Imagine you’re listening to a podcast and find a specific segment that perfectly encapsulates a key point. Instead of asking someone to start from the beginning, you can now send them a link that will start playing exactly at that moment. This is exactly what Google has made possible with its new feature on YouTube Music, which allows users to share links with timestamps for songs, mixes, and podcasts.
The timestamp-sharing feature allows users to direct others to a specific part of a song or podcast episode without having to manually search for it. This update is similar to the timestamp functionality already available on YouTube, making it easier for users to focus on the exact moments they want to highlight.
To share a timestamp, users can simply tap the ‘Share’ button while listening to a song or podcast. On the share sheet, they will see a toggle labelled “Start at x:xx” located at the top right. Enabling this toggle will ensure that the link generated will start at the exact timestamp selected, allowing recipients to jump straight to the desired part of the content. Once enabled, the link will automatically include a “t=XX” at the end, ensuring that the content starts at the specified time.
This feature is especially useful for sharing highlights from podcasts, mixes, or songs, allowing users to pinpoint a key moment without requiring the other person to listen to the entire track. Whether you’re recommending a song, pointing out an interesting discussion in a podcast, or simply sharing your favourite part of a mix, timestamp sharing makes the process seamless and convenient. The new functionality is gradually being rolled out as a server-side update.
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