Add chapter timestamps to an Apple Podcasts episode description

Draft the map

Listen to the final audio and note meaningful topic changes. Name the subject rather than writing “part two.” Here is an original example for an imaginary conversation about making a book:

00:00:00 The binding problem
00:04:20 Choosing paper
00:12:10 Folding a test booklet
00:21:35 Before printing

These are illustrative timestamps, not a playable episode. Replace them with positions from your own final audio.

Choose a supported route

Apple also accepts chapters through a host’s RSS chapter feature or supported audio-file metadata. Choose a method your host supports; you need not combine every available method.

After publishing, test the listener-facing chapter jumps and record the app used. Your host’s description preview is one checkpoint, not the final result.

Keep the audio and notes together

Chapters are a navigation outline. A transcript represents speech in greater detail. Four topic headings do not function as a timed transcript.

Save the chapter list beside the final audio filename. If you replace the opening or edit a segment later, revisit the timestamps before reusing the list. This simple editorial check keeps your own navigation notes from drifting away from the audio.