Have you ever watched a YouTube video and wanted to share a specific moment without making someone scrub through the entire thing? Maybe you found an epic joke, a crucial tutorial step, or an embarrassing livestream fail—whatever it is, YouTube timestamps let you jump straight to that moment.

A well-placed timestamp doesn't just save time—it creates a better viewing experience for everyone involved. In this guide, we'll show you how to create YouTube timestamp links using different methods, including video descriptions, URLs, and comments. By the end, you'll be able to direct people to an exact second in a video like a pro!

A video timestamp is like a digital bookmark that pinpoints an exact time in a video. Clicking on it skips straight to that moment, making it easier for viewers to find what they're looking for.

 Skip the fluff and jump to the good part.


 Viewers are more likely to stay when they find what they need fast.


YouTube uses timestamps to create video chapters, which can improve rankings in search results.


 No need to tell your friend, "Go to 3 minutes and 45 seconds." Just send a clickable link!

Before we dive into the "how-to," let’s break down the three main types of timestamps on YouTube:

Clickable timestamps added to a video’s description.

Time markers placed in the comment section, turning them into clickable links.

Modifying a YouTube link to start at a specific time.

Each of these has its own uses, methods of implementation, and limitations. Since the entire point is to make a simpler viewing journey for the audience, all of these ways have their own place. Let us talk about them in detail below.

How to Add Timestamps in a YouTube Video Description

Adding timestamps to your video’s description helps organize content into chapters, making it easier for viewers to find what they need.

Watch your video and note down important timestamps where key sections start. Example:

YouTube recognizes timestamps only if they follow a specific format, which is

the MM:SS format, where minutes are denoted by 'M' and seconds by 'S.' In case the video exceeds an hour of runtime, then the correct format would become HH:MM:SS, where 'H' stands for the hours.

You must also put the timestamp first, followed by a short description, that best explains the content of the chapter.

Each timestamp must be on a new, separate line.

Step 3: Add Timestamps to the Description

Open YouTube Studio and select your video.

selecting video from vidIQ YouTube studio

Click Edit and scroll to the Description box.

Adding video chapters in YouTube video description box

On completing these steps, your video will be divided into chapters that can make viewing more precise for the audience and they can skip to the parts they find the most interesting. Here’s how chapters appear under your video description.

To enable YouTube chapters (which show up in the video’s progress bar of the video), make sure:

Each segment is at least 10 seconds long.

YouTube Video Descriptions: How to Write Them Better In 2025

How to Link to a Specific Time on YouTube (Timestamp Links)

Need to share a YouTube link that starts at a specific time? There are three ways to do this:

Method 1: Use YouTube’s Built-in Share Feature

Like most other features, YouTube has an inbuilt method to share timestamped videos from the website/app itself. Here's what you need to do:

Open the YouTube video and pause it at the desired time.

Check the box that says “Start at” – YouTube will auto-fill the time.

(Here, ?t=120 tells YouTube to start the video at 120 seconds or 2 minutes in).

Method 2: Manually Add a Timestamp to a URL

You can also create a timestamp link manually by adding 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abcdefghijk&t=120

Start at 1 hour, 30 minutes (or 5400 seconds):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abcdefghijk&t=5400

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abcdefghijk&t=2m30s

How to Add Timestamps in YouTube Comments

Comments are where the heart of the viewers lies. They show you the impact of a video and its creator almost instantly, without even referring to the analytics.

Want to highlight a moment in the comments? Just type the timecode and post it!

This is best used for engaging with viewers, referencing funny moments, or marking applicable sections in a long video.

6 Golden Rules for Responding to YouTube Comments

1. Embedding a YouTube Video with a Timestamp

To embed a YouTube video on your website or other platforms with a specific timestamp link, you can do the following:

Check the “Start at” box and enter the time.

This will start the embedded video at 2 minutes and 12 seconds.

If you want to guide viewers through a series of timestamps in different videos, you can create a timestamp playlist!

Generate timestamp links for different moments.

Paste them in order in a post, email, or blog.

Viewers can click through them like a curated playlist!

Playlists made with timestamped videos are the best way to answer really specific queries. For tutorials and educational videos, these playlists can become really valuable resources.

We’ve talked about the many ways to create and utilize YouTube timestamps, but there are a few things to keep in mind about this feature.

Accuracy matters when creating timestamps. Find the exact moment you want to highlight rather than approximating.

Make your timestamp descriptions clear and concise. A good description gives viewers a reason to click

Arrange your timestamps in a way that tells a story or creates a logical progression through the content.

 If necessary, update your timestamps to reflect the new timing if you edit your video after publishing.

