How to add chapters to a YouTube video
- Write down the start time and a short title for each section while you edit, or scrub through the finished video.
- Paste the list above. Formats like
Intro - 0:00,(4:10) Setupor1:02:30 | Q&Aall work. - Fix anything flagged in orange or red. The generator tells you which line breaks which rule.
- Copy the result, paste it into the description in YouTube Studio and save.
YouTube’s chapter requirements
| Rule | What happens if you break it |
|---|---|
| The first timestamp is 0:00 | YouTube ignores the whole list |
| At least three timestamps | No chapters are created |
| Timestamps in ascending order | Chapters don’t appear or appear out of place |
| Each chapter lasts 10 seconds or more | Chapters don’t appear |
| Timestamp at the start of the line | That line isn’t read as a chapter |
Writing chapter titles people click
- Keep titles short. Two to five words read well under the progress bar on mobile.
- Use the words people search for, such as “How to export in 4K” rather than “Part 3”.
- Name the payoff. “Final result” or “Before and after” gets clicks from viewers who skim.
- Avoid emoji at the start of a title. Some apps cut them off in the chapter menu.
Timing a script before you record? The words to minutes calculator estimates where each section will land.
Last reviewed October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my YouTube chapters not showing?
The usual causes are a first timestamp that isn’t 0:00, fewer than three timestamps, a chapter shorter than 10 seconds, timestamps out of order, or extra text before the timestamp on a line. Paste your list into the generator and it will point out the exact line.
What are YouTube’s rules for chapters?
The list must start at 0:00, contain at least three timestamps in ascending order, and each chapter must last at least 10 seconds. Each timestamp goes at the start of its own line in the video description.
Where do I paste the chapters?
In YouTube Studio, open the video’s details, paste the list into the description and save. Chapters can take a little while to appear after you save.
Should I use 0:00 or 00:00?
Both work. The generator writes M:SS for videos under an hour and H:MM:SS for longer videos, and keeps every line in the same format.
Do chapters help with SEO?
They can. Chapters make long videos easier to navigate, and Google can show them as key moments in search results, which gives each section its own chance to be found.
Is my list saved or uploaded?
No. The timestamps are processed in your browser and never sent to a server.