How to sort source videos for media researchers in 2026

A guide for media researchers to sort source videos, prepare playlists, compare options and check common mistakes before choosing a tool.

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 source videos by listing the videos, choosing an order, checking the result and applying the changes. Tools can help when a playlist is large.

Option	Option	How it orders videos
Paper list	You arrange source videos by hand.
Spreadsheet	You create your own order using information you record.
YTSort	Reorders a YouTube playlist you own by video length, shortest or longest first. ^[1]

What you need before you start

Sorting source videos starts with a clear playlist or list of videos you need to review. Keep the source list, video titles and any notes about why each video matters in one place. A short note beside each title, saying what it is for, makes the order easier to explain later.

A browser is useful when you want a tool to reorder a YouTube playlist you own. Decide whether the order should focus on shorter or longer videos before changing anything.

Check that the playlist belongs to the account that will make the changes. For research work, keep a record of the original order before applying a new one.

Have a way to review the finished order before using it for your workflow. This helps catch changes that put important source videos in an unexpected position. Sorting in the middle of a review session tends to break your focus, so set aside a quiet block for it.

Step by step

Open the playlist or video list that needs sorting. Make sure the account can access the playlist before choosing a sorting method.

Record the current order. Save the titles or notes that help identify the sources. Write the source name next to each title so you can find each item again.

Decide the sorting goal. For example, a researcher may want shorter videos first for a quick review session or longer videos first for extended viewing.

Choose a sorting method. A manual list, spreadsheet or tool can all be used depending on the size of the task.

Review the new order before applying changes. Look for source videos that need to stay together because of the research process.

Apply the new order. If using a tool, follow its instructions for changing the playlist.

Check the playlist after sorting. Confirm that the order matches the plan and that the videos are arranged as expected. If something looks off, go back to step 5 and adjust the list before you decide again.

Keep notes about the sorted list. A short record of the order can help when returning to the sources later. Store the record next to your research notes so both are easy to find together.

Tools that can do it

A paper list can work for a small source collection. Write down each video and arrange the list by the order needed for the research task. Cross out or move entries as your plan changes, and keep one clean copy for reference.

A spreadsheet can help organize video titles and lengths. A column for length can be used when creating a manual duration-based order. Add a column for the date you reviewed each video so the order can be explained later.

YTSort is made by the team that publishes this site. YTSort is one option for reordering a YouTube playlist you own by video length, shortest or longest first. ^[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 it as a bookmark, a browser script, or a Chrome Web Store extension. ^[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]

Common mistakes to avoid

Changing a playlist without checking the original order can make it harder to return to earlier source arrangements. Keep a record before applying changes.

Sorting without a clear goal can create an order that does not match the research task. Decide whether length or another workflow need matters before sorting.

Forgetting to review the result can leave important source videos in a place that does not help the next step. Read through the new order before relying on it.

Using a tool without checking its requirements can cause delays. Confirm the browser or setup details before starting. Sorting a shared playlist without asking its owner first can cause confusion for others who use it.

Frequently asked questions

How can YTSort sort source videos for media researchers?

YTSort 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]

Can YTSort show a playlist order before changing it?

YTSort shows the before and after order so you can check it before applying the change. ^[1] This can help review the planned order before the playlist is changed.

Which browsers work with YTSort?

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

Can YTSort sort only some video lengths in a playlist?

YTSort 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]

How can YTSort export source video details?

YTSort exports position, title, duration and URL of every video to a CSV file. ^[1] This can give media researchers a saved copy of playlist details after sorting.

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)