mimicYouTube's chapter rules
Chapters only appear when the timestamp list in your description follows all of these. The checker flags each one that fails.
| Rule | What YouTube says |
|---|---|
| Start at zero | The first timestamp must be 00:00 |
| At least three | List at least three timestamps |
| In order | Timestamps in ascending order |
| Ten seconds minimum | Each chapter must be at least 10 seconds long |
If chapters aren't available on your account, YouTube says to apply for access to advanced features first. Manual chapters replace automatic ones.
How to use it
- 1
Paste your list
One chapter per line. “0:42 Unboxing”, “Unboxing - 0:42” and “[0:42] Unboxing” all work.
- 2
Add the video length
Optional, but it's the only way to check the last chapter is 10 seconds or more.
- 3
Fix what's flagged
The box turns green when every rule passes.
- 4
Copy into your description
In YouTube Studio, paste the list into the description and save.
Worked example
0:05 Intro, 0:42 Unboxing, 0:48 Setup, 2:15 Review.
Fails twice: the first chapter starts at 0:05, not 0:00, and Unboxing runs 6 seconds (0:42 to 0:48), under the 10-second minimum.
Fix: change 0:05 to 0:00 and merge Unboxing into Setup. Three chapters, all 10 s or longer: ready.
Sources
Questions
Why aren't my YouTube chapters showing?
Usually one of four things: the first timestamp isn't 0:00, there are fewer than three, they're out of order, or a chapter is shorter than 10 seconds. Paste your list here to see which.
Do I need hours in my timestamps?
Only for videos an hour or longer. The generator then writes every timestamp as h:mm:ss so they line up.
What should chapter titles say?
What happens in that part, in a few words: “Setup”, “One week later”, “Price”. Short titles fit when viewers hover over the progress bar.
Is anything sent to YouTube?
No. The tool only formats text in your browser; you paste the result into YouTube Studio yourself.