If you’ve ever tried to create a new playlist on YouTube only to find the platform won’t allow it or the playlist disappears, it can be frustrating. There are a few common reasons why YouTube playlists may fail to properly create.
You’re not signed into your YouTube account
The most common reason YouTube playlists won’t create is because you’re not signed into your YouTube or Google account. Playlists are tied to your specific YouTube account, so if you’re browsing YouTube while signed out, the platform won’t allow you to create a new playlist. Simply sign in to your YouTube or Google account and try making the playlist again. This should resolve the issue.
You’re using an outdated browser
YouTube playlists require a modern web browser to work properly. If you’re using an outdated or older browser like Internet Explorer, YouTube’s features may not work as intended. Try creating the playlist in a newer browser like Chrome, Firefox, Edge or Safari. Make sure you have the latest version installed too. Once you switch browsers, you should now be able to create YouTube playlists without issue.
You have privacy restrictions enabled
YouTube allows you to restrict certain privacy settings and features when signed into your account. If you have tighter restrictions in place for your account’s privacy or data sharing, it can sometimes block you from creating new playlists. Check your YouTube account restrictions and privacy settings and ensure you don’t have stricter limitations enabled that could prevent playlist creation.
Your YouTube account is glitching
Like any platform, YouTube can have the occasional glitch or bug that affects certain account features. It’s possible your YouTube account is experiencing a temporary glitch that is preventing playlist creation specifically. Try fully logging out of your YouTube account, clearing your browser cookies and cache, restarting your device and logging back in. This can clear out any glitches. You can also try using YouTube on a different device to see if the issue persists.
Your browser extensions are interfering
Browser extensions, add-ons and plugins can sometimes interfere with YouTube functionality. If you have a lot of extensions installed, try disabling them and then attempt to create a new YouTube playlist. Certain ad blockers, privacy extensions or video downloaders in particular could potentially block playlists from generating properly.
You have a copyright strike
If your YouTube account has received a copyright strike at some point, either recently or in the past, YouTube may impose restrictions from accessing certain features. Getting a copyright strike can block you from creating new playlists for a period of time. You simply have to wait out the restriction period before your account access is restored.
Your account is suspended or terminated
If YouTube has suspended or terminated your account due to violations of its policies, you’ll lose the ability to add new playlists. Unless you can successfully appeal the suspension or termination, you won’t be able to create playlists until you open a new YouTube account.
You’re using a connected Google account
If you access YouTube using a linked Google account rather than directly signing in to YouTube, it can cause issues with creating playlists. Try directly signing in to your YouTube account rather than using a connected Google login. Once signed in to the YouTube platform itself, your ability to build playlists should be restored.
You don’t have enough channel activity
YouTube may restrict certain features, like making playlists, for accounts that don’t have enough channel activity. If your account is brand new or doesn’t have any content uploads or engagement, YouTube may limit your access temporarily. Post some videos and engage with other channels and your playlist creation should be re-enabled over time.
You’re using a kids or supervised account
If you’re accessing YouTube through a designated kids account or supervised account, playlist creation may be disabled. These types of accounts have restrictions to comply with content rules. You’ll need to use a standard YouTube account without limitations to build out playlists.
Your account country is restricted
In some cases, YouTube availability features can vary based on what country your account is registered in. If you’re located in a country where YouTube has greater restrictions, playlist creation may not be enabled. You’ll need to either use a VPN to bypass the limitation or create a new account registered in another country.
YouTube is experiencing site-wide issues
During rare YouTube outages or site disruptions, all features including playlist building can stop working properly. Check YouTube’s status page to see if the site is experiencing any acknowledged problems. If so, try again later once YouTube has resolved the outage.
You have a platform or device restriction
Depending on whether you’re accessing YouTube via your computer, phone, tablet, smart TV or game console, certain restrictions may block playlists. Make sure you’re using YouTube on a supported device that doesn’t limit feature availability. Restrictions can also happen if you’re using an outdated or unsupported platform version.
Steps to troubleshoot YouTube failed playlists
If YouTube isn’t allowing you to create a new playlist, don’t panic. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take to diagnose the issue:
- Make sure you’re signed into your YouTube or Google account.
- Use a modern browser and update to the latest version.
- Check your YouTube account restrictions and privacy settings.
- Clear your browser cookies/cache and restart your device.
- Try a different web browser or device.
- Disable any browser extensions that may cause conflicts.
- If you have a copyright strike, wait out the restriction period.
- Make sure your account is in good standing, not suspended.
- Sign in directly to YouTube, not through Google.
- Build up your channel activity if your account is new.
- Don’t use a kids or supervised account.
- Check if your country has YouTube restrictions enabled.
- See if YouTube has acknowledged site-wide issues.
- Use a supported platform and device.
In most cases, YouTube playlist errors are caused by account, browser or site issues that can be easily fixed. Following the troubleshooting tips above should help identify and resolve the problem.
What to do if troubleshooting fails
If you still can’t get YouTube playlists working after troubleshooting, here are a few options:
- Contact YouTube support directly for additional help
- Post in the YouTube community forums describing your issue
- Check third-party sites for other users reporting problems
- Test playlist creation on a friend’s or family member’s YouTube account
- Wait and try again later in case of temporary glitches
- Switch to an alternative video platform that allows playlists
While frustrating, most YouTube issues around playlist building can be resolved with a little time and effort. There are workarounds like using someone else’s account or alternative sites if nothing seems to fix it. With the steps above, you should be able to troubleshoot and understand why YouTube is failing when you try to create a new playlist.
