YouTube Chapter Formatter
Turn a rough list of times and topics into YouTube chapters, and check the rules before you publish.
How to use it
- Type or paste your chapter times with a short title, one per line, for example 1:30 Setup.
- Leave the 0:00 option on if your first chapter starts later. The tool moves it to the start.
- Read the checks. When all pass, copy the list into the top of your video description.
How it works and why it matters
YouTube shows chapters from timestamps in the video description. The format rules are strict: the first chapter must start at 0:00, there must be at least three chapters, times must be in order, and each chapter must last at least 10 seconds. If a rule is broken, the whole list can be ignored without an error message. This tool checks those rules as you type. Only the final chapter's length cannot be checked here, because the video length is not known to the tool.
More free tools from TLOGZ
- BNzero tlogzBangla-language toolbox: PDF compress, merge, split and convert, passport and NID photo maker, Bangla phonetic typing, invoice maker, income tax calculator for 2026-27, currency converter and timesheet. Runs in your browser.
- 100+tools.tlogz.top100+ more free online tools in 15+ categories: text, developer, SEO and marketing, image, calculator, converter, security and AI tools. No signup.
Questions
Why are my chapters not showing on YouTube?
The most common causes are a first timestamp that is not 0:00, fewer than three chapters, or a chapter shorter than 10 seconds. Run the checks here first.
Do the timestamps have to be in the description?
Yes. Chapters must be in the video description. Timestamps in comments do not create chapters on the progress bar.
Does the tool check the last chapter?
No. The tool does not know the total video length, so check that the last chapter ends before the video does.