--- title: "Playlists Overview" url: "https://smartguides.zetadisplay.com/en/article/playlists-overview" language: "en" last_updated: "2026-08-26T09:17:49.589Z" --- # Playlists Overview Create and manage your playlists Playlists control what content is shown on your Devices (players/screens) and when it plays. In this article, you will learn how to create playlists, add and arrange content, schedule playback, and manage how playlists are distributed across the Devices (players/ screens). ## What is a Playlist? A **Playlist** is a collection of content (images, videos, templates, or URLs) that is assigned to Devices. You can arrange content in a specific order, schedule when it should play, and decide where it should be displayed. Playlists are the core tool for controlling your digital signage experience. ## Playlist Structure - A playlist contains one or more media items - Content is played in sequence or based on playlist mode - Playlists are assigned to Devices ## Playlist Status Playlists can have different statuses: - **Published** The playlist is active and assigned to Devicess. - **Expired** The playlist has passed its end date. - **Promoted** The playlist is awaiting admin approval. ## Playlist Sidekick The **Sidekick** provides detailed information and controls for a playlist. It includes: - **Path** – The folder location (clickable) - **Status** – Current playlist state - **Scheduling & Targeting** – Overview of when and where it plays ## Scheduling Overview Hover over the calendar icon to view scheduled play times. Frequently used sections such as **Targets** and **Schedules** are expanded by default. ## Create a New Playlist 1. Click **Create new playlist** 2. Enter a name 3. Click **Create** ## Add Content to a Playlist 1. Click **Add +** in the Sidekick 2. Select content from your Library 3. Click **Add** You can: - Select multiple files - Upload new content - Add URLs ## Arrange Playlist Content Rearrange content using **drag-and-drop**. If content has a different aspect ratio, it will still play but be scaled to fit. To change layout: 1. Click the **settings (cogwheel)** 2. Select a new layout ## Manage Content (Three-Dot Menu) Each item has options to: - **Edit media** – Applies changes to all playlists using the file - **Edit image or URL** – Adjust display duration - **Schedule content** – Set playback times - **Exclude** – Remove content for specific Devices **Note:** Shared files cannot be edited, and scheduled files cannot play outside their defined time. ## Content Tags Changes to content are tracked using tags: - **New** – Recently added - **Modified** – Edited or rearranged - **Removed** – Deleted from playlist - **Excluded** – Hidden for specific Devices ## Save or Cancel Changes Changes are not saved until you click: - **Create** - **Update** - **Force player update** To cancel changes, click **X** and confirm. ## Playlist Settings ### Scheduling a Playlist There are three scheduling modes: - **Always** Plays continuously. - **Scheduled** Plays during specific times. - **Disabled** The playlist is inactive. ### Scheduling Options You can define: - Start and end date - Specific days - Play times You can also create multiple schedules. ## Targeting Groups of Devices To assign a playlist: 1. Click **\+ Add Groups** 2. Select Groups 3. Click **Continue** ## Playlist Priority Priority determines which playlist is played. Levels: - **Highest** - **High** - **Normal (default)** - **Low** - **Lowest** Higher priority playlists override lower ones. ## Playlist Mode Controls how playlists interact: - **Grouped** Plays in order (default). - **Shuffled** Mixes content with other playlists. - **On-Demand** Plays only when triggered manually. ## Playback Logic Devices (players/screens) decide what to play based on **priority and mode**. ### Transition Rules **Higher → Lower Priority** The current content finishes before switching. **Lower → Higher Priority** The player switches immediately. ## Playlist Expiration When the end date passes, the playlist is marked as **Expired** and moved to the bottom of the list. ## Finalize Playlist Click **Create** or **Force player update** to apply changes. ## Common Questions about Playlists ### What is a playlist in Engage CMS? A playlist is a collection of content that controls what is shown on your screens and when it plays. ### How do I add content to a playlist? Click **Add +**, select content from the Library, and click **Add**. ### Why is my playlist not showing on the screen? The playlist may not be scheduled, assigned to a Device, or may be overridden by a higher priority playlist. ### What happens if two playlists overlap? The playlist with the higher priority will be played. ### Can I schedule individual files in a playlist? Yes. You can schedule content within a playlist, but it must be within the playlist’s schedule. ### Why can’t I edit a file in my playlist? The file may be from a **shared folder** or you may not have permission to edit it. ### What does “Expired” mean? The playlist has passed its scheduled end date and is no longer active. ### What is playlist priority? Playlist priority determines which playlist is shown when multiple playlists are scheduled at the same time. ### What is the difference between playlist mode and priority? - **Priority** decides which playlist plays - **Mode** controls how content behaves within and between playlists ### How do I update a playlist? Make your changes and click **Update** or **Force player update**. ### Why can’t I exclude content in my playlist? The **Exclude Content** feature may not be enabled for your workspace. This feature allows you to exclude specific media from playing on certain devices. If you need access, please contact **ZetaDisplay Customer Care** to enable it. ### Why can’t I set playlist priority? The **Playlist Priority** feature may not be enabled in your workspace. Playlist priority allows you to control which playlist overrides others when schedules overlap. To enable this feature, contact **ZetaDisplay Customer Care**. ### Why can’t I edit or manage certain playlist settings? Some playlist settings depend on: - your **user role permissions** - enabled **workspace features** If options are missing or disabled, you may not have access to that functionality. ### Why can’t I assign playlists to certain Devices? You may not have permission to access those Devices, or they may belong to another workspace. Check your user role or contact your administrator. ### How do I enable additional playlist features? Some advanced features (such as priority, exclusion, or advanced scheduling) are not enabled by default. To request access, contact **ZetaDisplay Customer Care**.