Don't overdo it with timestamps—highlight only the most important or valuable moments. Having too many timestamps can be overwhelming and counterproductive.

YouTube timestamps are extremely useful for both content creators and viewers. They can ease the viewing experience by making videos more navigable and shareable. So, it doesn’t matter which stand of the field you’re from, understanding how to effectively use timestamps can significantly improve your YouTube experience.

Find out how to create a YouTube timestamp link to specific video moments using share options, URL edits, and timestamps in descriptions.

How to Make a YouTube Timestamp Link (Step-by-Step Guide)

​Have you ever uploaded a video only to find out that there was a glitched frame that ruined the viewing experience for some people or missed an important frame while watching a video and wanted to inspect that particular part? Well, you can do it in multiple ways!

Navigating through a video on YouTube frame by frame can be invaluable for content creators, educators, and viewers aiming to capture precise moments or analyze specific details. Here, we shall delve into the significance of YouTube frame-by-frame viewing and how to go about it.

30 YouTube Keyboard Shortcuts to Save Yourself Some Time

Before we get further into it, we must understand what a frame is with context to video content. We know that a sequence of images that, when played rapidly in succession, creates the illusion of motion. A “frame” in this context means a single unit from that sequence, or in other words, a single still image from the series of images.

Like many other features, YouTube offers built-in functionalities and supports external tools to assist users in viewing content frame by frame. Several hotkeys enhance the viewing experience, and some are also useful for creators during their workflow. Let's talk about them below.

YouTube's native player incorporates keyboard shortcuts for precise navigation: 

This method is effective on desktop browsers but may not function on mobile devices or certain smart TVs.

GIF explaining frame by frame YouTube viewing

In the GIF above you can see YouTube frame-by-frame viewing in action. First, we are going forward in the frames and then backwards using the "." (period) and ","(comma) key respectively as stated above.

YouTube’s video player can also be used to change the playback speed of the video you’re watching. By clicking on the settings icon at the bottom of the player, you can access different playback speed options.

Playback speed on YouTube video player settings tab

 to select the slowest possible speed on the player.

While not purely a frame-by-frame inspection, playing the video at the lowest speed will help you find most of the discrepancies and nitty-gritties of your queries.

Outside the player itself, you can use other options to watch videos frame by frame on YouTube. These could be browser extensions or third-party websites and apps. Here’s how they work:

For enhanced control, several browser extensions facilitate frame-by-frame navigation, amongst other customization options.

Use the provided controls to adjust playback speed or navigate frames.

Certain this-party websites allow users to input a YouTube URL and control playback on a frame-by-frame basis.

Use the provided controls to navigate through frames.

For offline viewing, VLC Media Player supports frame-by-frame playback:

Press the 'E' key to advance one frame at a time.

Note: VLC allows forward frame navigation but does not support backward frame navigation.

Each frame of a video captures a distinct moment in time, and examining these frames individually offers several benefits,

 For professionals like video editors or animators, scrutinizing each frame ensures precision in edits and animations. They can ensure there are no unwanted artifacts or errors in specific frames.​

Educators can dissect complex processes or events frame by frame, facilitating better student understanding.​

 Creators can extract high-quality stills for thumbnails or promotional materials.​ Time-lapse style videos can use frame by frame concepts effectively for both creators and viewers.

Viewers can catch Easter eggs and hidden details or analyze fast-paced scenes in movies or sports.​ Reviewers or critics have a great use here, enhancing their critiques or reviews.

Whether for professional purposes or personal enjoyment, the ability to scrutinize each frame offers a unique perspective. By applying the methods above, you will be able to watch a video on YouTube frame-by-frame. So, get a closer look and 

YouTube frame by frame viewing experience helps you scrutinize content better and extract detailed information easily. Read how it is done here!

What is YouTube Frame by Frame Viewing

For many years, YouTube has been guilty of not fully explaining how and why demonetization due to restricted ads actually happened. Well, creators, your cries have been answered!

 25 YouTube Updates that Will Affect Your Channel in 2025

Restricted ads notification on YouTube studio

YouTube has recently launched a monetization feature that will not only help you avoid that dreaded yellow icon for your videos but also give insights on tour past videos and mistakes that caused your content to get demonetized. And who better than our expert Rob Wilson to explain all of that to you! Click on the link below.

Only for those using the desktop upload process.

Creators must honestly self-certify their videos during the upload process.

Creators can appeal if a video receives a yellow icon indicating restricted ads. A human expert will review the video based on the following factors. Let us can learn how you appeal for the removal of these yellow icons--here is what is required:

The review will detail which guidelines were breached.

