YouTube has announced a significant update to how users share video content on mobile devices. The platform is introducing “Share at Timestamp,” a feature that lets mobile users share a video link that begins playing from a specific moment — functionality that was previously only available on desktop.
The End of YouTube Clips
The arrival of timestamp sharing also signals the retirement of YouTube’s Clips feature, which was introduced in 2021. Clips allowed viewers to cut out short segments from longer videos and live streams for sharing. With the new update, timestamp sharing will become the primary method for highlighting specific moments in videos. Existing clips will remain viewable, but users will no longer be able to set a custom end time or add a description when sharing.
YouTube acknowledged that some users would be disappointed by the change, pointing to several third-party tools with advanced clipping capabilities as alternatives for those who need more precise editing options.
What Creators Can Expect Next
Rather than letting viewers clip content freely, YouTube appears to be shifting control toward creators themselves. The platform already offers Video Clips within YouTube Studio, allowing creators to republish segments from longer videos and archived streams. Later this year, YouTube plans to expand Video Clips to Shorts and introduce auto-suggestions to help creators identify their most shareable moments.
The broader shift makes sense for the platform — full-video sharing drives longer watch times, improves data accuracy for creators, and aligns with YouTube’s identity as a hub for long-form original content. The move balances viewer convenience with creator interests.