How to add chapters to a YouTube video
- Enter a time and a title for each chapter, or open Paste an existing list to import timestamps you already have.
- Click Add chapter for new rows, and use Sort by time if they end up out of order.
- Optionally enter the video length so the tool can check the last chapter and catch times past the end.
- Fix every rule marked Fix until the status shows Ready, then copy the chapters into your description.
What you can do with Chapters Generator
- Live rule checker
- Checks that the first chapter is 0:00, there are at least three, times ascend, each chapter lasts 10 seconds and every chapter has a title.
- Problem rows highlighted
- Timestamps that break a rule are outlined in red, so you can see exactly which line needs fixing.
- Smart import
- Paste a list in almost any format, such as 0:00 Title, Title - 0:00 or [00:00] Title, and it is cleaned into tidy rows.
- Consistent formatting
- Outputs m:ss for shorter videos and switches every line to h:mm:ss once a chapter or the video passes one hour.
- Video length check
- Add the duration to confirm the final chapter is at least 10 seconds long and no timestamp falls past the end.
YouTube chapter rules and why chapters don't show
YouTube creates chapters from the timestamps in your description when the list follows a few rules. The first timestamp must be 0:00, there must be at least three timestamps in ascending order, and each chapter must be at least 10 seconds long. Put each timestamp on its own line, followed by the chapter title. If any rule fails, YouTube still makes the times clickable, but it won't split the progress bar into labeled chapters.
Chapters make long videos easier to navigate, show up as labeled segments on the progress bar, and can appear as key moments in Google Search. Write short, descriptive titles that tell viewers what each section covers instead of vague labels like Part 2. If chapters still don't appear once the list passes every rule, give YouTube a little time to process the change, and note that some videos aren't eligible, for example on channels with active Community Guidelines strikes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I add chapters to a YouTube video?
Open the video's details in YouTube Studio and paste a list of timestamps into the description, each on its own line with a title, starting at 0:00. Save the changes. This generator builds that list and confirms it meets YouTube's rules before you paste it.
Why are my YouTube chapters not showing?
The most common causes are a first timestamp that isn't 0:00, fewer than three chapters, times out of order, or a chapter shorter than 10 seconds. Paste your current list into the import box here and the checker will point to the line that breaks a rule.
Should I write 0:00 or 00:00?
Both work. YouTube accepts 0:00, 00:00 and hour formats like 1:02:30 for longer videos. This tool outputs the shortest consistent format and switches every line to hours once the video passes the one-hour mark.
Can YouTube generate chapters automatically?
Yes, YouTube can add automatic chapters to some videos, and you can turn that off in YouTube Studio. Writing your own timestamps gives you control over where sections start and what they are called, and chapters you add in the description replace the automatic ones.
Is my chapter list stored anywhere?
No. Everything happens in your browser and nothing is uploaded or saved on a server. Copy the result before you close the page, because the list isn't kept between your visits.