A playlist can hold tags as well as tracks. Each tag in the playlist is a slot: when the playlist reaches it, it plays a random track with that tag. The playlist stays fresh as you tag new tracks, with no editing.
Build a pattern with tag slots
Tag slots are most useful in a fixed order, like a broadcast clock: two songs, a station ID, two songs, a jingle.
- Tag your tracks, for example
music,station-idandjingle. See Tags. - Go to Playlists and open or create a playlist.
- Turn Randomize order off, so the items play in the order shown in Playlist items.
- In Available tracks, switch to the Tags view.
- Add a tag with its add button, or drag it to a position in Playlist items. Add the same tag as many times as the pattern needs.
- Drag the items into the order you want, then click Save Playlist.
With Randomize order on, the slots themselves are shuffled each time the playlist plays, so the pattern is lost.
With separation rules on, the pattern can also shift: an item that a rule blocks is skipped, the next allowed item plays first, and the skipped one plays later. To keep the pattern exact, mark your jingle, ID and voice tags Exempt from separation rules on the Tags page, or leave artist and album separation off.
How a slot picks its track
- Each slot picks a random track with its tag, following your separation rules. If no track with the tag passes them, the slot is skipped for now and the next item plays first.
- A slot whose tag has no ready track plays nothing, and the playlist moves on.
- A syndication subscription with the tag can play from the slot too.
Tracks and tag slots can be mixed in the same playlist.
Related articles
- Playlists for the editor and playback options
- Tags to manage tags and mark jingles exempt from separation rules