Why are my YouTube chapters not working?

YouTube only shows chapters when all four rules are met: the first timestamp is 0:00, there are at least three timestamps, every chapter is ten seconds or longer, and the times are listed in ascending order. This tool checks each rule and points to the row that breaks it, which is usually a missing 0:00 first line or a gap under ten seconds.

How do I add timestamps to a YouTube description?

Put each chapter on its own line as a timestamp followed by a space and a title, like "0:00 Intro". Start with 0:00, keep the times increasing, and paste the whole list into the description box. Build and copy that exact block here so the format is right the first time.

What is the minimum length for a YouTube chapter?

Each chapter must run at least ten seconds, measured as the gap to the next timestamp. If two of your timestamps are less than ten seconds apart, YouTube ignores the whole set. The validator flags any chapter that is too short and shows its timestamp.

Yes. It is free, needs no account, and runs entirely in your browser, so nothing you type is uploaded or saved anywhere.

YouTube Chapter & Timestamp Generator

Type each chapter timestamp and title, get a clean chapters block for your description, and see exactly which YouTube rule is stopping your chapters from showing.

Runs in your browser · nothing uploaded

Chapters

One row per chapter. Use mm:ss (like 1:45) or hh:mm:ss (like 1:02:30).

Chapters block

Paste this into your video description, on its own lines.

Fill in at least two rows to build the block.

YouTube requirements

This youtube chapter timestamp generator turns a list of times and titles into the exact block YouTube reads: one "0:00 Title" line per chapter, in order, ready to paste into your video description. As you type it validates the block live, so you catch problems before you publish instead of wondering why nothing appears.

If you are trying to add timestamps to a YouTube description and the chapters never show up, this doubles as a youtube chapter validator. It checks the four things YouTube requires and tells you which row to fix, so you stop guessing why your youtube chapters are not working. Everything runs in your browser, nothing is uploaded, and there is no sign up.

How it works

1
Add your chapters

Fill a row for each chapter with a timestamp in mm:ss or hh:mm:ss and a short title. Use Add chapter for more rows, and the remove button to drop one.
2
Watch the checks

The requirements panel updates as you type: first stamp at 0:00, three or more chapters, at least ten seconds each, and times in ascending order. Any failing rule names the exact timestamp to fix.
3
Copy the block

When all four checks pass, press Copy block and paste it into your video description on its own lines. YouTube reads it and your chapters appear on the progress bar.

Questions about YouTube chapters

Why are my YouTube chapters not working?: YouTube only shows chapters when all four rules are met: the first timestamp is 0:00, there are at least three timestamps, every chapter is ten seconds or longer, and the times are listed in ascending order. This tool checks each rule and points to the row that breaks it, which is usually a missing 0:00 first line or a gap under ten seconds.
How do I add timestamps to a YouTube description?: Put each chapter on its own line as a timestamp followed by a space and a title, like "0:00 Intro". Start with 0:00, keep the times increasing, and paste the whole list into the description box. Build and copy that exact block here so the format is right the first time.
What is the minimum length for a YouTube chapter?: Each chapter must run at least ten seconds, measured as the gap to the next timestamp. If two of your timestamps are less than ten seconds apart, YouTube ignores the whole set. The validator flags any chapter that is too short and shows its timestamp.
Is it free?: Yes. It is free, needs no account, and runs entirely in your browser, so nothing you type is uploaded or saved anywhere.

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