The fastest way to add a video to a playlist

To add a video to a playlist on YouTube, click the Save button below the video title (it looks like a bookmark or flag icon), then select the playlist you want or create a new one. The video is added instantly — you do not have to finish watching it, and the creator does not get notified that you saved it.

On mobile, the process is the same: tap the three dots next to the video title, tap Save to playlist, and choose where it goes. If you are watching in fullscreen mode on a phone, swipe down first to see the menu buttons.

The Save button appears on every video page, whether you are signed into YouTube or not. If you are not signed in, YouTube will ask you to sign in before saving — this is because playlists are stored in your account, not on your device.

Key Takeaways

  • Click the Save button below any video and select a playlist to add it instantly, without finishing the video.
  • You can create a new playlist while saving a video, or add it to one you already made.
  • Playlists are private by default, but you can change them to public or unlisted so others can watch them.
  • You can rearrange videos in a playlist, remove individual videos, or delete the entire playlist at any time.

Creating a new playlist while saving a video

When you click Save, a menu appears showing your existing playlists. At the top of that menu is an option to Create new playlist. Click it, type a name for the playlist, choose whether it should be private (only you can see it), unlisted (only people with the link can see it), or public (anyone can find it), then click Create.

The video is added to the new playlist immediately. You can change the privacy setting later by going to your playlists, clicking the three dots next to the playlist name, and selecting Edit playlist.

If you create a playlist by accident or change your mind about the name, you can delete it from the same menu. Deleting a playlist removes all the videos from it, but the videos themselves stay on YouTube.

Finding and managing your playlists

To see all your playlists, click your profile picture in the top right corner, then select Your channel. On the left side menu, click Playlists. You will see every playlist you have created, along with how many videos are in each one.

Click any playlist to open it and watch the videos in order. While you are inside a playlist, you can drag videos up or down to rearrange them, or click the three dots next to a video to remove it from that playlist only (the video stays on YouTube). You can also click the three dots next to the playlist name at the top to edit the name, description, or privacy setting.

If you want to add more videos to an existing playlist without using the Save button, open the playlist, click Add videos, search for what you want, and click Save next to each video you find.

Saving videos from search results and recommendations

You do not have to open a video to save it. When you see a video in search results, in your recommendations, or in a channel's uploads, hover over it (on desktop) and click the Save icon that appears. On mobile, tap the three dots next to the video thumbnail and select Save to playlist.

This is useful when you are browsing and find several videos you want to watch later. You can save them all to the same playlist without opening each one, then watch them together when you have time.

Sharing a playlist with others

If your playlist is set to public or unlisted, you can share it with other people. Open the playlist, click the Share button, and copy the link. Anyone with that link can watch the videos in the order you arranged them, but they cannot edit your playlist or add videos to it unless you give them permission.

If you want someone else to be able to add videos to a playlist, you have to make them a collaborator. Click the three dots next to the playlist name, select Edit playlist, then scroll down to Collaborators and enter their YouTube channel name or email address. They will get a notification and can start adding videos once they accept.

Removing videos and deleting playlists

To remove a single video from a playlist, open the playlist, find the video, click the three dots next to it, and select Remove from playlist. The video is removed from that playlist only — it stays on YouTube and in any other playlists you added it to.

To delete an entire playlist, go to your playlists, click the three dots next to the one you want to remove, and select Delete playlist. YouTube will ask you to confirm. Once you delete a playlist, it is gone, but all the videos in it stay on YouTube.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the Save button does not appear, you are probably not signed into your YouTube account. Sign in at the top right, then try again. If you are signed in and the button still does not show, refresh the page.

If you saved a video but cannot find it in your playlist, check that you selected the right playlist when you clicked Save. Open your playlists and search through them — sometimes a video gets added to a different list by accident. You can also search for the video title in the YouTube search bar and click Save again to add it to the correct playlist.

If a video disappears from your playlist, the creator may have deleted it or made it private. Deleted videos are removed from all playlists automatically. If the creator made it private and you do not have permission to watch it, it will no longer appear in your playlist either.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a video to multiple playlists at once?

No, the Save button adds a video to one playlist at a time. If you want it in multiple playlists, click Save, add it to the first one, then click Save again and add it to the second. The video itself stays the same — you are just creating links to it in different playlists.

Do creators know when I save their videos?

No. Creators cannot see your playlists or know which videos you have saved. Saving is completely private unless you make the playlist public or share it with someone.

What happens to my playlists if I delete my YouTube account?

All your playlists are deleted when your account is deleted. If you want to keep a record of the videos, you should write down the titles or links before you delete your account.

Can I download a playlist to watch offline?

YouTube Premium members can download individual videos to watch offline, but you cannot download an entire playlist at once. You have to download each video separately through the three-dot menu on the video page.

Why can't I find the Save button on a video?

Some videos have comments or ratings turned off by the creator, which sometimes hides the Save button as well. If this happens, try opening the video in a new tab or refreshing the page. If it still does not appear, the creator may have restricted the video in a way that prevents saving.