Specifics on how the breach affects ad placement.

Identifies the exact moment the issue occurred in the video.

 Includes details if the issue was with the thumbnail or title.

Given that this process is fairly new and still pending results, there are some limitations that we have to accept. The intention is for creators to learn and avoid future mistakes and not abuse the process. So, creators need to request a review to get this detailed report--there isn't an automatic alternative yet.

While you can still look at past mistakes, you cannot retroactively change them by just editing out the contentious part. However, YouTube may consider re-reviewing content in the future.

But all in all, it's a huge step taken in favor of creators moving forward!

, YouTube has taken a more hands-on approach with ad placements on your videos. Instead of allowing you to select the ads you want to show, such as pre-rolls, post-rolls, skippable, or non-skippable, YouTube makes those decisions for you. Not only that, but YouTube also decides 

This means you don't have to manually insert video ads anymore; YouTube will place them along the best possible timestamps, effectively doing the hard work for you. But why is this happening? 

 while ensuring that creators make the most money possible. It’s a win-win because creators will spend less time placing ads and (potentially) earn more ad revenue overall. But more on that later!

In their most recent revision of the ads monetization system, YouTube is updating its mid-roll ad system, making significant changes that impact both creators and viewers. By May 12, 2025, YouTube will start placing 

 at natural breakpoints while reducing interruptions during key moments in videos. 

Creators can still manually place ads, but YouTube will automatically add more mid-roll ads where deemed necessary. YouTube's AI will also give you feedback on your ads if they are placed manually.

In the video above, Rob covers all of this and more. Note that any video uploaded before February 24th, 2025, with only manual ad placement can now have automatic mid-roll ads. This heavy inclusion comes with the backing of a 

 on the platform for channels using both automatic and manual ads. Viewers, on the other hand, may need to brace for an influx of mid-roll ads, potentially leading to increased 

, there are updates in that arena as well. Creators can choose to let YouTube determine the optimal times for mid-roll ads during streams or set regular intervals, such as every 6, 8, or 10 minutes. However, if you're using third-party streaming tools be aware that they might not support these new ad features (yet).

While these changes may not impact you as a creator right now, it's good to understand them as you navigate YouTube, along with the new ad settings, and the monetization goals you’ve set for your channel.

And, speaking of monetization, are you looking for ways to boost your YouTube AdSense revenue? This guide will show you how!

Calling all monetized creators! Learn all the recent ads updates coming directly from the YouTube office.

YouTube Monetization Update: Key Changes for Video Ads

One of the great, eternal mysteries of the internet is the YouTube algorithm. 

 of the content consumed on YouTube comes directly from recommendations, so it’s easy to understand why creators and marketers are obsessed with figuring it out.

Although nobody (not even YouTube themselves) has a full understanding of how it works, certain factors do influence it more than others. But to understand the algorithm, we must start from the beginning.

How to Grow Your YouTube Channel in 2024: The Ultimate Guide

In the beginning, there was no algorithm. It was all about gaining credibility as a platform for YouTube. Since everything revolved around views, YouTube’s first algorithm strove to recommend videos that attracted the most clicks. The more people clicked on a video, the more it would appear for others to click on, too. Soon, malpractices around using tags became common, and YouTube stepped in.

YouTube changed its algorithm in favor of video watch time

 because they thought time viewed was the true test of quality. But, soon enough, creators found loopholes like view-botting their content or making long videos with no value. This led the algorithm to change again around 2015-16.

Through surveys, YouTube collected data from users to understand what kind of videos “satisfy” them the most, and with their 

sophisticated AI developed the recommendation system

. As a result, YouTube began to suggest videos that each viewer would be more likely to watch, rather than videos that other people were viewing. And the outcomes—well, they were really excellent! So much so, that YouTube hasn’t announced major changes to the algorithm since.

In 2025, YouTube introduced significant updates to its recommendation system, shifting focus from traditional performance metrics to personalized user engagement and satisfaction. 

For the algorithm to recommend videos to a user, there are two steps involved. First, it rates videos based on their performance analytics. Then, it matches videos to users based on past viewing habits and comparable material. Matching people with the content they want to watch is the objective.

You can see recommendations from the algorithm in 3 main areas of YouTube:

How is it that YouTube already knows what you want to watch from the moment you’re on the website? That’s because your homepage is curated just for you!

Showing high engagement (watch time, likes, comments, etc.)

That’s why, as a creator, it’s so important to get people watching your videos so your channel is always in their watch history. Then you can find ways to keep them watching longer and engaging more frequently.

