YouTube description template: fill a few boxes, copy a ready description

How to use the template

1. Write one or two lines on what the video is about and who it is for.
2. Add your timestamps and chapter names, starting with 00:00.
3. Add the links you want viewers to use: your other videos, a playlist, social profiles, a product or recipe page.
4. Add credits, a sponsor note if there is one, and a few hashtags.
5. Copy the finished description and paste it into the Description box in YouTube Studio.

The parts of a good YouTube description

A description is not a place to stuff keywords. It is a short guide for the viewer who wants to know more, and a plain summary that helps YouTube understand the video. The template keeps the parts in an order that works for most videos.

• Opening lines: what the video is about, in plain words. Only the first line or two show before the viewer taps 'more', so this is the part most people read.
• Chapters: timestamps that split the video into sections.
• Links: the next video to watch, a playlist, things mentioned in the video.
• Credits and disclosures: music, collaborators, and a clear note if the video is sponsored.
• Hashtags: a few relevant ones at the end.

Chapters: the rules YouTube sets

Chapters let viewers jump to the part they need, and they appear on the progress bar of the video. YouTube builds them from the timestamps in your description, but only if they follow these rules (YouTube Help: Video chapters):

• The first timestamp must start at 00:00.
• There must be at least three timestamps, listed in ascending order.
• Each chapter must be at least 10 seconds long.

Tips for chapter names

Note your timestamps while you edit, then type them into the template with the first one at 00:00. YouTube can also create chapters on its own, and any chapters you add yourself replace the automatic ones. Give each chapter a short name that a viewer would understand at a glance, like 'Making the kat' instead of 'Part 2'.

How long should a YouTube description be?

YouTube allows up to 5,000 characters (YouTube Help: Edit video settings). You do not need to use them all. A few clear lines, chapters and the links that matter are enough for most videos. Tutorials, recipes and reviews often need more, because viewers look for ingredients, steps or specifications.

Write the description in the same language as the video. A Hindi video can have a Hindi description, with product or app names in English where that is how people search.

Sponsors and affiliate links

If a brand paid you or gave you something for the video, say so clearly near the top of the description and in the video itself. YouTube Studio also has a paid promotion box in the video details that you should tick when it applies. A clear note keeps the trust of your viewers, which matters more than any one deal.

Want the description written for you?

The template is for when you know what to say and want it laid out neatly. If you would rather start from your idea, the free Videxa generator writes a description along with titles, hashtags and tags from a one-line idea, in English or 9 Indian languages. A free account adds your own voice, from a 2 minute quiz, and your channel's public details.

Examples by niche and language

Made-up channels, to show the style.

Recipe, English

Kolhapuri misal at home

• Spicy Kolhapuri misal at home, with a kat that tastes like the ones from Kolhapur's small eateries. Simple ingredients, no special masala needed.
• 00:00 What we are making
• 00:40 Ingredients
• 02:10 Making the kat
• 05:30 Cooking the matki
• 08:15 Serving with pav and farsan
• Full recipe playlist: [your playlist link]
• #kolhapurimisal #maharashtrianfood #homecooking

Product review, Hinglish

Budget phone under 15000, 1 month review

• Is phone ko maine 1 mahina daily use kiya. Camera, battery aur gaming par meri honest raay, students ke liye.
• 00:00 Intro
• 00:45 Design aur display
• 03:20 Camera samples
• 06:10 Battery aur charging
• 08:30 Kise lena chahiye
• Phone mujhe khud kharidna pada, ye sponsored video nahi hai.
• #budgetphone #techhindi

Tutorial, Hindi

UPSC के लिए current affairs नोट्स कैसे बनाएं

• रोज़ के अखबार से UPSC Prelims के लिए छोटे, काम के नोट्स कैसे बनाएं, यह इस वीडियो में step by step देखिए।
• 00:00 शुरुआत
• 01:15 कौन सी खबरें चुनें
• 04:00 नोट्स का format
• 07:30 हफ्ते में revision कैसे करें
• पूरी UPSC playlist: [your playlist link]
• #UPSC #currentaffairs

Short, English

30 second masala chai

• Masala chai in 30 seconds, the way my aaji makes it.
• Full 5 minute recipe: [link to your long video]
• #chai #indianrecipes

Questions

How long can a YouTube description be?

Up to 5,000 characters (YouTube Help: Edit video settings). Most videos need far less.

Why are my chapters not showing?

Check YouTube's rules: the first timestamp must be 00:00, there must be at least three timestamps in ascending order, and each chapter must be at least 10 seconds long (YouTube Help: Video chapters).

Should I put keywords in my description?

Describe the video naturally, and the right words will be there. Long lists of keywords do not help viewers and YouTube's spam policies do not allow misleading or excessive tags in descriptions.

Can I save my own template for every video?

YouTube Studio has upload defaults where you can set a description that appears on every new upload. Use it for links that never change, then add the summary and chapters for each video.

Can I write the description in Hindi or Marathi?

Yes. Type in any language in the boxes. If you want the description written for you in Hindi, Marathi or another Indian language, use the free generator.

Does this tool post the description to YouTube?

No. You copy the finished text and paste it into YouTube Studio yourself.