What are YouTube chapters?

YouTube chapters split your video timeline into labeled sections. Viewers can jump to any section directly from the progress bar.

What rules must chapters follow?

The first chapter must start at 00:00, there must be at least 3 chapters, and each chapter must be at least 10 seconds apart. This tool validates all rules in real time.

What is the difference between Timecode and Segment length mode?

Timecode mode lets you enter each chapter's start time directly. Segment length mode calculates start times automatically from the duration of each segment.

Can I reorder chapters?

Yes. Drag the handle on each row to reorder. Validation updates automatically after reordering.

Are my files sent to a server?

No. Everything is processed in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to a server.

Does it support videos longer than 1 hour?

Yes. For timestamps over 1 hour, the tool automatically switches to H:MM:SS format, which YouTube recognizes.

Where do I paste the result?

Click "Copy," then paste the text into the Description field in YouTube Studio. Chapters appear automatically after saving.

Is there a limit on the number of chapters?

The tool itself has no limit. YouTube recommends keeping chapters concise — 10 to 20 is a good range for most videos.

YouTube Chapter Generator

Need chapters for your YouTube video? Enter timecodes or segment lengths and get validated timestamps ready to paste into your description.

Generate chapters from timestamps

Input mode

Enter the start time of each chapter directly (e.g. 0:00, 1:30, 5:45).

Start timeChapter title

Starts at 00:00

3 or more

Ascending

10s+ gap

Adding chapters to your YouTube video helps viewers find the parts they need. But checking rules like starting at 00:00, having at least 3 chapters, and maintaining 10-second gaps can be tedious. This tool validates everything in real time while you type.

Key features

Two input modes — enter timecodes directly or calculate from segment lengths
Real-time validation of all 4 YouTube chapter rules
Add, remove, and drag-reorder rows easily
Auto-switches to H:MM:SS format for videos over 1 hour
Copy to clipboard or download as TXT
Processed in your browser — nothing sent to a server

How to use

Choose an input mode: "Timecode" or "Segment length."
Enter chapter titles and times. Add or remove rows as needed.
Check the real-time validation (starts at 00:00, 3+ chapters, ascending, 10s gap).
Click "Copy" to copy the result and paste it into your YouTube description.

When to use

When adding chapters to a YouTube video description
When you know segment lengths but need start times calculated automatically
When you want to validate chapter rules (00:00 start, 3+ chapters, 10s gap) quickly
When creating a table of contents for podcasts or lectures
When preparing a chapter list to hand off to an editor