Source: https://mindstamp.com/help/can-i-use-youtube-videos
Generated from the Help Center records: 2026-10-05

# Can I use YouTube videos in Mindstamp?

Topic: [Videos and playback](https://mindstamp.com/help/videos) · Updated: 2026-09-25

## Short answer

Yes, but only for testing. You can paste a YouTube link to try an idea, but YouTube is not supported for production use. Before you publish, upload the file to Mindstamp or use another supported source, then replace the YouTube source so your interactions stay.

## Steps

1. Select **New video**, then select **YouTube** under **Source**.
2. Read the **YouTube is for testing only!** notice. To continue, select **I understand and am only testing**. To stop, select **Use another provider**.
3. Paste the direct link to your YouTube video and create the video.
4. Add interactions and test the idea with your team.
5. Before you publish, open the video, go to **More** and select **Replace source video**. Upload the original file or link another supported source.
6. Preview the video again and check that each interaction is still at the correct time.

![New video page in Mindstamp with YouTube selected, showing the YouTube is for testing only notice and the Use another provider and I understand and am only testing buttons](https://cdn.mindstamp.com/website2026/help/new-video-youtube-notice.webp)

_When you pick YouTube, Mindstamp warns that YouTube is for testing only._

![More page of a Mindstamp video with Replace source video, Download source, See branching and the Published switch highlighted](https://cdn.mindstamp.com/website2026/help/more-page.webp)

_The More page: replace the source file, download the original, see the branching map, or turn publishing on and off._

## Why YouTube is for testing only

The app states that YouTube videos may have playback failures and other issues at any time. Mindstamp does not control how YouTube delivers its video, so a video that plays today can stop playing for your viewers without warning.

Use YouTube to check that interactive video fits your content. Do not send a YouTube-based video to customers, learners or prospects.

## Move a test to production without rebuilding it

**Replace source video** keeps your interactions, timings, design, settings, share link and embed code. You do not need to rebuild the video. Read [how to replace the video file](https://mindstamp.com/help/replace-video-file) for the checks to do after the change.

Use the original file that you uploaded to YouTube. Upload it to Mindstamp, or link it from Vimeo, Wistia or another supported host.

## Features that need another source

- Transcripts work only for uploaded videos and MP4 links, so a YouTube-based video cannot have a transcript.
- **Download source** is not available for a YouTube-based video.

## Send viewers to your YouTube channel

To link to YouTube from a Mindstamp video, you do not need a YouTube source. Add a button that opens your channel. See [how to add a YouTube subscribe button](https://mindstamp.com/help/how-can-i-add-a-subscribe-to-youtube-button-to-my-videos).

## Go further

- [YouTube integration](https://mindstamp.com/integrations/youtube)
- [New Video tutorial](https://mindstamp.com/tutorials/new-video)

## Related answers

- [What kinds of video can I use in Mindstamp?](https://mindstamp.com/help/what-kind-of-videos-can-i-use-in-mindstamp)
- [How do I replace the video file without losing my interactions?](https://mindstamp.com/help/replace-video-file)
- [How can I add a YouTube subscribe button to my video?](https://mindstamp.com/help/how-can-i-add-a-subscribe-to-youtube-button-to-my-videos)
- [How do video transcripts work in Mindstamp?](https://mindstamp.com/help/video-transcripts)

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