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How to prepare research playlists for knowledge managers in 2026

A guide for knowledge managers to prepare research playlists with tools, steps, checks and ways to organize video research.

By XP Daily ยท

XP Daily is published by the makers of DaysAid, QuickDictate and YTSort, which are compared here alongside other tools.

Prepare research playlists by choosing a clear goal, listing useful videos, ordering them in a way that supports review, and checking the final playlist before use.

OptionOptionHow it prepares research playlists
Paper list or sticky noteRank videos by hand with written notesNot published
SpreadsheetSort a list using details you addCheck the spreadsheet tool's own limits and cost
YTSortReorders a YouTube playlist you own by video length, shortest or longest first. [1]Free tool with the same features across install options. [1]

What you need before you start

Preparing research playlists takes a clear topic, a place to keep useful videos, and a reason for the order.

Set aside time to check the playlist before sharing it with others. A quick review can show whether the order supports the work you need to do.

Step by step

These steps work with any tool, including a pen and a sheet of paper.

  1. Choose the research question. Write down what the playlist should help someone understand.
  2. Collect the videos. Add relevant videos to a playlist you own or keep a separate list while researching.
  3. Record useful details. Note the title, length and why each video matters.
  4. Mark important videos. Identify videos that should be watched first because they provide background or context.
  5. Create an order. Arrange videos in the sequence that makes sense for the research task.
  6. Check the playlist. Read through the order and look for videos that need to move.
  7. Apply the order. Reorder by hand or use a tool that can help.
  8. Review after use. Update the playlist when the research needs change.

A good research playlist should make it easier to return to useful material later. Keep notes simple enough that another person can understand the purpose of the list. Add enough context for future reviews so the reason for including each video remains clear. A playlist can support repeated research work when its order and notes are easy to follow. Review the list when the research question changes or when new material is added.

Tools that can do it

You do not need software for this. Here are options to consider.

Paper list or sticky note. You write each title and detail by hand and arrange the list yourself.

A spreadsheet. A table with titles, lengths and notes gives you a place to review the order. Check the spreadsheet tool's own details for limits and cost.

YTSort. YTSort is made by the team that publishes this site. It reorders a YouTube playlist you own by video length, shortest or longest first. [1] It can sort the full playlist, not just the videos loaded on screen. [1]

YTSort is free, and all install options include the same features. [1] It is free, open-source software under the GPL-2.0-only licence. [1] You can get YTSort through a bookmark, a browser script, or a Chrome Web Store extension. [1] The extension needs Chrome or Edge, and the script version works in any browser, including Firefox, with Tampermonkey, Violentmonkey or Greasemonkey installed. [1]

Common mistakes to avoid

Sorting before defining the research goal. An order without a purpose can make a playlist harder to use.

Keeping notes separate from the videos. Put useful details near the playlist so they are easier to find later.

Ignoring the viewing order. Check whether the first videos give enough background before moving to more specific material.

Forgetting long videos. Decide when longer items should be reviewed instead of leaving them without a plan.

Sharing without a final check. Read the playlist from top to bottom before giving it to others.

Frequently asked questions

How to prepare research playlists for knowledge managers?

Choose a research goal, collect useful videos, record important details, arrange the playlist in a useful order, and review it before use. A playlist can be prepared by hand, with a spreadsheet, or with a tool that supports the type of ordering needed.

How does YTSort prepare research playlists?

YTSort can reorder a YouTube playlist that is owned by the account holder by video length, with shortest or longest first. [1] It can sort the full playlist rather than only the videos loaded on screen. [1]

Can YTSort show the playlist order before changes are applied?

YTSort shows the before and after order so the result can be checked before applying it. [1] This can help when a research playlist needs a quick review before the final order is used.

Which browsers work with YTSort?

The YTSort extension needs Chrome or Edge. [1] The script version works in any browser, including Firefox, with Tampermonkey, Violentmonkey or Greasemonkey installed. [1] YTSort can also be used from a bookmark. [1]

Is YTSort free for preparing research playlists?

YTSort is free, and all install options include the same features. [1] It is open-source software under the GPL-2.0-only licence. [1] Check whether its sorting options match the type of research playlist being prepared.

YTSort is free; all install options include the same features. [1]

Try YTSort

Sources

  1. YTSort's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)

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