Creating Playlists
Complete guide to creating, configuring, and managing playlists with media, apps, and integrations
Creating Playlists
Playlists are the heart of your digital signage content. Learn how to create engaging playlists that combine media files, websites, and app integrations.
Creating a New Playlist
Option 1: Create from Scratch
- Navigate to Playlists in the sidebar
- Click the Create Playlist button
- Fill in the details:
- Name (required) - A descriptive name for your playlist
- Description (optional) - Notes about the playlist's purpose
- Configure options:
- Set as Default - Make this the default playlist for new screens
- Share Across Workspaces - Allow access from all your workspaces
- Click Create
Option 2: Use a Template
Save time by starting with a pre-designed template:
- Click Create Playlist
- Select the Templates tab
- Choose from categories: Shopping, Restaurant, Gym, Office, Hotel, or School
- Click on a template to create instantly
Templates come pre-configured with optimal settings for each industry. You can customize them after creation.
The Playlist Editor
Once created, you'll enter the playlist editor with three powerful tabs:
Media Tab
Browse and add content from your media library:
- Navigate folders using the breadcrumb navigation
- Click to add - Select media and set duration
- Drag and drop - Drag media directly into your playlist at any position
- Bulk add - Select multiple items at once
Supported media types:
- Images (JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP)
- Videos (MP4, WebM)
Apps Tab
Integrate external content and services:
| App | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Website | Embed any webpage as an iframe | Available |
| YouTube | Videos, playlists, or live streams | Available |
| Google Slides | Presentations with auto-advance | Available |
| Google Sheets | Spreadsheets with auto-refresh | Available |
| Google Docs | Documents embedded | Available |
| PowerPoint | Office 365 presentations | Available |
| Excel | Office 365 spreadsheets | Available |
| Word | Office 365 documents | Available |
| Canva | Import your Canva designs | Coming Soon |
| Display your feed or hashtags | Coming Soon |
Each app has specific configuration options. For example, YouTube allows you to set autoplay, mute, and loop settings.
Edit Tab
Edit images directly within Screenzzie:
- Crop - Adjust image framing
- Rotate - Change orientation
- Brightness & Contrast - Fine-tune visuals
- Filters - Apply visual effects
- Batch Edit - Edit multiple images in sequence
Setting Item Durations
Each item in your playlist needs a display duration:
- Click on the duration field next to any item
- Enter the time in seconds (1-3600)
- Press Enter to confirm
Duration guidelines:
| Content Type | Recommended Duration |
|---|---|
| Simple images | 10-15 seconds |
| Detailed graphics | 15-30 seconds |
| Promotional content | 10-20 seconds |
| Videos | Automatic (video length) |
| Websites | 30-60 seconds |
For the best viewer experience, keep most items between 10-15 seconds. Longer durations work well for detailed content or videos.
Arranging Content Order
Organize your playlist with drag and drop:
- Click and hold any playlist item
- Drag it to the desired position
- Release to drop
The playlist plays from top to bottom, then loops back to the beginning.
Playlist Settings
Configure these options for your playlist:
- Set as Default - New screens will automatically use this playlist
- Share Across Workspaces - Make the playlist available in all your workspaces (useful for multi-location setups)
Saving and Assigning
Your changes are saved automatically as you work. To assign the playlist to screens:
- Go to Screens in the sidebar
- Select a screen
- In screen settings, choose your playlist from the dropdown
- The content starts playing immediately
Editing Existing Playlists
Make changes anytime:
- Add or remove items - Changes sync to screens automatically
- Reorder content - Drag items to new positions
- Update durations - Click any duration to edit
- Edit images - Use the Edit tab for quick adjustments
Changes to playlists are reflected on connected screens within seconds. Preview your changes if you're editing during business hours.
Best Practices
Content variety:
- Mix images, videos, and app content for engagement
- Alternate between promotional and informational content
- Include dynamic content like websites or social feeds
Timing:
- Keep total playlist duration under 5 minutes for waiting areas
- Use longer playlists for ambient displays
- Consider your audience's attention span
Organization:
- Use descriptive playlist names
- Add descriptions for team clarity
- Create separate playlists for different screen locations
Next Steps
- Learn about Website Items for embedding live web content
- Explore Sequences for time-based content scheduling
- Set up Screen Overlays for clocks, weather, and announcements