Why do movie playlists in the TV app not show up in the TV app on Apple TV?

I have just a few movies purchased in my TV app and wanted test playlists before buying more. However, the movie playlists I've created only show on the iMac version of the TV app.


When I go to the TV app on my Apple TV or even my PS5, I'm not seeing any playlists - I'm only seeing the default options on the left (Movies, TV Shows, Genres).


Am I misunderstanding how playlists function in the TV app? Why wouldn't they show across all devices?


Also, the fact I need to download the movie to my iMac before adding to a playlist is kind of a head scratcher - why is this required just to add to a playlist?


Minor annoyance, but wanted to see if I'm doing something wrong here.

Apple TV 4K, tvOS 17

Posted on May 20, 2024 1:15 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 20, 2024 2:38 PM

Playlists are a tool to play several videos consecutively. If you use them for organizing (grouping), then you are forcing a square peg in a round hole.

Playlists do not sync to the Apple TV app on streaming devices.

Playlists are supported for Home Sharing (the Computers app on Apple TV box). You would see the playlists there as well as downloaded content.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 20, 2024 2:38 PM in response to mabjr89

Playlists are a tool to play several videos consecutively. If you use them for organizing (grouping), then you are forcing a square peg in a round hole.

Playlists do not sync to the Apple TV app on streaming devices.

Playlists are supported for Home Sharing (the Computers app on Apple TV box). You would see the playlists there as well as downloaded content.

May 20, 2024 5:20 PM in response to Urquhart1244

So my purchased movies in a playlist don't show across Apple devices on their flagship TV app, and instead they must be downloaded and accessed via Home Sharing on the Computers app. Seems like some legacy limitation from the iTunes era.


I appreciate the reply and explanation. Bizarre that playlists don't work similar to PLEX or literally any other service where it's just a grouped list - just a clunky mess.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Why do movie playlists in the TV app not show up in the TV app on Apple TV?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.