How to Start a YouTube Video at a Specific Time?

[Lugwig]

I want to share a YouTube video that starts playing from a particular moment instead of the beginning. What’s the easiest way to do this on desktop and mobile?

 

[captainghost]

You can do this by pausing the video at the exact time you want and right-clicking it on desktop. Select ‘Copy video URL at current time.’ For mobile, tap Share → Copy link, then add ?t=XXs at the end, replacing XX with seconds.

 

[Emmawoods]

Basically, just tell people, ‘Hey skip to 3:42’… or ruin their lives by making them watch the intro anyway.

 

[TaylorTravels]

On desktop, using the URL parameter ?t= or &t= works reliably. For example:

will start at 2:05. On mobile, some apps auto-ignore the timestamp, so it’s safer to open in a browser.

 

[ArthurMex]

Oh sure, just because you hate intros, the world should skip them too. But yes, YouTube’s ‘start at’ feature exists.

 

[jimmy]

I’ve been sharing lecture clips for years this way. Always use the desktop method if possible; mobile can be quirky with some apps.

 

[AnnP111966]

Does anyone know if this works for embedded videos on websites too? I’ve tried a few times and it didn’t seem to start at the right spot.

 

[ethancarter]

Honestly, sometimes the timestamp parameter gets ignored depending on the video or platform version. Might be hit-or-miss.

 

[Ragnar Lothbrok]

Wait, you can do that? I’ve been manually telling my friends when to skip… gonna try this now, thanks!

 

[AnnisHayma]

Pro tip: For sharing with precise timing, always convert minutes into seconds and use ?t=###s. Works on desktop, mobile browsers, and embedded players 99% of the time.