How to add chapters to a YouTube video
Jul 26, 2025 am 03:42 AM
Add properly formatted timestamps at the beginning of the video description using minutes:seconds format (e.g., 0:00, 2:15) followed by a space and a clear chapter title. 2. Ensure timestamps are in chronological order, start with 0:00, include at least three chapters, and place them within the first 150–200 characters of the description without preceding links or text. 3. Publish the video with the formatted description or edit an existing video’s description in YouTube Studio, save the changes, and wait a few minutes to several hours for chapters to appear.
Adding chapters to a YouTube video helps viewers navigate your content more easily and can improve engagement. YouTube uses timestamps in the video description to create these chapters — you don’t add them through a separate menu. Here’s how to do it properly:
? 1. Format Timestamps in the Video Description
Chapters are generated automatically by YouTube when you include properly formatted timestamps at the beginning of your video description. Follow this format:
0:00 Introduction 2:15 Main Topic #1 5:30 Main Topic #2 8:45 Tips and Tricks 12:00 Conclusion
Make sure:
- Each timestamp starts at the beginning of a line.
- Use
minutes:secondsformat (e.g.,5:30, not05:30or5.30). - Include a space (or tab) between the timestamp and the chapter title.
- The title should be clear and concise.
?? YouTube only recognizes chapters if the timestamps are in the first part of the description — ideally within the first 150–200 characters. Avoid putting links or text before the timestamps.
? 2. Ensure Continuous and Accurate Timing
- Timestamps must be in chronological order.
- Start with
0:00for the beginning of the video. - Don’t skip ahead or repeat times — YouTube may ignore malformed chapter data.
- You need at least 3 chapters for them to appear on desktop and mobile (sometimes 2 may work, but 3 is reliable).
? 3. Publish or Update the Description
- If uploading a new video: Add the timestamps to the description before publishing.
- If editing an existing video:
- Go to YouTube Studio.
- Click Content > Select your video.
- Edit the description to include properly formatted timestamps.
- Click Save.
It may take a few minutes to several hours for chapters to appear after updating the description. Refresh the page later to check.
? Pro Tips
- Use video editing software to note exact timestamps for key sections before uploading.
- Keep chapter titles short but meaningful — they’re cut off after a certain length on mobile.
- Test your chapters by viewing the video on desktop — hover over the progress bar to see if thumbnails and labels appear.
That’s it. No special tools or settings — just clean, well-formatted text in the right place. Once YouTube detects valid timestamps, it automatically generates the chapter markers on the timeline.
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