How to sort interviews by length for podcast researchers in 2026

A guide for podcast researchers to sort interviews by length, with steps, tools to consider and mistakes to avoid.

By XP Daily · 2026-10-17

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

Sort interviews by recording length by listing each file, checking durations, ordering them from shortest to longest or longest to shortest, and applying the order in the tool or list you use.

Option	Option	How it orders interviews
Paper list	Rank interview lengths by hand
Spreadsheet	Sort a length column you create
YTSort	Reorders a YouTube playlist you own by video length, shortest or longest first ^[1]

What you need before you start

Sorting interviews by length takes a few things ready before the order changes.

A list of interviews. Keep the interview titles or file names together so each length can be matched to the right recording.
The duration of each interview. Check the length shown by the place where the recordings are stored or listed.
A reason for sorting. Decide whether shorter interviews should be reviewed first or longer interviews should be grouped together.
A place to keep the order. A written list, spreadsheet or tool can hold the new sequence.
A browser if using a browser tool. Follow the tool's own instructions before sorting.
The review target. Know whether the interviews are being reviewed from a playlist or from another list, because the sorting method depends on where the recordings are kept.
The final order you need. Decide whether the shortest recordings or the longest recordings should appear first before moving anything.
A note of the current order. Keeping the starting sequence makes it easier to compare the result after sorting.

Step by step

These steps work with a manual list or a tool that changes the order.

Gather the interviews you want to sort. Make sure each title or file name is clear before recording the length.
Write down each duration. Add the length beside the matching interview so nothing is mixed up.
Choose the order you need. Put shorter interviews first for a quick review, or longer interviews first when longer recordings need attention.
Check for interviews that need to stay together. Some research projects may need a particular sequence for notes or review.
Arrange the list. Move the interviews into the chosen order by hand or use a tool that changes the order.
Review the new order. Read through the list once before starting the next research task.
Apply the order. Use the reordered list or playlist when reviewing interviews.
Update the order when needed. A different project goal may call for a different sequence.

Tools that can do it

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

A paper list. Write each interview name and length, then rank the recordings by hand. Check the list again before using it.

A spreadsheet. Add interview names and lengths, then sort the length column. Check the spreadsheet tool's own details for limits and cost.

YTSort. YTSort is made by the team that publishes this site. YTSort is one option. YTSort 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] It can sort the full playlist, not just the videos loaded on screen. ^[1]

YTSort can show the before and after order so the order can be checked before applying it. ^[1] It can sort only videos within a length range and move the rest to the end. ^[1] YTSort shows total, average, shortest and longest video duration for the playlist. ^[1] YTSort exports position, title, duration and URL of every video to a CSV file. ^[1] Its panel follows YouTube's light or dark theme automatically. ^[1] If its usual fast method is unavailable, it automatically switches to drag-and-drop. ^[1]

Common mistakes to avoid

Sorting without checking durations. A wrong length entry can put an interview in the wrong place.

Changing the order before deciding the goal. Choose whether shorter or longer interviews should come first before moving anything.

Forgetting interviews that need context. Some research tasks need related recordings reviewed together.

Skipping a final review. Read the new order once before starting the next review session.

Using a tool without checking requirements. Confirm that the tool works with the type of playlist or browser being used.

Frequently asked questions

How to sort interviews by length for podcast research?

List each interview with its duration, choose whether shorter or longer recordings should come first, then apply that order in a list or tool. Check the final sequence before using it for research.

Can YTSort sort YouTube interviews by length?

YTSort can reorder a YouTube playlist you own by video length, with shorter or longer videos first. ^[1] It is designed for playlists rather than a general list of files stored outside YouTube.

Can YTSort check a playlist order before changing it?

YTSort shows the before and after order so the result can be checked before applying it. ^[1] This can help review the planned order before changes are made.

Which browsers work with YTSort?

YTSort has a Chrome or Edge extension, and its script version works in any browser, including Firefox, with Tampermonkey, Violentmonkey or Greasemonkey installed. ^[1] It can also be used through a bookmark. ^[1]

Is YTSort free for sorting interviews in playlists?

YTSort is free, and all install options include the same features. ^[1] YTSort is open-source software under the GPL-2.0-only licence. ^[1] Check whether a YouTube playlist is the right place for the interviews before choosing a sorting method.

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

Try YTSort

Sources

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