Want viewers to skip straight to the right part of your YouTube video? Add timestamps to the description to create chapters they can jump between. If you just want to send someone a specific moment, YouTube’s sharing controls handle that too. Here’s how to do both on your computer or phone.
Add chapters to your video on a computer
Use this method for a video you own or have permission to edit. Your manual chapters override YouTube’s automatically generated chapters.
Sign in to YouTube Studio.
Open Content.
Select your video.
Enter timestamp and title pairs in Description, putting each pair on a separate line. For example:
00:00 Introduction
00:30 Setup
02:00 Demonstration
Replace the example times and titles with ones that match your video. Start at 00:00, include at least three entries in chronological order, and make every chapter at least 10 seconds long.
Click SAVE.
Fix timestamps that do not become chapters
A timestamp list that misses YouTube’s formatting requirements cannot create chapters.
In your video’s Description, set the first timestamp to 00:00, even if the main content starts later.
Include at least three timestamp and title pairs in chronological order, each on its own line.
Adjust the timestamps so every chapter lasts at least 10 seconds, including the final chapter before the video ends.
Click SAVE.
If the formatting is correct and chapters still do not appear, open Settings > Channel > Feature eligibility in YouTube Studio on desktop to check your access. Some channels need advanced features to use chapters.
Complete phone verification under Intermediate features > VERIFY PHONE NUMBER.
For advanced access, build sufficient channel history or open Advanced features > ACCESS FEATURES to check the identity verification options.
If offered, select Use your ID or Use video verification and follow the prompts. These options are not available to every creator, and only the appropriate channel owner can complete identity verification.
Use your phone to add timestamps
The YouTube Studio app uses the same chapter format on Android, iPhone, and iPad.
- 1.Open YouTube Studio and tap Content.
- 2.Select the video you want to update.
- 3.Tap Edit and open Description.
- 4.Enter timestamp and title pairs on separate lines in chronological order. Start at 00:00, include at least three entries, and make every chapter at least 10 seconds long.
- 5.Tap SAVE.
Include timestamps during a new upload
You can add chapters during the upload itself. On the YouTube Studio website, select CREATE > Upload videos.
Choose your video file.
Under Details, enter your timestamp and title pairs on separate lines in Description. Start at 00:00, include at least three entries in chronological order, and allow at least 10 seconds for every chapter.
Complete the remaining upload and visibility choices to finish uploading your video.
Let YouTube generate chapters automatically
Use automatic chapters when you want YouTube to choose the chapter breaks. They are enabled by default for new uploads, but enabling them does not guarantee chapter generation, even for eligible videos.
Open Content in YouTube Studio.
Select your video.
Expand SHOW MORE to reach Automatic Chapters.
Check the box labelled Allow automatic chapters, which can also appear as Allow automatic chapters (when available and eligible).
Click SAVE. Active channel strikes or potentially inappropriate content can prevent chapters.
To set your preference for future browser uploads, open Settings > Upload defaults > Advanced settings.
Set Allow automatic chapters (when available and eligible) to your preferred state.
Click SAVE. Uploads from mobile devices and video editors do not inherit these defaults.
Change or remove existing timestamps
Open Content in YouTube Studio.
Select the video you want to change.
Edit the times and titles in Description, or delete the timestamp list to remove your manual chapters.
To prevent automatic chapters from taking their place, open SHOW MORE.
Under Automatic Chapters, clear the box labelled Allow automatic chapters, which can also appear as Allow automatic chapters (when available and eligible).
Click Save.
When replacing a list, keep the 00:00 starting point, at least three entries in chronological order, and a minimum of 10 seconds per chapter.
Share a link that starts at a specific moment
You can share a timestamp for someone else’s video without editing its description.
- 1.Open the video on the YouTube website or in the Android, iPhone, or iPad app.
- 2.On mobile, navigate to the moment you want to share.
- 3.Select Share.
- 4.On desktop, check Start at and enter your time, such as 2:30. On mobile, enable the time toggle showing your selected position, such as 2:30.
- 5.Select Copy on desktop or Copy link on mobile.
- 6.Paste the link into your message or document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add timestamps using the main YouTube app?
Yes. On Android, iPhone, or iPad, tap your profile picture, then Your videos. Open More beside your video and select Edit. Add your timestamp and title pairs to Description, then tap Save. The same chapter-format requirements apply.
Can I put a timestamp link in a YouTube comment?
Yes. Generate a timestamp link with Share, paste it into Add a comment..., and select Comment. To post it as a reply, select REPLY under an existing comment. URLs are clickable in comments on public and unlisted long-form videos where commenting is permitted. URLs in Shorts comments are not clickable.
Can a shared timestamp link include an end time?
YouTube’s ordinary timestamp sharing controls select a starting point only. Website embeds support both start and end times. For example, use https://www.youtube.com/embed/VIDEO_ID?start=150&end=180 as the iframe URL, replacing VIDEO_ID with the video’s ID. Both values are seconds from the beginning of the original video. Playback can start slightly before the requested point because the player seeks to a nearby keyframe.
Do I need to create a Clip to share a video moment?
No. A Share link with a start time takes viewers to any moment without a Clip. YouTube has announced that Share at Timestamp will replace viewer Clips: existing Clips stay viewable, but setting an end time or a custom description when sharing will no longer be available. If your app still shows Clip below the video, you can use it to share a section between 5 and 60 seconds long until that change reaches your account.