YouTube Timestamp and Chapters Generator

How YouTube chapters work

If your video description contains a list of timestamps that meets YouTube's rules, YouTube can show chapters on the progress bar and in the video. This helps viewers jump to what they want and can make long videos easier to navigate.

The rules this tool checks

• The first timestamp must be 0:00.
• There must be at least three timestamps.
• Timestamps must be in ascending order.
• Each chapter must be at least 10 seconds long.
• Each timestamp should have a title.

These are YouTube's commonly documented chapter requirements. YouTube can change them, and chapters may be turned off in a channel's settings.

Writing good chapter titles

• Keep titles short and specific, such as "Setting up the mic" instead of "Part 2".
• Put the topic first so it is clear on the narrow progress bar.
• Use words people search for. Chapters can help your video show up for specific questions.

Timestamp links

A timestamp link opens a video at a set second. It is a short video link with a t= value in seconds. Use them in comments, community posts and show notes. You can make one for each chapter by adding the video link above.

Planning your video length? Try the playlist length calculator.

How to use this youtube timestamp and chapters generator

1. Paste your chapter list, one timestamp and title per line.
2. Optionally add the video link.
3. Press Check and format and fix anything listed.
4. Copy the clean text into your video description.

Frequently asked questions

Why are my chapters not showing?

Check that the first timestamp is 0:00, you have at least three, they ascend, and each chapter is at least 10 seconds. Chapters can also be turned off in settings, and may take a short while to appear.

What time formats work?

Minutes and seconds like 3:45, or hours like 1:02:30. The tool cleans them into a consistent format.

Do I need a video link?

No. It is only needed to make clickable links for each moment.