I am looking to:
Create a Zapier workflow that does the following: Takes Google Forms entry with the following data (Video Title, Video Description, Video Tags, Video File Upload from Google Drive) Submits the data to Buffer and schedules to post to Tik Tok, Instragram Reels, and Instagram Stories
I have connected my Google Form account and Integrated Buffer in my second step.
Once I get here, I am hit with a Error code
What is the info that I am getting wrong?
Hi
Please clarify what is the encountered error code with screenshots.
You probably want to add a space between the mapped variables.
The error I am getting is (reading ‘ext’)
How to take screenshots: https://www.google.com/search?q=how%20to%20take%20screenshots
Check if the mapped variable value URL is a publicly accessible direct download link.
You can do this by copy/paste the URL into a new/different private browser to see if it initiates a direct download.
If not, then settings may need to be adjusted to make it public.
Help for sending files in Zaps: https://zapier.com/help/create/basics/send-files-in-zaps
The Google Form response is formatted so you can upload video file.
The trigger is pulling the data from one of the responses .
This is what the uploaded files look like. In the correct flow these will be the videos that are automatically scheduled in Buffer
Did you check this?
Check if the mapped variable value URL is a publicly accessible direct download link.
You can do this by copy/paste the URL into a new/different private browser to see if it initiates a direct download.
“ext” means extension, which is usually related to files.
It may be that Buffer only accepts certain video file formats and conditions.
https://support.buffer.com/article/616-uploading-and-sharing-links-to-videos
There are some specific guidelines for videos sent through Buffer to the various social networks. We'll give an overview here and then get more specific in each of the sections below.
File size: up to 1GB (100 MB for Instagram) (10GB for YouTube Shorts)
The video you upload will be converted to MP4 encoded with H264, and a maximum resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels (HD).
Larger files are likely to be compressed to ensure they can be posted to the social network, but quality loss should be minimal.
Unfortunately, we can't support Apple ProRes or raw camera formats like ARRI and RED or any videos encoded with HEVC at this time.
Yes I have checked this. The mapped URL open automatically when copied in browser.
also buffer accepts .mov files like the one uploaded in the Google form response
The link opens a page to view the video, so it’s a VIEW link for the video (as shown by the down arrow indicating a button to download the file)
That means it’s not a direct download link for the video.
Tool to get direct download link formats for GDrive: https://sites.google.com/site/gdocs2direct/
I will try this now and let you know how it goes.
but are you also saying that for the “ Video File Upload” in the google form will need to be change to a short answer to add downloadable link instead of uploading a file as prompted in the photo in previous message?
You can add Zap steps (e.g. Formatter or Code) to take the link provided and convert it to a direct download file link from GDrive.
Would this step need to be added before the Buffer action? I will like to see if that offers a solution
Use this tool, then try with a static URL before adding Zap steps before the Buffer step to reformat the link.
Tool to get direct download link formats for GDrive: https://sites.google.com/site/gdocs2direct/
I used that to to generate the new link. I think tried to input that link into what I assumed was the correct spot for action. Both of these resulted in the same error
You can try reaching out to Buffer Support for help understanding the Zap Step error.
I appreciate your help so far I truly do. Are you saying now that you may not be sure exactly what’s causing this?
Just asking because honestly when I was tasked with this, no where on the internet is a clear answer. I can’t even find tutorials with this workflow set up
The attempts we tried to troubleshoot haven’t worked thus far.
You can try reaching out to Buffer Support for help understanding the Zap Step error.
You can try to get help by hiring a Certified Zapier Expert: https://zapier.com/experts
Just asking because honestly when I was tasked with this, no where on the internet is a clear answer. I can’t even find tutorials with this workflow set up.
Most automated workflows are unique so there often won’t be guides on how to configure the steps.
Ahh ok I understand. Thanks again for your time spent. I will reach out to buffer now and other experts. If I find a solution I will share here to hopefully help others
This is the new configuration for the Zap
I added some extra steps based on the AI help tool in the Zapier app
Now I am getting a new error but I feel a tad bit closer
The mapped variables for the Video field are not valid values for that field.
The Video field expects a valid file (file object or a file url).
Help article about sending files in Zaps: https://zapier.com/help/create/basics/send-files-in-zaps
I have a similar issue but with a youtube video get right the link from youtube and want to post ist on buffer.
It isn’t working same error.
Domains are fine and working.
Hi
Probably best to post your own topic and include screenshots for context, thanks.
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