YouTube description template: 3 copyable formats

Since you're likely here for the templates, here they are: one for tutorials, one for reviews, and one for vlogs or podcasts. Copy the one that fits, replace the brackets, and delete anything your video doesn't need.

All three follow the same idea. Say what the video is about in the first lines, then add links, chapters, and credits.

The 3 YouTube description templates

Pick the one closest to why people watch. Everything in brackets gets replaced. The chapter times are examples, so change them to match your video.

Tutorial or how-to template

Lead with the finished result and anything people need before they start.

Learn how to [specific task] using [tool or method].
I cover [main step], [common difficulty], and [finished result].

Before you start:
- [Tool, ingredient, or software version]
- [Required file, account, or preparation]

Follow-along resource: [full URL]

Chapters:
00:00 What we are making
00:40 Setup and materials
02:15 Follow-along steps
06:30 Check the result and fix common mistakes

Mentioned in this video:
[Resource name]: [full URL]

Watch next: [related video or playlist URL]
Credits: [people, music, or sources to credit]

If a software update could change the steps, name the version. Delete the follow-along line if you don't have one.

Review template

Say what you tested and the question the review answers. Include how you got the product.

Is [product and model] a good fit for [specific use]?
I test [feature or task] and explain [strength] and [limitation].

[Say whether you bought the product, received it for free, or were paid to feature it.]
[If you earn a commission from links, explain that here.]

Test setup:
[Version, environment, and relevant comparison]

Chapters:
00:00 The question this review answers
00:35 Product and test setup
02:10 Results from the test
05:20 Tradeoffs and who it suits

Product details: [full URL]
Alternative mentioned: [full URL]
Watch next: [related comparison or review URL]
Credits: [people, music, or sources to credit]

Only claim what your review supports. If you tested a mic in a quiet room, say that. Delete the affiliate line if you don't use affiliate links.

Vlog or podcast template

The first line is the vlog opening and the second is the podcast opening. Keep the one you need and delete the other.

I visit [place] to [activity]. Here's [specific moment or useful detail].
[Guest name] joins me to talk about [topic]. We cover [specific question] and [main takeaway].

In this episode:
- [A specific question, stop, or scene]
- [Another moment worth finding again]

Chapters:
00:00 Opening
01:00 Meeting the guest or setting the scene
04:30 Main conversation or activity
12:00 Closing thoughts

Guest or place mentioned: [name and full URL]
Episode notes: [full URL]
Watch the related episode: [video or playlist URL]

Credits: [people, music, or sources to credit]
About this channel: [one sentence]

For a podcast, double-check how your guest spells their name.

What should go in a YouTube description?

A good description answers the questions people have while they watch, like where to find the file you mentioned or where the next part starts.

You don't need every section on every video. Here's the order I'd use:

1. Explain the video. Say what people will learn or see.
2. Add the most useful link. The recipe, download, or notes the video depends on.
3. Add chapters. Use real times from the finished edit, not your script.
4. List other links and credits. Label each link so people know what it opens.
5. Suggest one next video. One related video or playlist beats a list of everything.

If a video includes a paid promotion, turn on YouTube's paid promotion setting too. It doesn't replace any other disclosure you're required to make.

Why the first lines matter

YouTube suggests using the first few lines to describe your video. Put the useful summary before the description expands, not below your links and channel bio.

Vague: "Welcome back! Don't forget to subscribe and check out my links."

Specific: "Make cold brew at home with a jar and a kitchen strainer. I show the ratio, how long to steep it, and how I adjust the finished drink."

Don't write for an exact character cutoff. How much shows depends on where people see it. YouTube suggests checking how your description looks in search, on the watch page, and on mobile.

If you're stuck on the opening, try my free YouTube description generator. It drafts one with chapter and link placeholders. Check every detail against your video before you use it.

Chapter rules for your timestamps

YouTube's chapter rules are simple. The first timestamp is 00:00, you need at least 3 timestamps in order from first to last, and every chapter has to be at least 10 seconds long.

Watch the last one too. If your final timestamp is only a few seconds before the end, move it earlier or delete it.

If chapters still don't show up, your channel may need advanced features first. My guide on how to add chapters to a YouTube video covers that and the rest of the troubleshooting.

Check this before you paste

You can reuse your channel links and basic credits. Rewrite the opening for each video, and review sponsorship and affiliate disclosures each time.

1. Replace every bracket. Search for [ and delete lines you didn't use.
2. Check every claim. Make sure the opening, details, and chapter titles are about this video, not the last one.
3. Open each link. YouTube's link rules say clickable external links in long-form descriptions need advanced features (extra tools you get after verifying your channel in YouTube Studio). URLs in Shorts descriptions aren't clickable.
4. Stay under 5,000 characters. That's YouTube's limit, and most descriptions won't come close.
5. Keep tags out. A paragraph of keywords doesn't help anyone. Here's how YouTube tags work instead.