Depending on someone’s viewing habits, they may also see videos related to their location, language, or other demographics.

These are the videos recommended alongside the video you’re already watching, on the right side of your screen. The YouTube algorithm takes into account a number of variables, including your topic of interest, liked channels, and your watch history, to provide a customized list of videos for the recommended area.

In a nutshell, the algorithm compiles a list of videos that you could find interesting and relevant by analyzing your behavior on the website.

So how do you persuade YouTube to suggest your videos to more viewers? Start by observing the “suggested” column next to your competitors’ content. If YouTube is recommending specific videos there, try filming your own version of that content so you can get recommended too!

How does YouTube decide which videos should go on a search page? Based on user behavior and keywords, the system narrows down the enormous video library to a limited number and then ranks them according to engagement metrics and relevancy. YouTube makes sure that users get the greatest search results by balancing relevancy and popularity.

Of course, YouTube keywords are important here. However, because the system takes into account personalized signals, each user's search results may vary significantly.

Videos with better engagement metrics and potential, such as views, shares, likes, and comments, are given priority in search results, but YouTube also makes sure that fresh content from new channels isn't unfairly eclipsed by popular YouTubers. The platform adds a certain amount of randomization and can show diverse results that are still relevant to the search query.

The main goal of YouTube’s algorithm is to keep viewers on the website for as long as possible, so be sure to optimize your content for this crucial area of the platform.

It’s safe to say the YouTube algorithm won’t be changing its core function in the future. While metrics like click-through rates (CTR) and watch time remain relevant, the algorithm now prioritizes user satisfaction indicators. These include likes, comments, and survey feedback, which provide insights into the value viewers derive from content. Additionally, the system considers viewer retention patterns, recognizing that both short, impactful videos and longer, engaging content have their place, depending on audience preferences. Encouraging return visits and sustained engagement has become crucial for creators aiming to thrive under the new algorithm.

In the past, we've stressed the importance of watch time and engagement to get ahead with the algorithm. But, the way to look at the YouTube algorithm going forward is beyond a single metric. Many aspects now influence the impact of your video, as opposed to earlier days. For example, traditionally we would associate the packaging of a video with the title and thumbnail but now, particularly for mobile users, the first 10 seconds of your video, which is called a visual hook, is equally important.

The integration of advanced AI labels in content evaluation has also changed things up a bit. Beyond basic categorization, AI analyzes the nuances of content, including style and target audience, to ensure precise recommendations. The system evaluates the tone, emotions, and delivery style, aligning them with viewer expectations and preferences. and production factors editing quality, pacing, and overall structure are assessed to determine suitability for different audience segments.

Considering all the above will be increasingly important for getting the algorithm working for you. So, implement them to the best of your abilities.

Remember, the algorithm’s job is to provide the perfect content to each viewer, without creator or content bias. So, stop making videos for the algorithm! Instead, aim to satisfy that 

, and you’ve got the algorithm playing for your team! 

Unlock the mystery of the YouTube Algorithm with our in-depth guide. Dive into its evolution and learn how the algorithm personalizes home page curation, suggests relevant videos, and more.

Understanding the YouTube Algorithm in 2025

Once known primarily for short-form content on mobile devices, YouTube has now become a dominant player in TV streaming, surpassing traditional streaming platforms and services. Viewers are watching, on average, over 1B hours of YouTube content on TVs daily, and TV is now the primary device for YouTube viewing in the U.S.

While most of the discussion around online video content is mostly around easily digestible vertical videos, we cannot overlook how YouTube is taking over the biggest screen in your household. And with this shift in the digital media landscape comes a host of new opportunities and possibilities!

YouTube’s transformation from a mobile-first platform to a TV powerhouse is backed by impressive numbers:

YouTube accounts for 8.6% of all TV streaming time, while Netflix lags at 7.9%.

TV watch time on YouTube has increased by 400% in recent years.

YouTube receives 28.5 billion visits per month, dwarfing Netflix’s 1.9 billion.

These figures highlight an undeniable shift—YouTube is the new television, and the living room has become the platform’s fastest-growing audience.

While Netflix and other services remain strong contenders, the lack of community engagement, higher costs, and limited content variety make it increasingly difficult to compete with the flexibility and personalization of YouTube on TV.

But why is this happening? Our creator John delves into this question at brilliant depths in the video above, so watch it now!

YouTube talked about their big bets for 2025

, among which they've discussed the rise of YouTube consumption on television. There are several reasons for this tectonic shift in the viewing habits of the audience, but a few of them stand out:

Unlike Netflix and other subscription-based platforms, YouTube TV channels offer an ever-expanding library of user-generated and professional content. Whether it’s binge content, live streams, educational tutorials, long-form, or even Shorts, YouTube delivers a personalized and diverse entertainment experience that traditional TV struggles to match.

