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Add chapter labels to a saved YouTube class recording by putting timestamp-and-title lines in its description in YouTube Studio, then saving the video. Start with 00:00, list at least three timestamps in ascending order, and make each chapter at least 10 seconds long. For a 24/7 feed, first plan for the archive: YouTube warns that a stream longer than 12 hours may not be captured, so use shorter sessions and keep a local recording backup.

Before adding chapters: make sure you have a saved recording

Chapters are added to a saved video’s description; they are not live markers for a stream in progress. YouTube says it can automatically archive streams under 12 hours, but a stream exceeding 12 hours may not be captured at all. It recommends keeping a local archive as a backup. For a continuous class feed, divide the program into separate sessions shorter than 12 hours, retain local copies, and add chapters to each saved video. Treat this as a practical response to YouTube’s stated archive limit, not as a special 24/7-chapter feature. YouTube’s live-stream archive guidance

If you already have the saved video you want to chapter, go directly to YouTube Studio.

Add manual chapter labels in YouTube Studio

  1. Sign in to YouTube Studio and select Content.
  2. Choose the saved class recording and open its video details.
  3. In Description, enter one timestamp and chapter title on each line. Start at 00:00. Include at least three timestamps total, in ascending order, and ensure that each chapter lasts at least 10 seconds.
  4. Save the video details. The timestamps and titles in the description form the manual chapters.

For example, the format could look like this. Replace the times and labels with points that match the actual recording:

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00:00 Welcome and class overview
08:35 First concept
21:10 Worked example

This is a formatting example, not a suggested transcript or a claim about a particular class. Check the recording so every timecode lands at the right point. YouTube’s video chapter requirements specify the timestamp order and minimum chapter duration. The video settings guidance lists a 5,000-character description limit, so keep the chapter list concise and leave room for the rest of the description. Edit video settings on a computer

Manual chapters or automatic chapters?

Approach Control Availability and reliability
Manual timestamps You choose the lesson boundaries and labels, but must enter and check the timecodes yourself. Requires access to video chapters and compliance with YouTube’s chapter rules. Manual entries override automatically generated chapters.
Automatic chapters YouTube determines the chapter divisions; you do not choose the exact boundaries in advance. Optional and not guaranteed: YouTube says not every video is eligible, and not every eligible video receives automatic chapters.

To allow automatic chapters where available, open the saved video’s expanded settings and find Automatic chapters. Manual chapters are preferable when you need dependable, instructor-chosen boundaries for a lesson. YouTube says to apply for advanced features if the channel does not yet have chapter access. Chapters may also be unavailable if the channel has active strikes or the content may be inappropriate for some viewers. See YouTube’s eligibility and chapter guidance.

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Do not confuse chapters with live DVR

DVR lets viewers pause and rewind while a live stream is playing. It is separate from chapters on a saved replay, and DVR capabilities may be limited or unavailable for streams longer than 12 hours. Adding description timestamps after a session does not create live chapter markers. YouTube’s DVR guidance

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Keep a 24/7 class feed running

StreamNeo is a cloud service for keeping a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live; the cloud loops the content, so your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. It is an option for running the feed, not a replacement for creating and chaptering saved recordings in YouTube Studio. Learn about StreamNeo.

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Or let it run in the cloud

  1. Upload the class recording or build a playlist.
  2. Add your YouTube stream key once.
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