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YouTube chapter timestamp checker

YouTube only turns description timestamps into chapters if the first one is 0:00, there are at least three, they go up in order, and every chapter is at least 10 seconds long. Paste your description to see whether yours qualify, what to fix, and a clean list ready to copy back in.

Ready

These will show as chapters.

5 timestamps found.

Clean, sorted timestamps

0:00 Intro
0:45 What you need
2:10 Setting it up
5:32 Common mistakes
8:05 Final result

Sorting fixes the order but not chapters that are too short. Check the list above.

Chapters also need the channel to be in good standing, and YouTube can turn them off for some videos. Automatic chapters may appear instead if you don't add your own.

How to use it

  1. Paste your whole description, or just the timestamps.
  2. Optionally add the video length so the last chapter can be checked too.
  3. Fix anything listed, then copy the clean, sorted timestamps.

Questions

Why aren't my YouTube chapters showing?

The usual reasons are that the first timestamp isn't 0:00, there are fewer than three, they're out of order, or one chapter is shorter than 10 seconds. Chapters can also be unavailable for some channels or videos.

What format do YouTube timestamps need?

Put each timestamp at the start of its own line, like '0:00 Intro' or '1:02:30 Q&A' for long videos.

Can I add chapters to a video that's already published?

Yes. Edit the description, add valid timestamps, and save. Chapters usually appear shortly after.

What are automatic chapters?

YouTube can generate chapters itself when you don't add any. Adding your own lets you choose the names viewers see.

Last updated 2026-10-14.

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