Automate (almost) your YouTube Chapter Creation in OBS

A workflow and tool to transform your content timestamps into YouTube-ready chapter markers. No uploads, no data collection — everything happens right in your browser.

Select File To Convert

Drag & Drop your timestamps log file or click to select from system

Only .txt files containing timestamps will be processed

Setup Guide & How To Use

This workflow isn't perfect and a bit of a hack, but it works for me. I hope it helps you too!

Step 1: Set Up the Timestamp Plugin

The Elgato Timestamp plugin lets you mark memorable events with a simple key press, perfect for creating YouTube chapters:

Elgato Stream Deck with Timestamp Plugin
  1. Install the official Timestamp plugin from the Stream Deck Marketplace
  2. Add the "New Log" action to start tracking timestamps
  3. Add the "Marker" action to mark key moments during your stream
  4. Make sure "Elapsed time" is checked in the Marker settings

Step 2: Create Multi-Actions for Show or Stream Segments

For streamlined workflow, create Multi-Actions that both change your scene and mark timestamps:

An example of a multi-action in OBS
  1. Create a new Multi-Action button on your Stream Deck
  2. Add your scene switching action (e.g., "OBS Studio: Scene")
  3. Add the "Timestamp: Marker" action to the same Multi-Action
  4. Set a descriptive title for the marker (e.g., "Guest Introduction", "Q&A Session")
  5. Repeat for each segment of your show

This allows you to simultaneously switch scenes and mark timestamps with a single button press.

Step 3: During Your Stream

While streaming, use your Stream Deck to mark important segments:

The dual streamdeck setup I use to run shows
  1. Don't forget to press the "New Log" button at the beginning of your stream, or your timestamps won't get logged!
  2. You'll also want to
  3. As your show progresses, press your Multi-Action buttons to switch scenes and mark timestamps
  4. Each press creates a timestamp with your pre-defined label
  5. Continue marking all important segments throughout your stream

Step 4: Check Your Timestamps

After your stream is complete:

  1. Press the "New Log" button again to end the logging session (important)
  2. Your timestamp log will be saved as a .txt file in the directory you set up
  3. The log file will contain lines like:
    elapsed time: 00:02:39 text: Last Week's Episode

Step 5: Convert to YouTube Chapters

Use our converter to transform your timestamps to YouTube-compatible chapter markers:

  1. Drag and drop your timestamp file into the converter
  2. The first chapter will be set to 00:00 (YouTube requirement)
  3. If there is no timestamp in the first 10 seconds of your log, a generic "Intro" chapter will be created
  4. Adjust the offset if needed (see below)
  5. Copy the formatted chapters
  6. Paste into your YouTube video description

Why You Might Need the Offset Feature

The offset feature is essential for streamers because:

  • Stream Start Timing: The exact moment you go live often doesn't match when you start your timestamp log
  • Editing Adjustments: If you trim portions of your video before uploading to YouTube
  • Added Content: If you add an intro to your video that wasn't in the original stream
  • VOD vs. Stream: Differences between your live stream and the final video on demand

How to Use the Offset:

  • Positive Offset: Moves all timestamps later (e.g., +5 seconds if you added a 5-second intro)
  • Negative Offset: Moves all timestamps earlier (e.g., -10 seconds if you trimmed the first 10 seconds)
  • Use the preset buttons for quick adjustments or enter a specific value for precise control
  • The first chapter will always remain at 00:00 as required by YouTube

Benefits of Using the Timestamp Plugin with Our Converter

The Elgato Timestamp plugin paired with our converter offers streamers several advantages:

  • Real-time Marking: Mark every moment during your live stream without disrupting your flow
  • Time Saving: No more scrubbing through recordings or scribbling notes
  • Workflow Integration: Combine scene switching and timestamp marking with Multi-Actions
  • Format Conversion: Automatically convert from Elgato's format to YouTube's required format
  • Fine-Tuning: Adjust timestamps with precise offset controls to match your final video

I created this tool to help my own workflow. I understand it might not work for everyone. Please feel free to reach out with any comments or suggestions.