How to format timestamps for X

June 13, 2025

If you're posting a video to X (formerly Twitter) and want to ensure your timestamps are formatted properly so users can click them, use the prompt below to convert them.

Here’s an example. As you’ll see, you can click any timestamp to jump around in the episode.

X’s official documentation suggests that any of these formats will work:

• x:xx
• xx:xx
• x:xx:xx
• xx:xx:xx

That has not been the case in my experience, and I have not tried any format other than H:MM since learning the hard way.

For now, I recommend sticking with H:MM, which works.

AI Prompt

Convert timestamps from the HH:MM:SS format to the (H:MM) format. Ensure leading zeros are removed from the hour and minute positions when unnecessary (e.g., 00:02:27 → (2:27), 01:08:00 → (1:08)). Wrap each timestamp in parentheses, such as 00:45:01 converting to (45:01). Ensure that all timestamps remain aligned with their associated text without introducing extra spaces or line breaks.