to an error, it does NOT count toward your daily limit. Only successfully processed transcriptions count.

Upload Stuck at 0%

Cause

This can happen due to:

  • Slow or unstable internet connection
  • Browser extension interference (ad blockers, privacy tools)
  • Temporary server issues
  • Very large files timing out

Solution

  1. Refresh the page: Incomplete uploads don't count toward your daily limit
  2. Check your connection: Ensure stable internet (upload speed of at least 1 Mbps recommended)
  3. Disable browser extensions: Temporarily disable ad blockers or privacy extensions
  4. Try a different browser: Chrome and Firefox have the best compatibility
  5. Use a smaller file: If possible, compress the file before uploading

Cannot Upload Empty File

Error Message

Cannot upload an empty file

Cause

The file you're trying to upload is empty (0 bytes) or corrupted.

Solution

  • Check if the file is actually empty or corrupted
  • Try opening the file in a media player to verify it works
  • Re-record or re-export the file if it's corrupted

Multipart Upload Failed

Error Messages

  • Failed to create multipart upload
  • Part [N] upload failed
  • Failed to complete multipart upload

Cause

For files larger than 5MB, VideoToBe uses multipart upload (splitting the file into chunks). This error occurs when:

  • Network interruption during upload
  • Cloud storage (R2) temporary issues
  • Browser or connection timeout

Solution

  • Retry the upload: Refresh the page and try again
  • Check your connection: Ensure stable internet connection
  • Use wired connection: WiFi can be unstable for large uploads
  • Try during off-peak hours: Your internet may be faster at different times

Code Reference

Multipart upload logic is in src/hooks/useMultipartUpload.js

Still Having Issues?

If none of these solutions work, try these additional steps:

  1. Clear your browser cache and cookies
  2. Try uploading from an incognito/private browser window
  3. Check if your firewall or VPN is blocking the upload
  4. Try uploading a smaller test file to rule out system-wide issues

Related Articles