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How to prepare viewing queues for projects for video editors in 2026

A guide for video editors to prepare viewing queues for projects, with steps, tool options, mistakes to avoid and checks before choosing.

By XP Daily ยท

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

Prepare a viewing queue by collecting the videos, deciding the order you need, checking the list and then applying the order with a tool or by hand.

OptionHow it prepares a viewing queue
Paper list or notesYou arrange video details by hand
SpreadsheetYou organize a list using details you enter
YTSortReorders a YouTube playlist you own by video length, shortest or longest first. [1]

What you need before you start

Preparing a viewing queue takes a few things ready before sorting begins.

Before changing a project queue, check whether any clips need to stay together because of the way the project is being reviewed.

Step by step

These steps work with different approaches, including manual lists and browser tools.

  1. Collect the videos. Open the playlist or list of clips you need for the project and make sure the items you want to review are available.
  2. Write down the details you need. Record the title and length of each video if duration is part of the order you want.
  3. Choose the queue rule. Decide what should appear first and what should move later. A duration-based queue may place shorter videos before longer ones.
  4. Check project dependencies. Keep clips together when one review item needs another item first.
  5. Create the new order. Move the videos by hand or use a tool that changes the order for you.
  6. Review the queue before using it. Read through the list and check that important project material is still where it should be.
  7. Apply the final order. Use the playlist, list or chosen tool to save the queue you want to use.
  8. Start the review process. Follow the queue from the beginning and note any changes needed later.
  9. Update the queue when the project changes. A new clip or a different review goal may require a new order.

Tools that can do it

Here are options to consider.

Paper list or notes. Write each video title and length down, then arrange the list by hand. This can work when the queue is small.

A spreadsheet. Add video details to rows and organize the list using the information you enter. Check the spreadsheet tool's own details for limits and features.

YTSort. YTSort is made by the team that publishes this site. YTSort is one option. It is a free browser tool that reorders a YouTube playlist you own by video length, shortest or longest first. [1] It reorders a YouTube playlist you own by video length, shortest or longest first. [1]

YTSort can reorder videos by sending requests to YouTube's own system using your existing session, with no dragging or scrolling. [1] After sorting, it reads the playlist back from YouTube and re-applies any moves that did not stick. [1] It sorts the full playlist, not just the videos loaded on screen. [1]

YTSort can show the before and after order so you can check it before applying. [1] It can sort only videos within a length range and move the rest to the end. [1] It also shows total, average, shortest and longest video duration for the playlist. [1]

Common mistakes to avoid

Changing the order without checking the project flow. Some review queues depend on context, so look through the order before starting.

Sorting only part of a queue by accident. Confirm that the list you are changing includes the videos you need.

Ignoring long videos. If longer clips are moved later, decide when they will be reviewed instead of leaving them unused.

Using a queue that belongs to someone else. Check ownership before changing a playlist. A personal copy or a separate list may be needed.

Skipping a final review. A quick read of the new order can catch misplaced clips before the project review begins.

Frequently asked questions

How to prepare a viewing queue for a video project?

Collect the videos, decide the order needed for the project, arrange the queue and review it before starting. The order can be created by hand with a list or spreadsheet, or by using a tool that changes a YouTube playlist you own.

How to sort a YouTube playlist for video editing work?

A YouTube playlist can be organized by listing the videos, deciding the order rules and applying the changes. YTSort can reorder a YouTube playlist you own by video length, with shortest or longest first. [1] Check the queue after changes to confirm the order matches the review plan.

Can YTSort check a queue before changing the order?

Yes. YTSort shows the before and after order so the queue can be checked before applying the change. [1] This can help when a project queue needs a review before the final order is used.

Which browsers work with YTSort?

YTSort has an extension version that needs Chrome or Edge. The script version works in any browser, including Firefox, with Tampermonkey, Violentmonkey or Greasemonkey installed. [1] It can also be used through a bookmark, a browser script or a Chrome Web Store extension. [1]

What does YTSort show after preparing a video queue?

YTSort can show playlist duration information. [1] It shows total, average, shortest and longest video duration for the playlist. [1] It exports position, title, duration and URL of every video to a CSV file. [1]

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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