How to link to a time in a YouTube video
- Paste the video's link. Watch links, youtu.be links and the 11-character ID all work.
- Type the start time as 1:30, 1:02:15, 90 or 1m30s.
- Copy the watch link, the short link or the embed code. Use Test the link to check it opens at the right moment.
The three formats
| Format | Example | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Watch link | youtube.com/watch?v=ID&t=90s | Messages, emails, documents |
| Short link | youtu.be/ID?t=90 | Social posts and anywhere characters count |
| Embed code | youtube.com/embed/ID?start=90 | Putting the video on a website |
Timestamps in comments and descriptions
In a comment, type a time such as 4:32 and YouTube makes it a clickable link to that moment in the same video.
In your own description, a list of times that starts at 0:00, with at least three entries and each section at least 10 seconds long, becomes chapters on the progress bar. The full how-to is in how to link to a specific time in a YouTube video.
Frequently asked questions
Does it work on Shorts?
No. Shorts loop and do not support start times, so the tool asks for a regular video link.
Why does my link start from the beginning?
Usually the time was written as t=1:30, which YouTube does not read. Use seconds or the 1m30s form. This tool writes it correctly for you.
Can I set an end time?
Embeds support an end parameter, but regular watch links do not. This tool sets start times only.
Is anything sent to a server?
No. The links are built in your browser from the video ID.
Guide by Nasir Uddin, founder of Passive Array. Rules and figures checked October 2026.