The shuffle feature for YouTube playlists often feels like it’s not random at all. Songs seem to play in the same few orders over and over again. This can be frustrating for YouTube users who want more variety from the shuffle algorithm.
What Causes the YouTube Playlist Shuffle Problem?
YouTube’s shuffle algorithm is designed to avoid repeats. So when you have a small playlist, the shuffle will cycle through those songs in a predictable pattern to avoid playing any song twice before playing through the whole list. This can make the shuffle feel less random.
In addition, YouTube’s shuffle takes your listening history into account. So if you listen to your playlist on repeat, it will become biased towards certain play orders based on your past listening patterns. The shuffle isn’t completely random – it’s personalized.
YouTube’s Statement on Shuffle in 2022
In August 2022, YouTube’s official Twitter account responded to complaints about predictable shuffle with this statement:
“We’ve seen comments about shuffle play. To be clear, we have NOT made any changes to shuffle. The shuffle functionality is working as intended. However, we understand the community’s perspective and are exploring ways to address.”
So YouTube acknowledges the complaints but states the shuffle is working as designed. They are considering possible changes but have not committed to any fixes yet.
Workarounds and Solutions for YouTube Playlist Shuffle
Until YouTube makes official changes, here are some workarounds and solutions users have found to deal with the predictable shuffle problem:
Refresh Page Between Plays
Refreshing the YouTube page in between hitting play will reset the shuffle algorithm. It forces YouTube to recalculate a new shuffle order instead of repeating the last one. Annoying but effective.
Use Multiple Playlists
Split your favorite songs into several smaller playlists of 10-25 songs each. The smaller list sizes increases variety in the shuffle options. You can name playlists by genre or mood.
Export Playlist to a Music App
Apps like Spotify allow exporting YouTube playlists. The shuffle algorithms may work differently. This gives you an alternate shuffle experience outside the YouTube ecosystem.
Browser Extensions
Extensions like “Shuffle My Playlists” for Chrome force a complete reshuffle after each song plays. This overrides YouTube’s shuffle tendencies.
Shuffle Play in Incognito Mode
Your watch history doesn’t impact incognito shuffle. Open an incognito window and shuffle there for more randomness.
Clear Watch and Search History
Wiping your YouTube history can help reset shuffle biases from your past listening patterns. Go to YouTube settings and clear watch history and search history.
Will YouTube Ever Fix the Shuffle Algorithm?
Given the community complaints, there is pressure on YouTube to address shuffle issues. But the problem arises from intentional design choices by YouTube, not bugs.
The personalized nature of the shuffle is likely considered a feature, not a defect, by YouTube engineers. Completely removing that would take time to redesign.
But YouTube may meet users halfway by tweaking certain factors like repeat avoidance that make shuffle too predictable. Don’t expect a totally random shuffle, but improvements could come.
Coping with the Flawed Shuffle in the Meantime
Until YouTube makes changes, use the workarounds suggested above to spice up your shuffled listening.
Refreshing frequently introduces randomness. Managing multiple smaller playlists varies things up. And Incognito Mode provides an unbiased shuffle.
Also try exporting playlists to alternate music apps for a different shuffle experience. Clear your YouTube history periodically to reset shuffle biases.
Browser extensions like Shuffle My Playlists offer quick fixes. But YouTube may break extensions in the future, so they aren’t guaranteed solutions.
Give Feedback to YouTube
If you want YouTube to prioritize improving the shuffle algorithm, send direct feedback!
You can tweet @YouTube on Twitter to share your shuffle frustrations. You can also submit direct feedback through YouTube Studio.
The more YouTube hears from users about shuffle issues, the more pressure there is to revise the algorithm. So make your voice heard.
Make Smart Playlists to Work Around Flaws
In the meantime, tailor your playlists around YouTube’s shuffle quirks to maximize variety.
Limit playlists to 10-30 songs to encourage shuffling diversity. Give playlists distinct themes like acoustic vs upbeat. Make separate lists for genres like jazz or metal.
Avoid listing the same artist or album on one list. This triggers YouTube’s repeat avoidance causing very predictable cycles. Mix up artists, genres, and moods.
Review playlists over time. Songs you skip or remove change shuffle behavior. Prune stale lists to freshen up shuffle patterns.
Conclusion
YouTube’s biased shuffle algorithm frustrates many users. But with workarounds and smart playlist strategies, you can still find shuffle variety.
Refreshing, making multiple lists, using Incognito, and installing extensions help regain randomness.
Give YouTube feedback requesting shuffle improvements. And tailor smart playlists that account for quirks.
While shuffle issues continue, these tips will keep your YouTube listening experience feeling fresh until changes come.
