How to Create a YouTube Playlist
From their collection of videos, users can create playlists and then save them to their "Library." These can then be posted on a channel or sent to friends. Additionally, settings allow other video hosting users to add their videos to a playlist. But how do you create a YouTube playlist from scratch, how do you edit it, delete it, and set access? In this article, we will thoroughly explore all these questions.
YouTube playlists are a convenient tool for organizing videos by topic, genre, author, or any other criteria. With them, you can group your favorite videos, create collections for learning, work, or entertainment, and share them with subscribers and friends. The material will be useful for both ordinary users who want to organize their saved videos, and for bloggers and streamers who use playlists to structure content on their channel.
What is a YouTube playlist and why is it needed
Before understanding how to create a YouTube playlist, let's define the concept. A playlist is a collection of videos united by a common theme or characteristic. You can create playlists from other people's videos or from your own videos uploaded to your channel. Playlists appear in your account's "Library" and can also be visible on your channel if you make them public.
Why are playlists needed? First, they help organize the chaotic stream of saved videos. Instead of one long "Watch Later" list, you create separate folders: "Cooking," "Travel," "English Lessons," "Music," and so on. Second, playlists are easy to share with friends — just send one link to a collection, not dozens of links to individual videos. Third, for channel owners, playlists increase watch time: viewers watch one video after another automatically, without leaving your channel.
Please note! YouTube rules prohibit adding videos to playlists on children's channels. Only channel administrators can do this. If you own a children's channel, please be aware of this restriction.
How to create a YouTube playlist from a computer
Creating a YouTube playlist via the computer version of the site is the most common and convenient way. The interface allows you to make all settings on a large screen, and managing collections is intuitive.
Step-by-step instructions for creating a playlist
To create your first playlist, you need to open the "Guide" tab (the icon with three horizontal lines in the upper left corner), and then click the "Library" button. Inside the library, you will see all your playlists, watch history, and saved videos. Then, the following steps are performed sequentially.
First step. Find and open the video you want to add to the new playlist. You can start with any video on YouTube — your own or someone else's.
Second step. Below the video player, click the "Save" button. It looks like a plus icon or the word "Save." After clicking, a drop-down menu will appear.
Third step. In the drop-down menu, click "Watch Later," then "Favorites" — these are standard playlists that are created automatically. But we need to create a new one, so let's look further.
Fourth step. In the same menu, find the option "Open existing playlist or create new." Click on "Create new playlist."
Fifth step. When creating a new playlist, you need to add a title. Come up with a short, clear title that reflects the content of the collection. For example, "Best Movies 2024," "Guitar Lessons," or "Funny Cats." The title should be such that you yourself remember what's inside a month later.
Playlist access settings
Next, you need to configure video access settings in the menu. YouTube offers several privacy options for playlists. A public playlist is visible to all users. It appears in your library, on your channel (if you are the owner), and in search. An unlisted (hidden) playlist is only visible to those who have a direct link. It does not appear in search or on your channel. A completely closed (private) playlist is only visible to you. Even with a link, no one else can open it.
It is important to remember that videos with access restrictions (e.g., age-restricted or deleted videos) can only be viewed by the owner. If you add a video to a playlist that later becomes unavailable, it will simply stop playing.
Once all actions are completed, click "Create." Done! You have successfully created your first playlist. The video you started with will be automatically added to the new collection.
Adding videos to an existing playlist
If you already have a playlist and want to add a new video to it, the process is even simpler. Open any video, click the "Save" button below the player, then select the desired playlist from the list (check the box next to it). The video will be added instantly. To add several videos at once, you will have to repeat the action for each video.
How to edit a YouTube playlist
Over time, your interests change, and playlists require updates. You need to delete outdated videos, add new ones, change the playback order, or rename the collection itself. Let's figure out how to do it.
Editing playlist title and description
To edit, you need to open the "Guide" again, then go to "Library." In the "Playlists" section, select the collection you want to edit. Click the three-dot icon (menu) next to the playlist title and select "Edit" or "Change." The editing page will open, where you can change the playlist title, add or change the description, and set privacy.
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