YouTube Timestamp Link Generator
Turn any YouTube video into a link that starts at an exact moment. Set the time, copy the link, or paste a chapter list to generate a set of jump links at once.
Why creators choose YouTube (YT) Toolkit over VidIQ & TubeBuddy
- 100% free - no subscription tiers or hidden usage limits on core tools.
- No login / no account - paste a URL and run instantly.
- No browser extension - full web app on mobile, tablet, and desktop.
What is a YouTube timestamp link?
A timestamp link is a normal YouTube URL with a start time attached, so the video begins playing at an exact moment instead of the beginning. It works by appending ?t= and the number of seconds — for example https://youtu.be/VIDEOID?t=90 opens at 1:30.
Rather than telling someone “skip to about 3 minutes in,” you send a link that lands them there instantly. This tool converts hours, minutes, and seconds into the correct link for you, and can turn a full chapter list into a set of jump links in one step.
How to create a timestamp link
- Paste the video URL — Any watch,
youtu.be, or shorts link works. - Set the start time — Enter hours, minutes, and seconds, or switch to bulk mode for a list of chapters.
- Copy the link — Click to copy a single link, or export the whole set as text.
When timestamp links are useful
- Answering comments — Point viewers to the exact part of a video that answers their question.
- Sharing highlights — Send the best 20 seconds of a long stream or podcast.
- Documentation & support — Link to the precise step in a tutorial.
- Show notes — Build a clickable chapter index for podcasts and interviews.
Timestamp link vs video chapters
A timestamp link is for sharing — it jumps a viewer to a moment. Video chapters are for navigation inside your own video and are created by listing timestamps (starting at 0:00) in the description. If you want the chapter timestamps for your description, generate them with the AI Timestamp Generator, then use this tool to turn any of them into shareable jump links.
Related tools
Pair this with the Timestamp Generator for description chapters, the Embed Code Generator to embed a clip that starts at a set time, and the Transcript Extractor to find the exact moments worth linking.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a YouTube link start at a specific time?
Add the ?t= parameter to the URL followed by the number of seconds. For example, https://youtu.be/VIDEOID?t=90 starts playback at 1 minute 30 seconds. This tool builds that link for you from hours, minutes, and seconds so you do not have to convert to seconds by hand.
What is the difference between ?t= and &t= in a YouTube link?
Use ?t= when the time is the first parameter in the URL (as with youtu.be short links) and &t= when the URL already has a parameter such as ?v=VIDEOID. Both set the start time. This tool uses the youtu.be short format with ?t=, which works everywhere.
Does the timestamp work on mobile and in embeds?
Yes. The ?t= start time works in the YouTube app, mobile browsers, and desktop. For embedded players the equivalent parameter is start= (in seconds); the shareable youtu.be link this tool generates works for normal viewing and sharing.
Can I generate links for a whole list of chapters at once?
Yes. Switch to bulk mode and paste one timestamp per line, optionally followed by a label (for example "1:30 First point"). The tool creates a jump link for each line and lets you copy or download them together.
What time formats can I paste in bulk mode?
You can use seconds (90), minutes:seconds (1:30), or hours:minutes:seconds (1:05:30). Any text after the timestamp on the same line becomes the chapter label.
Is this the same as adding chapters to my video?
No. Chapters are created by putting timestamps in your video description starting at 0:00. This tool makes shareable links that jump to a moment — useful in comments, community posts, and messages. To generate the description timestamps themselves, use the AI Timestamp Generator.
More product questions are answered on the home FAQ. For privacy or advertising topics, see our Privacy Policy.