For Mac users, Smart Playlists in the Music app are a fantastic way to create automated song libraries that update periodically based on your chosen criteria. Best of all, it’s free to make a Smart Playlist, and you can create as many as you want.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a guide on how to build and customize a Smart Playlist.
Create a Smart Playlist in Music on Mac
Open the Music app on your Mac to begin.
Step 1: Go to File > New in the menu bar and select Smart Playlist from the drop-down menu.
Step 2: In the Smart Playlist setup window, check the box at the top for Match the following rule to choose your criteria for the playlist.
Step 3: Use the first drop-down box on the left to select the initial condition for your playlist, such as artist, date added, genre, etc.
Step 4: Choose the appropriate option from the right drop-down box based on your first selection.
Step 5: Provide the necessary information in the text box, drop-down list, or calendar on the right based on your previous selections.
Step 6: If desired, add another condition to your playlist by selecting the Plus sign and setting it up similar to the first one.
Step 7: Optionally configure additional items for your playlist like the number of items, selection criteria, and live updating.
Once finished, save your Smart Playlist rules by selecting OK.
Step 8: Your playlist will appear in the main section of the Music app. Enter a name in the Playlist field, press Return, and start enjoying your new Smart Playlist.
Any new items that match the rules you set up for your Smart Playlist will automatically be added to it as you continue to listen, purchase, or add music in the Music app.
Access or edit your Smart Playlist
Playing or editing the rules for your Smart Playlist is simple and can be done within the Music app on Mac.
Step 1: Access and play your Smart Playlist anytime by selecting it in the Playlists section of the Music app’s left-hand menu.
Step 2: If you sync the Music app with your iPhone or iPad, you’ll find the Smart Playlist in the Playlists section of the Library on those devices as well.
Step 3: To make changes to your playlist, select the playlist and click Edit rules below the playlist name on the right.
Adjust the rules as needed and save your changes by selecting OK.
Why is my Smart Playlist empty?
If you find that your Smart Playlist is empty, it may be due to inadvertently clicking a button while setting up the playlist. The solution is simple and involves resetting any “match all” or “match any” filters that you may have set.
What is a Genius playlist?
In contrast to a Smart Playlist, which uses user-defined settings to automatically add songs, artists, and albums, a Genius playlist is a collection of songs grouped together by Apple’s Genius tool based on similarities.
To create a Genius playlist in the macOS Music app, start playing a song, then go to File > New > * Genius Playlist*. The app will generate a playlist of similar-sounding songs.
Genius Shuffle is an extension of the Genius tool that selects random songs and pairs them with similar ones, making it a great option when unsure of what genre to listen to.
Now that you know how to create a Smart Playlist in Apple Music for automatically updating music, check out our guide on how to share your Apple Music library.
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