YouTube allows users to create playlists to organize and save videos for later viewing. By default, YouTube sorts playlist videos alphabetically by title. However, you can choose to sort your playlist by date added or upload date instead. Sorting your playlist chronologically can be useful for viewing your recently added videos first or watching videos in the order they were uploaded.
Sort Playlist by Date Added
To sort your YouTube playlist by the date you added each video:
- Open the playlist you want to sort.
- Click on the “Sort” button near the top of the playlist.
- Select “Date added (newest)” to put newest videos first. Or choose “Date added (oldest)” to put oldest videos first.
This will reorder your playlist based on the date each video was added. The most recently added videos will now appear at the top if sorting newest first. Videos you added further in the past will be lower down.
Sort Playlist by Upload Date
To sort your playlist with newest uploads first:
- Open the playlist you want to reorder.
- Click the “Sort” button.
- Choose “Upload date” to put newest uploads first. Pick “Upload date (oldest)” for oldest uploads first.
This will order your playlist chronologically based on the date each video was uploaded to YouTube. The most recently uploaded videos will be at the top if sorting by newest. Older video uploads will be lower in the playlist order.
Why Sort a Playlist by Date?
Sorting your YouTube playlist chronologically can be useful in several ways:
- View newest videos first – Sorting by newest date added or upload date puts your most recent videos at the top. This lets you easily see new additions.
- Watch in sequence – See videos in the order they were uploaded if you want to view a series from start to finish.
- Remove old videos – Sorting oldest first makes it easy to find and remove older videos you no longer want.
- See most popular – When sorted newest first, you can see which recent videos have the most views.
Tips for Managing Sorted Playlists
Here are some tips for working with YouTube playlists sorted by date:
- Add new videos to the bottom – When adding new videos, they’ll go to the bottom rather than the top if sorted newest first.
- Resort after adding videos – If you want new additions at the top, remember to re-sort after adding videos.
- Name playlists by date – Give playlists titles like “June 2022 Uploads” so you know the date range.
- Make playlists for time periods – Create monthly or annual playlists to group videos from specific time periods.
- Update sort method as needed – Change the sort order at any time to suit your current needs.
Sort Playlists on Mobile Devices
You can sort playlists by date on mobile using the YouTube apps for iPhone and Android:
- iPhone/iPad – Tap the “Sort” icon in the playlist, then choose “Date added” or “Upload date”.
- Android – Tap the 3-dot menu in the playlist, choose “Sort”, then select “Date added” or “Upload date”.
The process is the same as on desktop. Your playlist order will be updated on all devices.
Sort Playlists Using YouTube Studio
Uploaders can sort their video playlists in YouTube Studio:
- Go to YouTube Studio and select “Playlists” from the left menu.
- Pick the playlist you want to reorder.
- Click the “Sort” button near the top right.
- Choose “Date added” or “Upload date” to sort chronologically.
This provides an easy way for YouTubers to sort their own playlists by upload or addition date.
Sort Videos Within a Playlist
You can also manually reorder individual videos within a playlist:
- Open the playlist you want to edit.
- Hover over a video thumbnail and click the up/down arrow icon to move it.
- Drag videos into your desired order using the arrows.
- Click “Save” when you’ve finished reordering.
This lets you customize the exact video sequence. Use in conjunction with date sorting to fine-tune your playlist order.
Reverse Playlist Order
You can quickly reverse your playlist to play videos from bottom to top:
- Open your playlist and click “Sort”.
- Choose either “Reverse list” option at the bottom.
This will play the playlist in the opposite order. Reverse sorting provides an easy way to switch up your playlist sequence.
Troubleshooting Playlist Sorting Issues
If your YouTube playlist order isn’t sorting properly, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Refresh page – Refresh your browser to clear any caching issues.
- Re-sort playlist – Try sorting the playlist again using the sort menu.
- Check dates – Ensure videos have the correct published dates.
- Report bug – Use YouTube feedback to report playlist sorting problems.
- Update app – If on mobile, check for and install the latest YouTube app updates.
Correct playlist sorting typically happens automatically. Report persistent date sorting issues so YouTube can investigate and fix any bugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reorder my YouTube favorites playlist?
You can’t directly sort your Favorites playlist since it automatically adds videos when you like them. But you can create a new playlist, add favorites to it, then sort that playlist by date.
Why can’t I sort my Watch Later playlist by date?
Unfortunately YouTube does not allow you to sort your Watch Later playlist chronologically. Videos are always shown in the order they were added.
How do I sort my liked videos by date?
YouTube does not allow your Liked videos playlist to be sorted. Liked videos always remain in the order you liked them. You’d need to create a new playlist and add liked videos to it in order to sort them by date.
Can I sort playlists on smart TVs and gaming consoles?
Yes, you can reorder playlists by date on smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other devices. The “Sort” option is available anywhere you can access YouTube playlists.
How do I sort playlists that I’m subscribed to?
Playlists from channels you’re subscribed to can’t be sorted directly. But you can make your own playlist containing videos from subscribed playlists, then sort that playlist chronologically.
What’s the easiest way to make a sorted playlist?
The easiest method is to create a new playlist, add videos to it in the desired date order, then sort by date added so the custom order is maintained.
Use YouTube Playlist Sorting to Organize Your Watch History
Sorting by date is a useful YouTube playlist feature to view your recently added or newest videos first. It provides an easy way to organize playlists chronologically rather than alphabetically.
Date sorting helps you keep track of videos you’ve recently added so you can stay up to date. It also lets you rewatch content like series or documentaries in the proper sequence.
Take full advantage of YouTube’s customizeable playlists by sorting items to suit your changing needs. Your carefully organized playlists will make it easier than ever to find, manage and rewatch videos.
