YouTube Chapters Generator
Paste your rough notes with timestamps. Get a clean chapter list for your description, checked against the three rules in YouTube Help.
Paste one chapter per line with its start time, in any format (2:15 Mixing, [2:15] Mixing or Mixing 2:15). Add the video length if you know it. The generator formats the list, can add 00:00 Intro and sort by time, and checks YouTube’s rules: the first timestamp is 00:00, there are at least three chapters in ascending order, and each chapter is at least 10 seconds long. Copy the list into your video description.
Paste into the description in YouTube Studio (Content > your video > Description).
| Start | Chapter | Length |
|---|
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YouTube’s chapter rules
From YouTube Help (Video chapters):
| Rule | Requirement | The tool checks it? |
|---|---|---|
| Where | A list of timestamps and titles in the description | Gives you the list to paste |
| First timestamp | Starts with 00:00 | Yes, and can add it for you |
| Number | At least three timestamps | Yes |
| Order | Ascending | Yes, and can sort them |
| Length | Each chapter at least 10 seconds | Yes, including the last one if you add the video length |
| Strikes | Chapters aren’t available if the channel has active strikes | No: check your Studio dashboard |
| Access | No chapters yet? Apply for advanced features | No |
How to use the YouTube chapters generator
- Watch your edit and jot down where each section starts, in any format.
- Paste the notes, one chapter per line.
- Add the video length so the last chapter can be checked.
- Fix anything flagged in red; tick “Sort by time” if lines are out of order.
- Copy the list into the description in YouTube Studio and click Save.
Example
The default notes above become:
00:00 Intro
00:42 What you need
02:15 Step 1: Mix the dough
05:30 Step 2: Shape and proof
09:05 Baking and results
Five chapters, starting at 00:00, all longer than 10 seconds, with the last one running to the 12:00 end of the video.
Tips for chapter titles
- Be specific: “Shaping the loaf” beats “Part 3”.
- Use search words viewers would type.
- Keep titles short so they fit in the progress bar on phones.
- Don’t pad with tiny chapters; merge anything under 10 seconds.
These are our suggestions. For the full walkthrough, including automatic chapters and fixes, read how to add chapters to YouTube videos. Then build the rest of the description with the YouTube description generator, add an end screen and cards, or let our YouTube management team handle it. Start with a free social media audit.
Sources
- YouTube Help, Video chapters, checked 6 October 2026.
- YouTube Help, Get access to intermediate and advanced features, checked 6 October 2026.
YouTube Chapters Generator FAQ
What are the rules for YouTube chapters?
YouTube Help says the first timestamp must start with 00:00, you need at least three timestamps in ascending order, and each chapter must be at least 10 seconds long. The list goes in the video description.
Why aren’t my chapters showing?
Usually one of the three rules is broken. YouTube also says chapters aren’t available if the channel has active strikes or if the content may be inappropriate for some viewers. If you don’t have access to chapters yet, apply for advanced features.
Does the tool accept timestamps in any format?
Yes. It finds times like 2:15, 02:15 or 1:02:15 anywhere on each line, so “Mixing 2:15”, “[2:15] Mixing” and “2:15 - Mixing” all work. Lines without a timestamp are skipped and listed.
Do I need to add the video length?
It’s optional, but it lets the tool check that the last chapter is at least 10 seconds long and that no timestamp is past the end of the video.
How do I write timestamps for videos over an hour?
Use h:mm:ss for times past one hour, for example 1:05:30. The tool keeps times under an hour as mm:ss so the list still starts with 00:00.
Will my chapters replace automatic chapters?
Yes. YouTube says adding your own timestamps overrides automatic video chapters for that video.
Is anything I type saved?
No. Chapters are built in your browser. Nothing is sent to us or stored.
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