YouTube playlists serve as organizational tools for many YouTube channels. Users can create a playlist to host a collection of videos assembled by topic or theme. Categorizing videos in playlists helps viewers identify and engage with specific content for their needs. Many online resources provide step-by-step instructions to get started with playlists. 

Visitors to your YouTube channel will find the playlists section on your channel page. Similar to some of our favorite streaming platforms, each video in a playlist can be seen as an individual episode. Once one episode is done, the other starts automatically.

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Historically, we approached playlists on our YouTube channel as though they were repositories or storage spaces. We chose broad topics to cobble together a variety of videos into each playlist. Like any storage space, metaphorically speaking, our playlists were a hodge-podge of material. A mixed bag, if you will. It was hard to distinguish and define what Colorado State University’s YouTube page was all about. 

For that reason, we are switching up our perspective on playlists. Rather than seeing them as dusty, yet dependable, storage units, they serve as distinct, vibrant rooms within a beloved home. They are chapters in a book. Adornments to a dress. Songs in an album. 

Alright, enough with the metaphors. Ultimately, playlists shouldn’t be compartments separate from the whole. They entice you to yearn for more. Let’s dive into why this can strategically give your YouTube channel the revitalization it needs. 

Benefits of YouTube playlists

According to Sprout Social, playlists often rank in YouTube search results. With the right recipe of words in your title and description, it will rank higher and secure more views. Optimize keywords that your audience will likely search. If you haven’t already, take a minute to review our blog on keyword research and YouTube SEO. 

Secondly, YouTube likes to show topically related videos in their Suggested Videos section. Videos living in a playlist are more likely to appear in suggested videos. Thus, having playlists helps elevate your content to fresh eyes. 

Lastly, playlists, if organized strategically, can pull your viewers down a rabbit hole of watching your videos back to back. Their to-do lists won’t appreciate that, but hey, it increases overall watch time for your channel. Sorry, neglected dishes. 

Strategic tips when organizing playlists

Convinced yet? If you are at least curious, let’s dive into some best practices, starting with the basics. 

As mentioned earlier, keywords are essential in your playlists’ titles and descriptions. Both areas should simultaneously be engaging and optimized for search. Entrepreneur Brian Dean suggests focusing on results and outcome, rather than topic, when brainstorming for a title. As we’ve shared before, YouTube is a massive resource for learning and discovery. This is why how-to and why-this videos are so successful. They lead to a result, a discovery, or a decision. For example, our “How to Be a Better Earthling” playlist immediately communicates improving one’s lifestyle to live more sustainably.

For descriptions, continue to focus on outcome, while also including keywords optimized for search. Try to avoid descriptions that are too literal. Instead of simply describing what the playlist is about, use the description as an extension of your title. Focus on action words that suggest how your audience will discover the key nuggets lying ahead. Be clear, yet concise, with words that vividly illustrate what your playlist is all about. As suggested by Sprout Social, it’s important to front-load descriptions with key details, as YouTube descriptions get shortened in search results. 

Put your best foot forward

Let’s keep that mindset of front-loading the best first. Experts suggest placing your best videos first. Lead with your top performing content or the content that represents your best work. Consider gathering your “subscriber magnets” in your top playlists, and the best of that batch at the top within each playlist. 

But, wait a second. What are subscriber magnets you might ask? These magnets are videos that generate the most new subscribers or have the longest watch time. Take a look at your YouTube Creator Studio to find out. 

Our subscriber magnets are rooted in several themes: student experiences, tour content, community energy, and research and expertise on key issues that are widely impactful. With this in mind, we are currently in the midst of revamping our playlists, each revolving around one of these themes. 

Find that storytelling flow

Universities bring together people and ideas from throughout the world. One of the greatest challenges we face is creating an identity that resonates with the CSU community as a whole. It is impossible to find the right approach for all, but YouTube channels can at least provide an introduction to what we are all about. Playlists are the pillars that form and support that identity. 

What is the CSU story? That is a big question to answer. Just like any narrative or story, there are pieces along the way that invite you on a journey. Audiences can learn, one chapter at a time, different facets of CSU that make us whole. Think of playlists as different chapters that tell your story. 

Lastly, YouTube experts always suggest an end card or call to action. You want your audience to flip to the next page. In this case, the next video. Tease upcoming videos or encourage audiences to subscribe to the channel. This can be done on camera or a simple graphic element. This one is on our to-do list. Which we won’t neglect. Hopefully. 

Create a playlist for new visitors

Just like any book, you need an introduction. A playlist with videos should either encompass what your institution is all about, or what your channel has to offer. However, sometimes that can be tricky, especially for universities that involve a breadth of knowledge and demographics.

Ultimately, the approach for your introductory playlist should be influenced by your prospective, new audiences. Reflect on their interests and common curiosities. For us, one of our major targeted audiences are prospective students. 

Here are some sample questions a prospective may have: What does campus look like? What is Fort Collins like? What is the culture here? What areas of research and education is CSU known for? 

Those questions served as starting points for us, which are also anchored in some of our subscriber magnets that we discussed earlier. Here are a few videos that we’ve curated to provide an introductory tour to CSU and the City of Fort Collins. 

Finally, don’t over do it

The most important thing about playlists is cohesion with compelling content. Playlists shouldn’t be a place to dump a ton of irrelevant footage. There needs to be intent. And pickiness. 

Therefore, it’s a good practice to avoid packing your playlists with too many videos. Sprout Social recommends going for 3 to 10 videos per playlist. If you have too many, consider leading with your best batch or carve out another playlist. 

Remember, YouTube playlists should provide a comprehensive, clean-cut, sneak peek of the overall story and energy of your brand. Time to clean house and add playlists to your to-do list and watch your channel breathe in new energy like never before.