# Why YouTube automatic chapters aren’t showing

By HeyMark · Updated November 6, 2026

If your video has no chapters generated by YouTube, check the video setting first, then review eligibility. This covers automatic generation; you can add manual timestamps separately when you need to control every section. ([YouTube Help](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9884579?hl=en).)

## Check the video setting

1. Open Studio and go to **Content**.
2. Select the video and expand **Show more**.
3. Find **Automatic chapters and key moments** and allow generation if the control is available.
4. Save, open the video, and check the player.

Enabling the setting does not guarantee chapters. [YouTube Help](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9884579?hl=en) documents eligibility requirements: advanced feature access may be needed, and active strikes or unsuitable content can prevent them.  If you need to choose the cuts yourself, use the [manual chapters guide](https://heymark.ai/en/solutions/add-youtube-chapters/).

## If there are still no sections

Check for manual chapters in the description: they override automatic chapters. If you do not yet have access to chapters, review [how to restore your channel’s Advanced features](https://heymark.ai/en/solutions/restore-youtube-advanced-features/). YouTube also excludes channels with active strikes or content that may be inappropriate for some viewers.

For future uploads, review **Settings → Upload defaults → Advanced settings** and the automatic chapters option when available and eligible. Save any change you want to apply. Return to this video’s individual setting to check it: an upload default does not show that the video already has chapters.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does enabling the setting guarantee chapters?

YouTube says some eligible videos still do not receive automatic chapters. Saving the permission does not show that chapters were generated.

### Do chapters in the description affect automatic chapters?

Yes. Manual chapters override automatic chapters for that video. You can keep the manual chapters when you need to choose each section.

## See it on your own accounts.

Connect Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn or YouTube and use HeyMark free for 7 days. Mark answers in your voice, and you approve what goes out.

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## Keep reading

- [Add chapters to a YouTube video](https://heymark.ai/en/solutions/add-youtube-chapters/): Add timestamp titles to your video description. Check the format and requirements if chapters don't appear.

## Developer and agent resources

- [HeyMark MCP documentation](https://heymark.ai/en/mcp/)
- [llms.txt](https://heymark.ai/llms.txt)
- [Full site content for language models](https://heymark.ai/llms-full.txt)
- MCP protocol endpoint: `POST https://mcp.heymark.ai`
- OAuth protected-resource metadata: [/.well-known/oauth-protected-resource](https://mcp.heymark.ai/.well-known/oauth-protected-resource)
- MCP server card: [/server-card](https://mcp.heymark.ai/server-card)