playlist

A playlist is a list of media items—typically audio or video—assembled in a chosen order for playback. Playlists are used in standalone media players, desktop software, mobile apps, and streaming services, and they can be saved for repeated use or created on the fly. They may be static, with a fixed order, or dynamic, updating as items are added or removed or through rules and recommendations.

Historically, playlists emerged with physical media collection management and later digital players. Early computer music players offered manual track lists; with the rise of digital music libraries, users could group tracks into named collections. In streaming services, playlists became central features alongside radio-style stations, with algorithmically generated and human-curated lists providing personalized recommendations.

Common types include static playlists, smart or dynamic playlists, and queues. A queue is a temporary, current session list, while a playlist is typically saved and portable. Playlist formats include file-based formats such as M3U and PLS, which list item locations, and XML-based XSPF; streaming platforms maintain their own internal playlist structures.

Management tasks include creating, editing, reordering, renaming, and exporting playlists, as well as sharing and syncing across devices. Playlists rely on metadata such as titles, artists, and durations to organize content. Legal and licensing considerations arise when playlists are shared publicly or used for public performances, depending on the rights to the included works.