Should you use timestamps in your YouTube videos?
Will timestamps increase average view duration?
Can chapters increase returning viewers?
Those were the questions I had…
This video of mine got:
• 300k Views
• 50% Average Percentage Viewed (AVP)
WITHOUT timestamps.
BUT this video is only 4.5 minutes in duration…
So in my case, adding timestamps assumingely DECREASES AVP.
But what about a 8min video?
What about a 12min video?
What about longer videos?
Will adding timestamps increase OR decrease AVP?
IF YES, at what point? Which video duration?
AND ALSO, which type of video?
Educational only?
Or also Vlogs/other formats?
I HATE it when people online just say “stuff”.
“yeah adding timestamps helps.”
Source: trust me bro 😂🤣😭
As I always say: never “believe” me.
Verify for yourself.
So, here’s how you can find out if you should add timestamps based on data, proof and above all TRUTH 👇
1) Pick a video that is still getting views
And > 7 days old…recommended
2) Add or remove timestamps in the YouTube video description
Note down the time/date you do this, e.g. in Google Sheets
3) Open the advanced mode in YouTube studio
Add a comparison view with the following settings:
“Compare period over period”
Compare Metrics: “Average view duration”
Like this:
And then simply compare:
• AVD
• Views
• Comments added
And other stats you care about.
Do this once and you’ll have an “okay” answer to work with.
Do this for:
• Every video format
• Every video duration
• Multiple videos AND view counts that are statistically significant,
To find the most accurate answer in your specific situation.
💬 Reply “TIMESTAMP” to the email you receive when you get my Free Thumbnail Templates.
And I’ll share some my A/B test results when ready.
~ Jordan Kruk
PS: I designed over 1,000 thumbnails.
I made a Free Thumbnail Pack with templates you can Copy + Paste 👇
