Privacy Policy
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Skip the Fluff ("the extension," "we," "us") is a Chrome extension that analyses YouTube video transcripts to help you skip non-essential content like sponsor reads, intros, and filler. This policy explains exactly what data the extension touches, where it goes, and what we do — and don't do — with it.
What data we access
The extension only runs on youtube.com and accesses the following, and nothing else:
- Video transcript text — read directly from the YouTube page you're viewing, used only to determine which segments are sponsor reads, intros, outros, or valuable content.
- Video ID and chapter timestamps — read from the page to build the navigation timeline and as a fallback when no transcript is available.
- Your OpenAI API key (only if you choose "Use your own API key" mode) — stored locally in your browser to send transcript analysis requests directly to OpenAI on your behalf.
- Your Google account email (only if you choose the free-tier "Sign in with Google" mode) — used solely to identify your account and track your monthly free usage allowance.
Where your data goes
Depending on which mode you use in the extension settings:
- Own API Key mode — transcript text is sent directly from your browser to OpenAI's API using your key. We never see this data; it does not pass through our servers.
- Free tier mode — transcript text is sent to our backend, which forwards it to OpenAI using our API key, then returns the classified result to your browser. We do not retain the transcript content after the request completes.
What we store
The following is stored locally in your browser via Chrome's storage API — never on a remote server unless explicitly noted:
- Cached analysis results per video (so we don't re-analyse a video you've already watched).
- Your OpenAI API key, if you've entered one — stored locally only, never transmitted to us.
- Your auto-skip preference and analysis mode setting.
- If using free-tier mode: your email address and a monthly usage counter, stored on our backend to enforce the free usage limit.
What we don't do
- We don't sell, rent, or share your data with advertisers or third parties.
- We don't track your browsing activity outside of YouTube video pages.
- We don't use analytics or tracking pixels in the extension.
- We don't store video transcript content after it's been analysed.
Third-party services
The extension sends transcript text to OpenAI for AI classification, either via your own API key or, in free-tier mode, via our backend. OpenAI's handling of this data is governed by their own privacy policy. We are not responsible for how OpenAI processes data sent to their API.
Your choices
- You can clear all cached video analysis at any time from the extension popup.
- You can remove your saved API key at any time by clearing the input field and saving.
- You can sign out of free-tier mode at any time from the extension popup.
- Uninstalling the extension removes all locally stored data immediately.
Changes to this policy
If this policy changes, the "Last updated" date at the top of this page will reflect that. Material changes affecting how your data is handled will be communicated via the extension or this page.