TubeNotes can summarize YouTube videos that have transcripts or auto-generated captions available — regardless of the original video language. The generated summary is produced in the language currently selected in the app. For best results, videos with manually uploaded subtitles typically yield higher-quality summaries.
Yes! TubeNotes is free to download and use. You receive a set number of free summary credits every day. If you run out, you can earn additional credits by watching a short rewarded advertisement — it's completely optional and at your own choice. No subscription or payment is required to use the core features.
Ads are only shown when you actively choose to earn more credits by tapping the "Watch Ad for Credits" button — they are never forced on you. Banner ads may appear within the app interface, but rewarded ads (which give you extra summaries) are always opt-in. The app does not interrupt your experience with mandatory ads.
Most summaries are generated in 15–45 seconds, depending on the length of the video and current server load. Longer videos (over 1 hour) may take up to 60 seconds. A loading indicator is displayed while the AI processes the video.
TubeNotes works with most public YouTube videos that have transcripts or auto-generated captions. The following videos cannot be summarized:
- Private or unlisted videos
- Age-restricted videos
- Videos with captions disabled by the creator
- Live streams (in progress)
- Very short videos (under 1 minute)
No. TubeNotes is an independent app developed by kyusung studio and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by YouTube or Google LLC in any way. The app uses publicly available YouTube transcripts (via the YouTube Data API) to generate AI summaries. YouTube and the YouTube logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
Your summary history is stored locally on your device in an encrypted database (Hive). This data does not leave your device unless you explicitly share it. The YouTube URLs you analyze are transmitted to our secure backend (Firebase Cloud Functions) only during the summarization process — they are not permanently stored on our servers. We never sell your data. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
Still have questions? Email us at contact@leekyusung.kr