The Dos and Don’ts of Writing Music Playlists

By | Published On: July 8, 2025 | 5 min read |

A smartphone displaying a music player interface, surrounded by floating vinyl records used for creating playlists, headphones

Creating the perfect music playlist is both an art and a science. A well-made playlist sets the mood for any occasion. However, crafting a playlist isn’t as simple as throwing together a bunch of songs. It takes thought, strategy, and a bit of finesse.

If you’ve ever started a playlist, only to find it overwhelming or underwhelming, this guide will help. And for those truly special occasions, why not leave it to the pros? Corporate event DJ Will Gill specializes in energizing and engaging events. He has earned over 2,000 five-star reviews during his career as a DJ and emcee.

Here’s a breakdown of the dos and don’ts of writing music playlists so you can hit all the right notes literally.

The Dos of Writing Music Playlists

1. Know the Purpose of Your Playlist

Before you begin, ask yourself what the playlist is for. Additionally, knowing the purpose of your playlist helps you pick songs that fit the vibe.

  • Example: For a morning workout, you might want upbeat, high-tempo songs that energize you, like electronic or hip-hop tracks.
  • Actionable Tip: Next, write down three words that describe the mood or purpose of your playlist. For a beach trip playlist, your words could be “fun,” “relaxed,” and “sunny.” Use these as your guide.

2. Know Your Audience

However, not every playlist is for personal use. Therefore, consider your audience’s preferences when making a playlist. A playlist for kids will likely look very different from a playlist for jazz lovers.

  • Example: For a road trip with friends who love rock, you might include classics from Queen or Fleetwood Mac.
  • Actionable Tip: Poll your audience by asking for their favorite artists, genres, or specific songs. As a result, this ensures they feel included and enjoy the playlist.

3. Balance Genres and Tempos

A playlist with a single genre or a uniform tempo can get boring fast. Mixing it up keeps the listening experience fresh and engaging. Ensure smooth transitions between songs for long playlists.

  • Example: Mix styles with indie rock like ‘Dog Days Are Over’ and electro-pop like ‘Blinding Lights.
  • Actionable Tip: Use playlists or suggestions from music streaming apps to discover complementary genres or artists. Many apps offer “related tracks” that match the vibe you’re building.

4. Start and End Strong

The opening song sets the tone, and the final track leaves a lasting impression. Start with a song that grabs attention and end with one that fits the vibe.

  • Example: Start your playlist with a hit like ‘Uptown Funk’ and end with a chill track like ‘Can’t Feel My Face.
  • Actionable Tip: Test your opening and closing songs by listening to how they feel in context. Adjust as needed.

5. Update and Refine

Playlists don’t have to be static. Over time, you may find new songs that fit perfectly or notice tracks that no longer feel right. Regularly updating your playlist keeps it fresh and relevant.

  • Actionable Tip: Dedicate about 15–20 minutes each week to revisit your playlists. Add or remove two to three songs to keep the lineup interesting.

The Don’ts of Writing Music Playlists

1. Don’t Overload It with Too Many Songs

While it’s tempting to add every song you love, an overly long playlist can become chaotic. Nobody wants to sort through hours of tracks to find the gems. Aim for quality over quantity.

  • Example: For a focused workout playlist, 20–30 songs (around an hour or two of music) is plenty.
  • Actionable Tip: Set a cap on the number of tracks. Review the playlist and remove songs that don’t strongly fit the mood or flow.

2. Don’t Ignore Song Transitions

A playlist where tracks clash in tempo, tone, or theme can feel jarring. Avoid randomly jumping between drastically different styles unless your goal is a deliberately eclectic mix.

  • Example: Transitioning from a heavy metal song to a soft acoustic ballad might feel awkward.
  • Actionable Tip: Arrange your playlist so songs progress naturally. Group tracks with similar tempos or emotions and test transitions by listening start to finish.

3. Don’t Include Too Many “Popular” Songs

While hits and chart-toppers are great, overloading your playlist with overly familiar tracks can make it feel generic. Balance popular songs with hidden gems and lesser-known tunes.

  • Example: Mix in indie artists and hidden gems alongside big names.
  • Actionable Tip: Use platforms like Spotify or YouTube to explore curated playlists, discovering up-and-coming artists to include.

4. Don’t Neglect Audio Quality

Avoid using poorly mastered or low-quality versions of songs. Bad sound quality can ruin the listening experience, especially if the playlist is played on high-quality speakers.

  • Actionable Tip: Check the audio quality, especially from unreliable sources.

5. Don’t Make It About You (When It’s Not)

If your playlist is meant for a group or event, avoid making it entirely about your personal tastes. While it’s fine to include some tracks you love, focus on the preferences of your audience or the purpose you’ve defined.

  • Example: At a wedding reception, favor widely appealing songs over obscure tracks from your favorite experimental band.
  • Actionable Tip: Create a trial playlist and share it with a small group for feedback. Adjust based on their input.

Tips for Using Playlist Tools

Most music apps, like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music, offer tools that simplify the playlist creation process. Here are a few features you can use:

  • Auto-Generated Suggestions: Apps suggest songs to match your playlist theme.
  • Collaborative Playlists: Use the collaborative feature to let friends add their favorite tracks.
  • Smart Playlists: Platforms like Spotify can create playlists automatically based on mood, genre, or even specific lyrics.

A Creative Way to Write Music Playlists

Creating a music playlist is about matching the mood, purpose, and audience. By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll create playlists that delight listeners, flow seamlessly, and stand out from the crowd. Remember, the perfect playlist is as much about the experience it creates as it is about the individual songs. Happy curating!