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YouTube Chapter Generator- Format timestamps instantly

Convert timestamped bullet lists or notes into properly formatted YouTube chapters. Automatically parses various timestamp formats (mm:ss, h:mm:ss), removes duplicates, detects non-chronological entries, and ensures your first chapter starts at 0:00.

How it works

  1. 1

    Provide Timestamped Content.

  2. 2

    Run the tool to generate the output.

  3. 3

    Copy or download the result for immediate use.

Examples

Simple timestamp list

Input
{
  "input": "0:00 Introduction\n1:30 Getting Started\n5:45 Deep Dive\n12:00 Conclusion"
}
Expected output
0:00 Introduction
1:30 Getting Started
5:45 Deep Dive
12:00 Conclusion

Bullet point format

Input
{
  "input": "• 0:00 - Welcome to the video\n• 2:15 - Setting up the project\n• 8:30 - Building the feature\n• 15:00 - Testing and debugging"
}
Expected output
{
  "chapters": "0:00 Welcome to the video\n2:15 Setting up the project\n8:30 Building the feature\n15:00 Testing and debugging",
  "sortedChapters": "0:00 Welcome to the video\n2:15 Setting up the project\n8:30 Building the feature\n15:00 Testing and debugging",
  "parsed": [
    {
      "timestamp": "0:00",
      "title": "Welcome to the video",
      "seconds": 0,
      "original": "• 0:00 - Welcome to the video"
    },
    {
      "timestamp": "2:15",
      "title": "Setting up the project",
      "seconds": 135,
      "original": "• 2:15 - Setting up the project"
    },
    {
      "timestamp": "8:30",
      "title": "Building the feature",
      "seconds": 510,
      "original": "• 8:30 - Building the feature"
    },
    {
      "timestamp": "15:00",
      "title": "Testing and debugging",
      "seconds": 900,
      "original": "• 15:00 - Testing and debugging"
    }
  ],
  "stats": {
    "count": 4,
    "totalDuration": "15:00",
    "isMonotonic": true
  },
  "warnings": []
}

Non-chronological (needs sorting)

Input
{
  "input": "5:00 Middle Section\n0:00 Start\n10:00 End\n2:30 Early Part"
}
Expected output
{
  "chapters": "5:00 Middle Section\n0:00 Start\n10:00 End\n2:30 Early Part",
  "sortedChapters": "0:00 Start\n2:30 Early Part\n5:00 Middle Section\n10:00 End",
  "parsed": [
    {
      "timestamp": "5:00",
      "title": "Middle Section",
      "seconds": 300,
      "original": "5:00 Middle Section"
    },
    {
      "timestamp": "0:00",
      "title": "Start",
      "seconds": 0,
      "original": "0:00 Start"
    },
    {
      "timestamp": "10:00",
      "title": "End",
      "seconds": 600,
      "original": "10:00 End"
    },
    {
      "timestamp": "2:30",
      "title": "Early Part",
      "seconds": 150,
      "original": "2:30 Early Part"
    }
  ],
  "stats": {
    "count": 4,
    "totalDuration": "10:00",
    "isMonotonic": false
  },
  "warnings": [
    "Timestamps are not in chronological order",
    "First chapter should start at 0:00 for YouTube"
  ]
}

Configuration

Paste timestamps in any format. Supports bullet points, dashes, and various time formats.

Presets
No presets saved yet.

Output

Run the tool to generate output

Frequently Asked Questions

What timestamp formats are supported?

The tool supports multiple formats: m:ss (1:30), mm:ss (01:30), h:mm:ss (1:30:45). Timestamps can be at the start or end of each line.

Why does the first chapter need to start at 0:00?

YouTube requires chapters to start at 0:00. Videos with chapters starting later will not display chapter markers.

What if my timestamps are out of order?

The tool will detect non-chronological timestamps and show both the original order and a sorted version. You can use whichever fits your needs.

How many chapters can I have?

YouTube requires at least 3 chapters for them to appear. There is no strict upper limit, but keeping chapters meaningful (not too many) improves viewer experience.