---
title: "How to Create, Schedule and Assign a Playlist"
url: "https://smartguides.zetadisplay.com/en/article/how-to-create-schedule-and-assign-a-playlist"
language: "en"
last_updated: "2026-09-01T07:45:34.859Z"
---

# How to Create, Schedule and Assign a Playlist

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 Status

Playlists can have different statuses:

-   **Published**  
    The playlist is active and assigned to Devicess.
-   **Disabled**  
    The playlist is deactivated and will not play.
-   **Expired**  
    The playlist has passed its end-date.
-   **Promoted**  
    The playlist is awaiting admin approval.

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/ce50c5cd-f71a-4a72-a27c-920ef2ecd037)

## Playlist Split View

The **Split view** 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
-   **Playback settings** \- How the playlists behaves
-   **Layout / Playlist Orientation** - The selected layout on how the playlist plays content

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/7ab69d67-8b2d-45c4-87c4-314b87889ada)

## Create a New Playlist

1.  Click **Create new playlist**  
    ![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/4381d66a-0eb2-45a3-bdc9-faf575164fc5)
2.  Enter a name  
    ![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/220d9820-36db-4524-b7f6-ebf1ca9d7800)
3.  Click **Create** or **Continue** with the playlist setup

## Add Content to a Playlist

1.  Click **Add +** in the split view  
    ![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/038a8c3e-20c9-405d-9d8b-9e3cee25c0a9)
2.  Select content from your Library  
    ![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/f059e9ce-fc6c-47dd-a789-903d68804d06)
3.  Click **Add**  
    ![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/883841ad-1bad-4928-bd33-69462a2d388a)

When adding content, you can:

-   Select multiple files
-   Upload new content
-   Add URLs

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/859b2a63-9ce0-4bf5-8094-7064bf28516c)

## Arrange Playlist Content

Rearrange content using **drag-and-drop**.  
![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/1713cc8f-8fa9-4068-8707-60bd8fbe2851)

If content has a different aspect ratio, it will still play but be scaled to fit.

To change layout:

1.  Click the **settings (cogwheel)**  
    ![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/56d08a75-1caf-405a-9a8d-6e4891ef265d)
2.  Click on "**Layout**" and select a new layout  
    ![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/f2992699-e269-45b5-9e4e-3de28ca95419)

## 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

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/cf57646e-287e-4993-8e4f-52f9ff72bcba)

**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

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/8798d3ea-afa2-4cd2-9da9-7128ee0cf833)

## 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

Access the playlist settings by clicking the cogwheel.

### Scheduling a Playlist

There are three scheduling modes:

-   **Always**  
    Plays continuously.
-   **Scheduled**  
    Plays during specific times.
-   **Disabled**  
    The playlist is inactive.

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/73022202-a7ee-4e77-bf06-47ae6c7fa875)

### Scheduling Options

You can define:

-   Start and end date
-   Specific days
-   Play times

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/3716cebd-b589-42d2-963a-5a696151fb37)

You can also create **multiple schedules.**

## Targeting Groups of Devices

To assign a playlist to a device:

1.  Click **\+ Add Groups**  
    ![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/2688876d-bf1d-441e-8807-0cf4e3b1c843)
2.  Select Groups  
    ![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/3d64d02c-3449-49b0-9370-4884d6645551)
3.  Click **Continue**

  

## Playlist Priority

Priority determines which playlist is played.  
![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/e0babcd8-bc43-4bf0-89f1-df1773125b1f)

Levels:

-   **Highest**
-   **High**
-   **Normal (default)**
-   **Low**
-   **Lowest**

Higher priority playlists override lower ones.

## Playlist Mode

Controls how playlists interact:  
![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/8738affe-76dc-4056-a271-e591ac0600c8)

-   **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 your **ZetaDisplay admin**.

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