Taking Video Notes in Obsidian: 2026 Guide

• Media Notes Plugin – Embed videos directly in your notes, add clickable timestamps, and navigate quickly.
• Timestamp Notes Plugin – Create timestamped notes that link back to exact video moments.
• Media Extended Plugin – Play videos inside Obsidian and add notes without leaving your vault.
• Native Embeds – Use Markdown syntax ![](video-link) to embed YouTube or local videos.

These plugins are great for learners who want everything in one place, though they don't usually go beyond timestamping.

#Browser Extensions

Sometimes, you don't want to keep Obsidian open while watching a video — especially if you're on YouTube, Udemy, or Zoom. That's where browser extensions come in:

• YiNote – Lets you pause, capture screenshots with timestamps, and export notes directly to Markdown.
• HoverNotes – A newer option that turns video watching into an AI-driven note-taking session.

HoverNotes in particular takes a different approach with:

• ✨ AI-enhanced notes (tables, diagrams, code snippets)
• 📸 One-click screenshots + timestamps
• 💾 Local-first storage into your Obsidian vault
• 🎯 Works everywhere (YouTube, Udemy, Coursera, Google Meet, Zoom, offline videos)
• 🚫 Ad-free learning (blocks ads & distractions, even on YouTube)

#Quick Comparison

#Why This Matters

Video learning often feels passive: you watch, you forget, and you have to rewatch. With the right tools, video learning becomes active and searchable inside your Obsidian vault. That means you learn once, and keep the knowledge forever.

The key is finding the workflow that fits your learning style. Whether you prefer staying inside Obsidian with plugins or using browser-based tools that sync to your vault, the important thing is making your video learning stick.

#Getting Started

1. Choose your approach: Plugin-based (stay in Obsidian) or browser-based (watch anywhere)
2. Test the workflow: Try taking notes on a short video to see what feels natural
3. Build the habit: Consistent note-taking is more valuable than perfect tools
4. Review regularly: Use Obsidian's linking and search to revisit your video notes

#How to Choose the Right Workflow

Start with the kind of video you watch most often. An Obsidian plugin is a good fit when the video can be embedded and you want every step to happen inside your vault. A browser workflow is more practical when courses live behind logins, use custom players, or span several learning platforms. If diagrams, code, or slides matter, choose a workflow that captures visual context instead of relying on transcripts alone.

Test one approach on a real lesson before reorganizing your whole vault. Confirm that timestamps reopen the correct moment, screenshots remain available locally, and exported notes are easy to search. The best setup is the one you can repeat without interrupting the lesson every few minutes.

The future of learning is active, not passive. These tools help bridge that gap between consuming video content and building lasting knowledge in your personal system.

#Try HoverNotes

Ready to transform your video learning? Get HoverNotes from the Chrome Web Store and start turning every video into permanent knowledge in your Obsidian vault.