Other platforms offer a passive viewing experience, whereas YouTube TV fosters real engagement. Viewers can like, comment, and interact with creators, forming deeper connections. Features like live chat, community posts, and membership perks help YouTube TV channels build dedicated communities, increasing loyalty and repeat watch time.

How to Use the YouTube Community Tab and Engage with Viewers

Popular streaming services are losing ground due to subscription fatigue. YouTube, on the other hand, has free access supported by ads, making it more attractive to budget-conscious audiences.

You can pay for YouTube Premium and go ad-free, and that would give creators a share of the revenue too. With its flexible pricing model, YouTube on TV has positioned itself as a more accessible and cost-effective alternative to traditional streaming platforms.

Unlike static content catalogs of other streamers, YouTube’s recommendation system keeps users engaged with fresh, tailored content based on their interests. This dynamic approach ensures that YouTube TV channels remain highly discoverable, encouraging audiences to keep watching binge content-for hours.

Understanding the YouTube Algorithm in 2024

YouTube has paid out over $70 billion to creators in the past three years, making it the leading platform for content monetization.

Ad revenue through the YouTube Partner Program

Channel memberships and Super Chats for direct viewer support

Merchandise and affiliate marketing integrations

For creators, YouTube on TV presents a massive opportunity to generate revenue while building a loyal fan base.

YouTube Monetization: How to Make Money from Videos in 2024

YouTube is one of the few platforms that has a significant presence on all your devices regularly. Whether it's the YouTube TV app that lets you easily access content on television or cast your phone on your TV screen, the ecosystem is inclusive and totally seamless.

With more people streaming YouTube TV channels on the big screen, content creators must adapt their strategies to maximize engagement and growth. 

Since more users are watching YouTube on TV, creators should produce high-quality, visually appealing content that looks great on large displays.

Filming in 1080p or 4K for crystal-clear visuals

Using bold thumbnails and large fonts for easy readability on TV screens

Creating long-form videos that encourage binge content consumption

Making binge-able content for TV viewers is one of the most important strategies to keep in mind here. You can make your viewer's life much easier by making playlists that keep them hooked!

Many users watch YouTube TV on their television while using their phone for interaction. Creators can capitalize on this second-screen behavior by using the "watch with" feature that

Encourage viewers to comment and participate in live polls

Promote exclusive content through community posts and social media

Direct audiences to merchandise stores and affiliate links

YouTube’s algorithm thrives on watch time and viewer engagement. To increase visibility on YouTube TV channels, creators should:

Focus on long-form videos that keep viewers engaged

Use SEO-friendly video titles and descriptions

Encourage likes, shares, and comments to boost discoverability

 is a subscription-based streaming service that includes 100+ broadcast, cable, and regional sports networks. Unlike regular YouTube, it provides live TV streaming, cloud DVR capabilities, and local channel access. You can also see trending videos on YouTube TV.

Recently YouTube TV has agreed to a deal with Paramount

 to include big channels like CBS, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and MTV. 

As of now, YouTube TV has over 8 million paying subscribers. In the video above, the YouTube team will tell you how to sign up for this service in simple steps. Currently, it's only available in the US.

All the things we've discussed here point to the glaring truth: 

 For the generations to come, YouTube might be the only definition of TV. So, strategize your content accordingly and get that 

YouTube has become the most popular destination for major TV audiences. Learn how that happened and what it means.

The Rise of YouTube on TV

Of all the metrics that are essential to measuring the quality of your content, views might be the most important one. First off, more views mean the YouTube algorithm becomes your best friend, pushing your content to even more eyeballs.

Are you ready to boost your YouTube views as quickly as possible? Use these proven strategies to make engaging, trend-worthy videos (and go viral!).

Uttaran Samaddar

Posts Written By Uttaran Samaddar

How to Make a YouTube Timestamp Link (Step-by-Step Guide)

What is YouTube Frame by Frame Viewing

YouTube Monetization Update: Key Changes for Video Ads

Understanding the YouTube Algorithm in 2025

The Rise of YouTube on TV

How to Get More Views on YouTube: 12 Powerful Tips

YouTube Communities: Connect with Creators

Understanding YouTube Average View Duration

How To Make a Viewer Avatar for YouTube

Why New Creators are Being Pushed by YouTube in 2025

The Free Subscribers Formula: Why Malpractices Harm Your Channel

Outdoor Boys: Turning Passion into a Global Phenomenon