Uploading Files
Complete guide to uploading audio and video files to Syncpoly, including file formats, upload methods, and troubleshooting.
Drag & Drop File Upload
The easiest way to upload files is using drag and drop. This method works on both desktop and mobile devices.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Navigate to the home page - Go to the main Syncpoly page where you'll see the upload area
- Locate your file - Open your file manager (Finder on Mac, File Explorer on Windows) and find the audio or video file you want to upload
- Drag the file - Click and hold the file, then drag it over the upload area on the Syncpoly page
- Drop the file - Release the mouse button when you see the upload area highlight. The file will automatically begin uploading
- Wait for confirmation - You'll see the file name and details appear. Click "Transcribe" to start processing
Tip: The upload area will highlight when you drag a file over it, making it clear where to drop. You can drag multiple files, but only one will be processed at a time.
Browse Files Upload
If you prefer using a file browser, the "Browse Files" option opens your system's file picker for easy selection.
How to Use Browse Files:
- On the home page, click the "Browse Files" button in the upload area
- Your computer's file browser will open automatically
- Navigate to the folder containing your audio or video file
- Select the file you want to upload (MP3, WAV, or MP4)
- Click "Open" or "Select" - the file will appear in the upload area
- Review the file details (name, size, type) and click "Transcribe" to begin
This method is particularly useful when you know the exact location of your file or when working with files stored in specific folders.
Uploading from Video URLs
Syncpoly supports uploading videos directly from YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram by simply pasting the video URL. No need to download the video first!
Supported Platforms:
- YouTube: Full URLs like
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=... - Facebook: Public video URLs from Facebook
- TikTok: TikTok video links
- Instagram: Instagram video URLs
Step-by-Step URL Upload:
- Switch to URL mode - On the home page, click the "From URL" tab in the upload area
- Copy the video URL - Go to the video you want to transcribe and copy the full URL from your browser's address bar
- Paste the URL - Paste the URL into the input field in the upload area
- Validate - The system will automatically check if the URL is from a supported platform
- Click Transcribe - Once validated, click the "Transcribe" button to begin processing
Important: Make sure the video is publicly accessible and you have permission to download and transcribe it. Private or restricted videos cannot be processed.
The system will automatically download the video, extract the audio track, and begin transcription. This process typically takes a few minutes depending on the video length.
Supported File Formats
Syncpoly supports a variety of audio and video formats for transcription. Here's what you can upload:
Audio Formats
- MP3 (.mp3)
- WAV (.wav)
- WAVE (.wave)
Video Formats
- MP4 (.mp4)
- Video URLs (YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram)
Note: When uploading video files (MP4), the system automatically extracts the audio track for transcription. The video file itself is not stored, only the audio and resulting transcript.
Understanding the Upload Process
When you upload a file, it goes through several stages before your transcript is ready. Understanding these stages helps you know what to expect.
1. Pending Upload
Your file is queued and prepared for upload. This happens almost instantly after you click "Transcribe". The system validates the file format and checks your account limits.
2. Uploading
Your file is being uploaded to our secure servers. You'll see a progress bar showing the upload percentage. This typically takes a few seconds to a few minutes depending on file size and your internet connection speed.
3. Converting (Video Files Only)
For video files, the system extracts the audio track. This process is automatic and usually completes within seconds. You'll see "Converting" status during this stage.
4. Processing
The audio is transcribed using advanced AI technology. This is the longest stage and can take several minutes for longer files. Processing time is generally proportional to audio length (approximately 1:1 ratio - a 10-minute audio takes about 10 minutes to process).
5. Completed
Your transcript is ready! You'll receive a notification, and you can immediately view, download, chat with, or generate breakdowns from your transcript.
Tracking Progress: You can monitor all your uploads using the upload indicator icon in the header. Click it to see active uploads, their progress percentages, and current status.
File Size & Duration Limits
Syncpoly has limits based on your subscription plan to ensure fair usage and system performance.
Types of Limits:
- Monthly Hours Limit: Each plan includes a certain number of hours per month (or billing period). The system calculates usage based on the duration of audio processed, not file size.
- File Size Limits: Some plans may have maximum file size restrictions. Very large files may need to be split or compressed.
- Duration Limits: Individual files may have maximum duration limits based on your plan.
Before Upload: The system checks your current usage before allowing uploads. If a file would cause you to exceed your limit, you'll be prompted to upgrade your plan before the upload completes.
You can check your current usage and limits in the Settings page under the "Usage" section. The system prevents uploads that would exceed your plan's limits to avoid wasted processing time.
Troubleshooting Upload Issues
File Format Not Supported
Problem: You see an error saying the file format is not supported.
Solution: Make sure you're uploading MP3, WAV, or MP4 files. Convert your file to one of these formats using a free converter tool if needed.
Usage Limit Exceeded
Problem: Upload is blocked with a message about usage limits.
Solution: Check your usage in Settings. If you've reached your monthly hours limit, you'll need to upgrade your plan or wait until your next billing cycle.
Upload Failed or Stuck
Problem: Upload progress stops or fails partway through.
Solution: Check your internet connection. Try refreshing the page and uploading again. If the problem persists, try a smaller file or contact support.
URL Upload Not Working
Problem: URL validation fails or video cannot be downloaded.
Solution: Make sure the URL is from YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram. Ensure the video is publicly accessible (not private or restricted). Copy the full URL from the browser address bar.
Rate Limit Error
Problem: You see "Too many requests, try again later" error.
Solution: Wait a few moments before trying again. This happens when too many requests are made in a short time. The system will allow requests again shortly.