# You Can Now Share Timestamp Links for Songs, Podcasts, and More
Google has rolled out a much-awaited feature in its YouTube Music app that enables users to share links with timestamps for songs, podcasts, and additional audio content. This capability, which reflects a similar function found on the main YouTube app, is a significant advancement for podcast fans and music enthusiasts alike, allowing them to share particular moments in audio tracks with friends, family, or coworkers.
## What You Need to Know
– **Shift from Google Podcasts to YouTube Music**: Following the discontinuation of Google Podcasts, YouTube Music has emerged as Google’s main platform for delivering podcasts. While this transition initially drew some criticism due to the lack of several key features, Google has been actively enhancing the app to fulfill user demands.
– **Timestamp Sharing Now Available**: The recent update adds the feature to share audio links that start at a specific timestamp, a long-awaited addition.
– **Cross-Platform Availability**: This feature can be accessed on both iOS and Android versions of the YouTube Music app, and also on its web platform.
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## How the Feature Works
The newly introduced timestamp-sharing capability is crafted to facilitate smooth and intuitive sharing of specific moments within audio content. Here’s how you can use it:
1. **Access the Share Button**: While playing any song, podcast, or audio content in the YouTube Music app, tap the share button located on the “Now Playing” screen.
2. **Toggle the Timestamp Option**: A toggle labeled “Start at [timestamp]” will show up at the top right corner of the share card. Activate this option to generate a link that begins at your current position in the audio timeline.
3. **Generate the Link**: The app will add a `t=XX` parameter to the link, where `XX` represents the timestamp in seconds.
4. **Share the Link**: You can now share the generated link via messaging platforms, social media, or email, allowing recipients to directly access the specified moment.
This feature is particularly advantageous for long-form content like podcasts, where users often want to emphasize specific discussions or moments without needing the recipient to listen to the entire episode.
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## Why This Matters
The introduction of timestamp sharing fills a notable void in YouTube Music’s feature offerings, especially for podcast listeners. Unlike traditional podcast applications, which have long provided timestamped sharing, YouTube Music previously lacked this capability. By rolling out this feature, Google is working to position YouTube Music as a competitive platform for both music and podcast enjoyment.
### Benefits for Users
– **Enhanced Sharing Experience**: Whether it’s a beloved lyric in a song, a humorous moment in a podcast, or an insightful conversation, users can now share specific portions of audio content with accuracy.
– **Improved Podcast Listening**: For podcast lovers, timestamp sharing simplifies referencing and sharing pivotal moments, fostering more engaging discussions around the content.
– **Universal Application**: While this feature is particularly beneficial for podcasts, it applies to all types of audio content on YouTube Music, including music tracks.
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## Availability
The timestamp-sharing functionality has been introduced as a server-side update, meaning users do not need to manually update their app to utilize it. However, availability may differ across devices, with some users noticing delays in receiving the update. This feature is also available on the YouTube Music web client, which was redesigned earlier this year.
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## A Step Forward for YouTube Music
Google’s choice to close Google Podcasts and integrate its audio offerings under YouTube Music was initially met with doubt. Nevertheless, the launch of features like timestamp sharing illustrates the company’s dedication to enhancing the platform. By responding to user feedback and incorporating functionalities that enrich the listening and sharing experience, YouTube Music is steadily transforming into a more capable and adaptable app.
Whether you’re a podcast buff, a music lover, or simply someone who enjoys sharing audio content with others, the new timestamp-sharing feature is a fantastic addition that enhances YouTube Music’s user-friendliness and engagement.
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### Final Thoughts
The capability to share timestamped links is a minor yet significant feature that highlights the importance of user-focused design in contemporary applications. As YouTube Music continues to progress, features like these will be vital in defining its identity as a preferred platform for both music and podcasts.
So, when you stumble upon a remarkable moment in a podcast or a lyric from a song that speaks to you, you can now share it with pinpoint accuracy — all thanks to YouTube Music’s recent update.
