YouTube Tips & Tricks
How to Start a YouTube Video at a Specific Time
5 Oct 2026 · 6 min read
Learn how to link directly to any point in a YouTube video on desktop, mobile, or inside an embedded player with simple URL tweaks.
YouTube Timestamp Link Generator
Make a link that starts a YouTube video at the exact moment you want, or turn a whole list of chapters into links.
Tip: a link that already has ?t= fills the time for you.
Short link
Full link
Embed URL
Many timestamps at once
How to link to a specific time in a YouTube video
- Paste the video link above.
- Enter the moment you want the video to start.
- Copy the short link and share it anywhere: chat, email, social posts or comments.
The link adds ?t= with the time in seconds. On a desktop you can also right-click a playing video and choose Copy video URL at current time.
Timestamps in embeds
Embedded players use start instead of t, and they also support end. The YouTube embed code generator sets both and builds the full iframe code for you.
Frequently asked questions
How do I share a YouTube video at a certain time on my phone?
Paste the link here, enter the time and copy the short link. The YouTube app's Share button does not add a start time, so a timestamp link is the easiest way.
What is the difference between t and start?
Watch links use t (for example ?t=90) while embedded players use start (for example ?start=90). Both count seconds from the beginning.
Do timestamp links work for YouTube Shorts?
No. Shorts always play from the beginning, so timestamps only work on regular videos.
Related guides
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