Getting started in 10 steps
Everything you need to go from zero to your first summarized video — and to get the most out of Distilltube after that.
Create your account
Sign up with your email and a password. That's all it takes to get in.
Set your preferences
In Settings, choose your default summary style, the language for summaries, and whether quotes should include a translation.
Add your first video
On your library, paste a YouTube link and hit “Fetch & summarize”. Distilltube does the rest.
Read the briefing
You'll get a short summary, key takeaways, chapters, a long summary, mentioned resources and quotes — all on one page.
Try a different style
Want it shorter, deeper, or more actionable? Use “Regenerate summary” and pick another style — or describe your own in free text.
Chat with the video
Ask questions in the chat box. Flip the switch to discuss every saved video from that channel at once.
See the top comments
Curious what viewers thought? Tap “Show top comments” to pull the most-liked ones.
Follow a channel
Add a channel by its URL or @handle (e.g. @RealMenRealStyle). New uploads get summarized automatically from then on.
Turn on your digest
In Settings, choose a daily or weekly email digest of new videos from the channels you follow.
Save & share
Download any summary as a PDF (short, medium or long) or email it to yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Which videos can Distilltube summarize?
Any YouTube video that has captions or a transcript — which is the vast majority. Videos without captions (some Shorts, music videos, or where the creator disabled them) can't be summarized, and Distilltube will tell you clearly rather than show an error.
What languages are supported?
Summaries can be written in your chosen language. Quotes are kept in the video's original language, with an optional translation you can switch on in Settings.
How do I find a channel to follow?
Easiest: open the channel on YouTube, copy its web address, and paste it on the Channels page. A handle like @RealMenRealStyle works too. There's an in-app helper with details for phone and desktop.
Will following a channel summarize its old videos?
No. Following only summarizes uploads published after you start following — never the back catalogue. Adding a single video never subscribes you to the whole channel.
Are the summaries and answers accurate?
They're based strictly on the video's real transcript. Quotes are verbatim, and the chat answers from what was actually said rather than inventing details.
Can I get summaries by email?
Yes. You can email any summary to yourself as a PDF, and enable a daily or weekly digest of new videos from your followed channels.
How do I reset my password?
On the sign-in page, click “Forgot password?”. We'll email you a link to set a new one.