# Video settings: Thumbnails, downloads, and transcripts https://help.circle.so/p/basics/media-management/video-settings Category: [Basics](https://help.circle.so/p/basics) › [Media management](https://help.circle.so/p/basics/media-management) --- _Last updated: October, 2026_ Video settings let you control how your uploaded videos and recordings appear and how members interact with them. You can add a thumbnail to make a video stand out, allow or restrict downloads, and enable transcripts for better accessibility. This article walks you through each option step by step. ## Accessing video settings Only admins can manage thumbnails, download restrictions, and transcripts through the video settings on the desktop app, web browser, or mobile browser. As an admin, you can do this either from the video itself or from the media manager. See [detailed steps for accessing video settings](/p/basics/media-management). > 💡  **Tip:** Video customization options are available only for videos you’ve uploaded and live recordings in your community. If you’ve embedded a video from another platform (such as YouTube or Vimeo), you’ll need to manage the settings directly on that platform. ![](https://assets-v2.circle.so/nb1flhqlp7him7ly2gptscer1j26) ### Saving changes After making updates, such as changing a thumbnail or adjusting transcript options, click  **Save**  in the botton-right corner. Changes won’t apply until you save them. ## Add custom thumbnail A thumbnail is the preview image shown before the video starts. By adding a custom thumbnail, you can offer a sneak peek into your video's content, significantly increasing the likelihood of attracting viewers. ### Add a thumbnail 1. In the  **Custom thumbnail**  section, click  **Upload an image.** 2. In the  **Choose image**  dialog, choose one of the following: 3. Adjust the image: 1. Click  **Save changes**  to finalize the upload. You are all set! ### Replace or remove a thumbnail If you have already added a custom thumbnail, you can change the image or remove it entirely from the video. To do so, hover over the thumbnail and select the respective option. ## Make the video downloadable You can control whether members can download a video. In the **Settings** section, toggle **Make downloadable** on or off. > ℹ️  **Note: ** By default, videos uploaded by members are  **not**  downloadable. If you want to allow downloads, you’ll need to enable the  **Make downloadable**  toggle in the video settings. ### How it works on different platforms Let’s review how enabling or disabling this setting works across supported platforms. **Desktop app and browsers** - **When enabled** : All members and admins see a **Download** icon in the video control bar. - **When disabled** : The download icon is hidden for everyone, including admins. However, admins can still download the file from the **video editor** (Customize video) or from the media manager preview. **Circle iOS app** - **When enabled** : Members and admins can save the video using the **Share** icon at the top left of the player. - **When disabled** : Only admins see the **Share** option and can download from there. Members will not see the option. > ℹ️  **Note:** The behavior mentioned above for iOS applies only to lessons, quizzes, posts, and comments within posts and events. For other areas, users, including admins, cannot download the video from the app. **Circle Android app and branded apps** - **When enabled** : Only admins can download the video by editing the post or comment. Members do not see a download option. - **When disabled** : No one, including admins, can download the video. > ℹ️  **Note:** The behavior mentioned above for Android and branded apps applies only to posts, and comments within posts and events. For other areas, users, including admins cannot download the video from the app. ## Enable transcription As an admin, you can decide whether a video should display a transcript and closed captions. To allow transcription, in the  **Settings**  section, toggle on the  **Enable transcription**  option. Then you can choose from the following options: Automated transcript or custom transcript. ### Auto-generated transcript If automated transcriptions are enabled in Community AI settings, you can select this option. When selected: - The transcript will be generated automatically when the spoken language in the video matches your chosen automated transcription language. - Closed captions are added automatically as well. > 💡  **Tip** : If you want to edit the automated transcript, download the WebVTT file and open it in a text editor. Once you’ve made changes, you can upload it back as a custom transcript (see below). **Download the automated transcript:** You can download it as a WebVTT (.vtt) file: 1. Under the **Automated transcript** option, click **Download .vtt**. 2. The file will save to your device. ### Upload a custom transcript If you already have a transcript, you can upload it manually. This option is available on all community plans and does not require Community AI. If you have a custom transcript in any other file format, please convert it to .vtt format first. To upload a custom WebVTT file of the transcript: 1. Select the **Upload a custom transcript** option and click **Upload .vtt file**. 2. Choose a file from your device. 3. Once the file is uploaded, the file name will appear in the custom transcript option. If you want to remove or replace it, simply click the **X icon** next to the custom file attachment and upload it again.