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YouTube Chapter Generator

Generate YouTube chapter timestamps for your video description — add titles and times, copy, and paste. Chapters auto-activate. Free.

Reviewed by UpTube TeamUpdated July 15, 2026

To add chapters to a YouTube video, enter your section titles and timestamps in this chapter generator, then copy the result into your video description. YouTube automatically creates the chapter bar when the description has three or more timestamps in ascending order starting at 0:00. This tool generates the correct format and warns you if any rule is broken — free, instant, no signup.

Add chapters with their timestamps. First chapter must be at 0:00. Paste the result into your YouTube description — YouTube auto-activates chapters when timestamps are in ascending order.

CHAPTER TITLEHRMINSEC

0:00 Intro
2:30 Main topic

YouTube requires at least 3 chapters, each at least 10 seconds long, with the first at exactly 0:00.

How to use the Chapter Generator

1
Add your chapters
Enter each chapter's title and its start time using the hour, minute, and second fields. The first chapter must start at 0:00.
2
Check for warnings
The tool flags if timestamps are out of order or if the first entry isn't at 0:00 — both silently break YouTube's chapter detection.
3
Copy and paste
Click Copy and paste the formatted list into your YouTube video description. Chapters activate automatically once the video is saved.

About the Chapter Generator

What it does

YouTube chapters break a long video into named sections that appear as a visual chapter bar on the progress track, making it easier for viewers to navigate — especially for tutorials, reviews, and long-form content where viewers often jump to the part relevant to them.

Who uses it, and why

YouTube auto-detects chapters from your description: it looks for a list of three or more timestamps in ascending order, starting with 0:00, each followed by a section name. Any formatting mistake — starting at a non-zero time, timestamps out of order, or fewer than three entries — silently disables chapters without warning. This tool validates all those rules as you type.

How it works

The formatter outputs the exact text YouTube expects. Copy the result and paste it into your video description. Chapter sections must be at least 10 seconds long.

Reference: YouTube Help — add chapters to a video

Features

✓Adds and removes chapters with one click
✓Validates first-chapter-at-0:00 and ascending-order rules
✓Formats as hh:mm:ss or m:ss automatically
✓One-click copy of the full chapter list
✓No account or API needed — pure browser tool
✓Works for videos of any length

Frequently asked questions

How do I add chapters to a YouTube video?

Include three or more timestamps in ascending order in your video description, starting with 0:00. Format: '0:00 Intro', '2:30 Main topic', '8:15 Conclusion'. YouTube automatically creates the chapter bar from this list — no Studio toggle required.

What are the requirements for YouTube chapters?

At least 3 chapters, each at least 10 seconds long. The first timestamp must be 0:00. Timestamps must be in ascending order. If any rule is violated, YouTube silently skips chapters.

Where in the description should I put chapters?

YouTube scans the entire description, so placement doesn't affect whether chapters activate. Putting chapters near the top is common practice and makes the description more scannable for viewers on the watch page.

Can chapters hurt my video performance?

Chapters can occasionally reduce average view duration if viewers skip sections more aggressively — but they generally improve viewer satisfaction and return visits. Chapters also give your video a richer appearance in Google search results.