--- {"title": "Prepare viewing queues for video projects in 2026", "description": "A guide for video editors to prepare viewing queues for projects, with steps, tool options, mistakes to avoid and checks before choosing.", "url": "https://xpdaily.com/how-to-prepare-viewing-queues-for-projects-for-video-editors/", "date": "2026-10-13"} --- A guide for video editors to prepare viewing queues for projects, with steps, tool options, mistakes to avoid and checks before choosing. 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. | Option | How it prepares a viewing queue | |---|---| | Paper list or notes | You arrange video details by hand | | Spreadsheet | You organize a list using details you enter | | YTSort | Reorders 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. - **The videos for the project.** Keep the playlist or list of videos you plan to review in one place. - **A reason for the order.** Decide whether the queue should put shorter clips first, group material by another workflow need, or follow an existing review order. - **The video lengths.** Knowing the length of each video helps when the goal is to arrange viewing from shortest to longest. - **A place to track the order.** A paper list, spreadsheet or playlist can hold the order while you prepare it. - **A browser if you use a browser tool.** Have the browser ready before starting the sorting process. 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] - [Visit YTSort](/go/start-ytsort) ## Sources [^1]: YTSort's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher) (/go/start-ytsort)