Adding chapters to a YouTube video is like giving viewers a roadmap through your content. Instead of speeding through your video to find the part they’re interested in, they can just jump there with one click.

This makes your video much more interesting because you let people choose the parts that are most important to them. This is especially useful for longer videos or tutorials, where viewers may only need certain information.

Plus, the easier you make it for them to navigate, the more likely they are to stick around—and this benefits your engagement and channel watch time!

Here’s how to add chapters to YouTube videos, either manually or automatically, to improve your viewers’ viewing experience:

How to add chapters to YouTube videos: Simple steps to follow

Let’s start with the classic approach, adding chapters manually:

Add chapters to YouTube videos manually

If you want complete control over how you add chapters to your YouTube videos, manual chapter creation is the way to go. This method allows you to determine exactly where parts of your YouTube video begin and how they are titled, making it easier for viewers to navigate your content.

1. Sign in to YouTube Studio: Open YouTube and log in to your account.
2. Access the content menu: From the left menu, select Contents. This will display a list of your uploaded videos.
3. Select the video: Click on the video you want to edit.
4. Add timestamp and title: In the description box, add a list of YouTube timestamps in ascending order. Your first timestamp should start at 00:00 (for example, 00:00 – Introduction). Add at least three timestamps, and make sure each chapter is at least 10 seconds long.
5. Save changes: Once you have added all the YouTube chapter bookmarks, click Keep to complete your changes.

Manual chapters replace any automatic chapters, giving you complete control over adding chapters to YouTube videos. This is an easy way to make your videos easier to navigate and improve the viewer experience.

By the way, if you don’t want to rewatch your video over and over again, just use an automatic transcription tool to identify exactly where you need the chapters without having to repeat the entire video again.

However, if you prefer a faster approach, the automatic method will suit you better:

Use auto chapters for YouTube videos

YouTube offers an auto-chapter feature, which uses AI to detect important moments in your videos. Here’s how to add chapters to YouTube videos automatically:

1. Sign in to YouTube Studio: Log in to your YouTube account and visit YouTube Studios.
2. Access the content menu: From the left side, click Fill.
3. Select the video: Select the video you want to edit and click.
4. Enable Auto Chapters: Scroll down, click Show moreand find the option for automatic chapters below Auto Chapter part. Make sure the box for “Allow automatic chapters and key moments” checked (on by default for all uploads).
5. Save Changes: Click Keep to apply automatic chapters.

Auto chapters are a great solution if you’re looking for a quick way to add chapters to YouTube videos. However, keep in mind that not all videos are eligible for this feature—especially if they contain content marked as inappropriate or if the channel has an active strike.

The steps are the same for the mobile version; make sure you download the YouTube Studio app and follow the same instructions. To access InformationYou’ll need to click on the pencil icon on your video, which will allow you to edit it. From there, just add chapters manually and save your changes.

How chapters increase audience retention and search visibility

Adding a YouTube video section not only makes life easier for viewers—it can also give your channel a powerful boost when it comes to keeping people engaged and showing up in search results. Let’s break it down into a few key benefits:

1) Viewers stay longer

By providing YouTube chapter bookmarks, you allow viewers to jump to the sections they are most interested in. This reduces the chances of them abandoning your video if they don’t find what they want right away. When people watch longer, your audience retention rate increases, and that’s something the YouTube algorithm loves!

2) Search friendly chapters

When you add a timestamp to a YouTube video description, YouTube indexes each chapter individually. This means your video can appear in search results not only for the entire video but for each chapter. More opportunities for search visibility means more opportunities for viewers to find your content, whether they’re looking for a specific tip or topic covered in one of your chapters.

3) Better user experience = Higher engagement

Offering sections in YouTube videos makes the overall experience better for your viewers. When viewers can easily navigate to things that interest them, they’re more likely to engage with your content—liking, commenting, and even sharing. Well-organized videos show that you care about your viewers’ time, and this can increase viewer loyalty.

Best practices for naming your YouTube chapters

When naming parts of your YouTube video, the key is to keep things simple and to the point. You want your chapter titles to be clear and relevant so viewers know exactly what they’re clicking on. Here are some best practices to help you create chapter titles that enhance the viewing experience:

1) Keep it concise

Short and sweet is the way to go. Your chapter title should give viewers a brief overview of what’s in the section without overwhelming them. Use a few words that summarize important points.

2) Make it relevant

Each chapter title should directly reflect what happens in that section of the video. Think of it like labeling a folder—if the name is confusing or off-topic, viewers might miss it altogether.

3) Use keywords

Incorporating relevant keywords into your chapter titles can help with search visibility. Just make sure it doesn’t feel forced—let the keywords fit the content naturally so the chapter sounds useful, not spammy.

4) Stay consistent

Use a consistent naming style throughout your chapters. Whether in sentence form, all caps, or starting each title with a verb, consistency helps your videos look polished and professional, making it easier for viewers to scan.

5) Avoid terms that are too technical

Unless your audience is very niche, stick to language that most people understand. Avoid jargon or technical terms that might confuse your audience—keep it friendly and accessible.

6) Make it interesting

Don’t be afraid to add a little personality to your chapter titles. A catchy or catchy name can grab attention and encourage viewers to click on different sections, especially for entertainment or creative content.

Final thoughts

To optimize your YouTube video chapters for SEO, be sure to include relevant keywords in your chapter titles and descriptions, as this can increase your search visibility. Additionally, remember that your timestamps should be formatted properly and your chapters well organized for easy navigation. A clear structure not only improves the viewer experience but also signals to the YouTube algorithm that your content is valuable.

And our final takeaway, if you want to simplify the entire content creation process, Podcastle tools can help. From recording to editing and publishing, Podcastle offers everything you need to create high-quality videos and optimize them for maximum reach. So, make sure you give it a try!