Want to share a specific moment from a YouTube video without making your friends scroll through the whole thing? Let me show you how to create and share timestamps that jump right to the good parts.
Creating YouTube Timestamps in Comments
The simplest way to timestamp a YouTube video is right in the comments section. Just type the time in hours:minutes:seconds format (like 1:30 or 2:45:30) and YouTube automatically converts it into a clickable link. For example, typing “check out 2:30” will create a link that jumps to 2 minutes and 30 seconds into the video.
Advanced Timestamp Formatting
For more precise control, here’s how to format your timestamps:
– Under 1 hour: Use M:SS (2:45)
– Over 1 hour: Use H:MM:SS (1:15:30)
– Multiple timestamps: Separate with commas or line breaks
Creating Timestamped Links to Share
Want to share a video that starts at a specific moment? Here’s how:
1. Pause the video at your desired timestamp
2. Right-click the video
3. Select “Copy video URL at current time”
Alternatively, add “&t=XmYs” to the end of the video URL, where X is minutes and Y is seconds. For example, adding “&t=2m30s” starts the video at 2:30.
Pro Tips for Content Creators
If you’re creating content, you can add timestamps to your video descriptions to help viewers navigate longer videos. Just list the timestamps with labels:
0:00 – Intro
2:30 – Main Topic
15:45 – Conclusion
YouTube will automatically convert these into clickable links. Plus, these timestamps now appear as chapters in the video progress bar, making navigation even easier.
Mobile Timestamp Creation
On your phone? You can still create timestamps! The format works the same way in mobile comments and descriptions. For sharing, tap the “Share” button and check the “Start at” box to create a timestamped link.
Remember, timestamps are a courtesy to your viewers – they help people find exactly what they’re looking for without wasting time. Whether you’re sharing a funny moment, referencing a specific point in a tutorial, or organizing your own content, mastering timestamps makes YouTube more user-friendly for everyone.
