Apple Music Playlists: Complete Guide to Creating, Sharing, and Discovering

Apple Music empowers you to build personalized playlists that fuel your gym sessions and sharpen your focus at work. As seasoned Apple Music users with years of hands-on experience, we've mastered these features.

In this expert guide, discover how to create, populate, share, and find playlists across devices. By the end, you'll harness Apple Music like a pro.

How to Create an Apple Music Playlist

The process differs slightly between mobile devices and computers.

On iPhone, iPad, and other mobile devices:

• Open the Music app and tap the Library tab. Tap New Playlist at the top, add a name, description, and tracks if desired, then tap Done.

In iTunes for Mac or Windows:

• Open iTunes, go to File > New > Playlist (or Cmd + N on Mac). Name it in the sidebar and press Enter.

How to Add Songs to an Apple Music Playlist

On iPhone, iPad, or mobile:

• Locate your playlist in Library > Playlists, tap Edit > Add Music, add tracks, then Done.
• Browsing albums or tracks? 3D Touch (or long-press) a song, select Add to Playlist, and choose one.
• From Now Playing, tap the ellipsis (...), then Add to Playlist.
• Use Shazam app: Identify a song, tap Add, and select a playlist.

In iTunes for Mac or Windows:

• Drag songs from albums or tracks onto your playlist in the left sidebar.
• Right-click a song and select Add to Playlist > [Playlist Name].
• From Now Playing, hover over the track, click the ellipsis (...), and choose Add to Playlist > [Playlist Name].

How to Share Apple Music Playlists

On iPhone, iPad, or mobile:

• Go to Library > Playlists, select playlist, tap ellipsis (...) > Share Playlist.
• Or 3D Touch (long-press) the playlist > Share Playlist.

In iTunes for Mac and Windows:

• Right-click playlist in sidebar under Library tab > Share Playlist.
• In Library > Playlists, scroll up, tap ellipsis (...) > Share Playlist.

Share the generated link via Messages, Facebook, AirDrop, etc. Note: Links can't be revoked; duplicate and delete the original to stop sharing.

To feature on your public profile (desktop only):

1. Click For You tab, then your icon top-right.
2. Set up profile if needed, click Edit.
3. Select playlists, tap Done.

Can You Do Collaborative Apple Music Playlists?

No. Though rumored for iOS 11, collaborative editing remains unavailable on mobile and desktop. Future iOS updates may introduce it amid Apple's social push.

How to Subscribe to an Apple Music Playlist

Use a shared link—it opens in Music/iTunes. Tap Add at top to subscribe.

Mobile: Appears in Library > Playlists. Desktop: In sidebar's "Apple Music Playlists" section.

How to Discover New Playlists in Apple Music

Visit For You tab for personalized recommendations like Favorites Mix, New Music Mix, and genre-based lists (Chill Mix).

These update regularly with new releases and your habits. Scroll for curated picks like Spotlight Artist Playlists and new releases.

As covered in our 10 Essential Apple Music Tips, refine suggestions with Love/Not Interested buttons under ellipsis (...) or contextual menus. Apple Music adapts based on feedback.

Create a radio station from a song: 3D Touch/right-click > Create Station.

Don't Forget to Search for Playlists Too

Apple Music playlists are human-curated alongside algorithmic ones. Search genres, artists, moods, or activities for tailored results.

Examples:

• Headspace: Electronic, acoustic, ambient for focus. Weekly updates.
• Vaporwave Essentials: Genre deep-dive.
• Grind Your Core: Ultra-aggressive tracks.
• Sampled: Blue Note Records: Modern samples from jazz label, part of "Sampled" series.

Wrapping Up Your Apple Music Playlists Journey

This guide equips Apple Music newcomers to create, share, and explore playlists—or refreshes veterans with fresh ideas. If you're device-agnostic, compare services via our How to Choose the Best Music Streaming Service.