How to get the chapter list from a downloaded youtube video
- Step 1Drop your video file — Drop your video
- Step 2Review detected chapter markers — JAD reads the chapter metadata
- Step 3Export chapter list or split clips — Download the JSON list of chapters with start times and titles
Frequently asked questions
What video formats support chapter markers?+
MKV (Matroska) has the most comprehensive chapter support, allowing nested chapters, hidden chapters, and multi-language chapter titles. MP4 supports chapters via QuickTime chapter tracks (used by iTunes and Final Cut Pro) and as FFmpeg-readable chapter atoms. WebM supports chapters. AVI and most raw codec containers do not support chapters. For files without embedded chapters, there are no markers to extract.
Can I add chapter markers to a video file?+
JAD's chapter extractor is currently a read/export-only tool. To add chapter markers to a video, use the FFmpeg metadata filter with a chapters file — JAD's metadata tool can inject a formatted chapter list into an MP4 container without re-encoding the video. YouTube chapters can also be added via the video description (00:00 Intro format) without modifying the video file.
How do I create YouTube chapter descriptions from extracted chapters?+
Export the chapter list as the formatted text option, which outputs chapters in the 00:00 Chapter Name format. Paste this directly into the YouTube video description. YouTube automatically detects the chapter timestamps and creates interactive chapter markers in the progress bar. The first timestamp must start at 00:00 for YouTube to recognise the format.
Privacy first
All video processing runs locally in your browser using WebAssembly and FFmpeg. No file is ever uploaded — only metadata counters are saved for signed-in dashboard stats.