To determine the time to first report of signs of nicotine dependence among youth exclusive e-cigarette users and compare this time to that for exclusive cigarette users. Secondary analysis of data (Waves 1–5; 2013–2019) from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health was conducted. Youth never tobacco users in the United States who reported exclusive past-30-day (P30D) e-cigarette or cigarette use (n = 2940, N = 5,391,642) in at least one wave were included in the current analysis. Survival analysis was used to estimate the time to the first report of three nicotine dependence indicators (i.e., “use within 30 minutes of waking”; “cravings” and “really needing to use”) following the first report of P30D use. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR). There were no significant differences in the time to first report of “use within 30 minutes of waking” (aHR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.87–1.40) and “cravings” (aHR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.81–1.47) between exclusive P30D e-cigarette use and exclusive P30D cigarette use. However, compared to exclusive P30D e-cigarette use, the hazard of first reporting “really needing to use” tobacco was 39% (aHR 1.39; 95% CI: 1.05–1.84) times higher for those who reported exclusive P30D cigarette use after controlling for covariates. Compared to exclusive P30D cigarette use, no differences in the time to first report of signs of nicotine dependence (“use within 30 minutes” and “cravings”) were observed among exclusive P30D e-cigarette users. Policymakers and regulatory agencies should consider this evidence when assessing the abuse liability of e-cigarette products. •25% of youth cigarette smokers first report dependence within 2 years of P30D use.•25% of youth e-cigarette users first report dependence within 2 years of P30D use.•Time to first cravings for youth e-cigarette use is similar to cigarette smoking.•Time to first use within 30  minutesfor youth e-cigarette use parallels cigarettes.•Time to first really needing to use occurs sooner for cigarette than e-cigarette use.