YouTube Chapters Generator - Timestamp Formatter & Validator
Clean, valid YouTube chapter timestamps in seconds.
Updated October 2026
Private by design: your files are processed on your own device and never uploaded.
How to use
- 1 Paste your timestamps in any format, or switch to 'Make chapters from titles'.
- 2 The tool sorts them, adds 0:00 if missing and formats every line.
- 3 Fix any warnings (fewer than 3 chapters or chapters under 10 seconds).
- 4 Copy the block into your video description.
YouTube's chapter rules
Chapters appear when the description contains at least three timestamps in ascending order, the first one is 0:00, and each chapter lasts at least 10 seconds. One wrong line and YouTube ignores all of them, which is why a validator saves time.
Why chapters help SEO and retention
Chapters show in search results and Google as key moments, letting your video rank for sub-topics. Viewers can jump to what they need instead of leaving, which protects watch time on long tutorials.
Naming chapters well
Use short, descriptive names with keywords people search: 'Install the app', 'Settings for beginners', 'Results'. Avoid 'Part 1' style names that tell neither viewers nor Google anything.
Guides that use this tool
Questions
How many chapters do I need?
At least three, starting at 0:00.
Can I use hours?
Yes, write 1:02:30 for videos over an hour.
Why aren't my chapters showing?
Usually the first timestamp is not 0:00 or a chapter is under 10 seconds.
Does YouTube create chapters automatically?
It can, but manual chapters are more accurate and keyword-friendly.
Is it free?
Yes.
More tools
YouTube Thumbnail Downloader
Grab any video's thumbnail in HD, SD and small sizes.
YouTube SEO Checker
Audit a video's title, description and tags and get a score with fixes.
YouTube Title Generator
Turn a keyword into 30 proven title formats with a length check.
YouTube Tag Generator
Create a relevant, under-500-character tag list from one keyword.