The fastest way to add a video to a playlist

You can add a video to a playlist in three clicks: click the Save button (it looks like a bookmark or plus sign) below any video, select the playlist from the dropdown menu, and confirm. The video appears in that playlist when ready, even if you created the playlist just moments before.

This works whether you're watching on YouTube.com, the YouTube app on your phone, or a smart TV. The button location stays the same across all devices — always directly under the video title, next to the Like and Share buttons.

If you don't see a Save button, you may be logged out. Sign into your Google account first, then the button will appear.

Key Takeaways

  • Click the Save button below any video, choose your playlist from the dropdown, and the video is added when ready.
  • You can create a new playlist while adding a video by selecting "Create new playlist" from the same dropdown menu.
  • Videos added to a playlist stay there until you manually remove them, even if the original video is deleted from the channel.
  • Only you can see your playlists unless you change the privacy setting to public or share the link directly with others.
  • You can add the same video to multiple playlists at once by clicking Save and selecting each playlist you want.

Creating a new playlist while adding a video

You don't have to create a playlist before you start adding videos. When you click Save on any video, the dropdown menu includes a "Create new playlist" option at the top. Click it, give the playlist a name, choose whether it's private (only you see it) or public (anyone with the link can find it), then click Create.

YouTube will when ready add that video to your new playlist. You can add more videos to the same playlist the next time you click Save — it will appear in your dropdown list from then on.

Adding videos from your phone or tablet

On the YouTube app for iPhone or Android, tap the three-dot menu icon next to the video title (or swipe up on the video itself), then tap "Save to playlist." The rest works the same way: select an existing playlist or create a new one, and the video is added.

If you're using the YouTube app and the three-dot menu doesn't appear, make sure you're signed into your Google account. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner to check your login status.

Managing videos once they're in a playlist

To remove a video from a playlist, open the playlist, find the video, and click the three-dot menu next to it. Select "Remove from playlist" and it's gone. The video stays on YouTube — you're only removing it from that specific playlist.

You can reorder videos in a playlist by dragging them to a new position (on a computer) or by opening the three-dot menu and selecting "Move up" or "Move down" (on the app). You can also edit the playlist name, description, and privacy settings by clicking the three-dot menu at the top of the playlist page itself.

Why videos sometimes disappear from playlists

If a video you added to a playlist is no longer there, the channel owner likely deleted it from YouTube. When a video is deleted, it vanishes from all playlists automatically — YouTube doesn't keep a copy in your playlist.

If a video is still on YouTube but missing from your playlist, it may have been removed by the playlist owner (if someone else manages the playlist) or you may have accidentally deleted it yourself. Check your playlist history or the channel where you found the video to confirm it still exists.

Sharing playlists with other people

By default, your playlists are private — only you can see them. To share a playlist, open it and click the Share button at the top. You can copy the link and send it to anyone, or share it directly to social media. People who receive the link can watch the playlist but cannot add or remove videos unless you make them a collaborator.

To let someone else edit a playlist, you must make it public or unlisted first (change this in the playlist settings), then share the link. YouTube does not have a "collaborator" feature for playlists the way it does for YouTube Studio projects, so shared playlists are view-only unless you give someone access to your entire account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a video to multiple playlists at the same time?

Yes. Click Save, and the dropdown menu shows all your playlists. Check the box next to each playlist where you want the video to appear, then click "Create playlist" or confirm. The video is added to all selected playlists in one action.

What happens if I add a video to a playlist and then the video gets age-restricted?

The video stays in your playlist, but viewers who aren't signed in or are under 18 won't be able to watch it. If the video is deleted entirely, it disappears from the playlist. Age restrictions alone don't remove videos from playlists.

Can I add videos to someone else's playlist?

No. You can only add videos to playlists you created. If someone shares a public playlist with you, you can watch it and share it further, but you cannot add or remove videos. You would need to create your own playlist and add the videos there.

Why doesn't the Save button appear under some videos?

The Save button only appears when you're signed into a Google account. If you're browsing YouTube without logging in, the button won't show. Sign in with your Google account and refresh the page, and the Save button will appear.