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4 link formats Multi-timestamp manager YouTube chapters export One-click copy

Supports: youtube.com/watch, youtu.be, youtube.com/shorts, youtube.com/embed, youtube.com/live, or a video ID

hours: minutes: seconds

Leave at 0:00:00 to link to the start of the video.

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A Beginner's Guide to YouTube Timestamp Links

A timestamp link lets you share a YouTube video that starts playing at a specific moment. Instead of telling someone "skip to 3 minutes and 45 seconds," you can give them a link that automatically starts at that exact point. This guide explains everything you need to know as a beginner.

What Is a Timestamp Link?

A simple explanation for new creators.

A regular YouTube link starts the video from the very beginning. A timestamp link includes extra information that tells YouTube to start at a specific time. For example, if a funny moment happens at 2 minutes and 30 seconds, the timestamp link takes the viewer directly there, skipping everything before it.

The link works by adding a time parameter to the URL. A link like youtube.com/watch?v=ABC123&t=150s means "start this video at 150 seconds" (which is 2 minutes and 30 seconds). You do not need to calculate the seconds yourself. Our generator does the math for you.

1

Paste the Video URL

Copy the video address from your browser and paste it into the input field above. Any YouTube link format works.

2

Set the Time

Enter the hours, minutes, and seconds where you want the video to start. For example, if the moment is at 5 minutes and 20 seconds, enter 0 hours, 5 minutes, 20 seconds.

3

Copy Your Link

The tool creates four link formats. Use the "Standard Link" for sharing on social media, messaging apps, and email. Use the "Embed HTML Code" if you want to put the video on a website.

What Are YouTube Chapters?

Help viewers navigate your longer videos.

If you have a video that covers multiple topics (like a tutorial with different steps), YouTube chapters let viewers jump between sections using the progress bar. Chapters appear as labeled segments that viewers can click. To create chapters, you add timestamps in your video description in a specific format. Here are the rules:

  • The first timestamp must be 0:00. This marks the beginning of your video.
  • You need at least 3 timestamps. YouTube will not create chapters with fewer.
  • Each chapter must be at least 10 seconds long. Very short chapters are not allowed.
  • Format each line as: 0:00 Introduction, 2:15 Step One, 5:30 Step Two, and so on.

Our Multi-Timestamp Manager (which appears after you generate your first link) helps you create chapters by adding labeled timestamps one at a time. When you are done, click "Copy as YouTube Chapters" and paste the text into your video description.

Beginner Tip

Adding chapters to your videos makes them more professional and easier to navigate. YouTube also displays chapter titles in search results, which can help your video stand out. Even if you are just starting out, adding chapters shows viewers you care about their experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a YouTube timestamp link?

A timestamp link is a YouTube URL that makes the video start playing at a specific moment instead of the beginning. For example, if you want to share a moment that happens at 3 minutes and 45 seconds, a timestamp link takes the viewer directly to that point.

How do I create a timestamp link?

Paste your YouTube video URL into the generator above, enter the hours, minutes, and seconds where you want the video to start, and click "Generate Link." The tool creates four different link formats you can copy and share.

What are YouTube chapters?

YouTube chapters are clickable segments in the video progress bar that let viewers jump to specific sections. You create them by adding timestamps in your video description. The first timestamp must be 0:00, you need at least 3, and each segment must be at least 10 seconds long.

Do timestamp links work on phones?

Yes. When someone taps a timestamp link on their phone, it opens the YouTube app or mobile browser and starts playing at the specified time. Both standard and short link formats work on iOS and Android.

Is this free to use?

Yes, completely free with no signup, no daily limits, and no account required. It runs entirely in your browser and works with any public or unlisted YouTube video.

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