How can I reference distinct node outputs when multiple nodes share the 'Video link' field in n8n?

When you drop a data pill into the expression, it defaults to showing the property name (i.e. {{ $json["Video link"] }}) from the current node’s context rather than tying it explicitly to the originating node. In n8n the expression editor works on the current item available to that node. If multiple incoming nodes provide the same property name, they end up merged into one generic $json object. The “order” (i.e. which value ends up in $json) is determined by the wiring order of incoming connections (and sometimes by merge rules), not by the origin name of the property.

If you want to reference a specific node’s output explicitly you can use the $node construct. For instance, if you want the value from node “Step 2A” you’d write:

  {{ $node["Step 2A"].json["Video link"] }}

This way, even though the field name is the same, you count on the node reference to disambiguate the source. The current behavior isn’t a bug but instead a design decision to keep the expression simpler; data pills use the property name from the active context, and if you need to choose a specific branch, you have to reference the node.