Turn on YouTube Autoplay on the device playing the playlist, but do not count on it to skip every video that errors or is unavailable. YouTube describes Autoplay as starting another video after the current one ends; its help guidance does not promise that every playback error will trigger the next playlist item. If playback stops, troubleshoot the error, then resume the playlist or remove the problem item.
Turn on Autoplay on the playback device
- Open the playlist’s watch screen on the device that is actually playing it.
- Switch on Autoplay. On desktop, YouTube places the control at the bottom of the player; on mobile, it is at the top. TV and casting have their own controls or settings.
- Check the setting on that device. YouTube settings can differ between devices, so enabling Autoplay on a phone does not establish that it is enabled on a TV or computer. See YouTube Help: Autoplay videos.
YouTube Help describes Autoplay as a way to start another video after the current video ends. That does not establish that an error—such as “This video is unavailable” or “Something went wrong. Tap to retry.”—is treated as the end of a video. Treat Autoplay as a useful setting to try, not guaranteed error recovery.
When a playlist item fails, troubleshoot the playback error
Try the steps that match the symptom. YouTube lists the following general playback checks in its video-error troubleshooting guidance:
- Connection or buffering problem: check your internet connection and data settings. If playback is unstable, lower the video quality.
- App or device problem: restart the YouTube app or device, then check for app updates.
- Browser-specific problem: update the browser and check whether extensions are interfering with playback.
- Still failing: try playback on another supported device to see whether the issue is limited to the original device or browser.
- Video unavailable: troubleshoot the error, but do not assume Autoplay will skip that playlist entry. Resume playback or manage the playlist instead.
YouTube Help’s approximate sustained-speed recommendations for playback quality are 20 Mbps for 4K, 5 Mbps for 1080p, 2.5 Mbps for 720p, 1.1 Mbps for 480p, and 0.7 Mbps for 360p. These are general video-playback recommendations, not guarantees for a particular connection or a way to make a failed playlist item skip.
#1 Best Overall
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Save a computer queue if you need to resume the sequence
On a computer, YouTube lets you add videos to a queue and save that queue as a playlist. The queue itself does not persist after you close the browser, so save it before closing if you want to return to the sequence. See YouTube Help: Queue videos on YouTube – Computer.
Remove or reorder a problem entry
If one item repeatedly interrupts the playlist, use YouTube’s playlist controls to remove or reorder it, then try playback again. Playlist editing changes the sequence; it does not fix the underlying video playback error. For Android playlist-management instructions, see YouTube Help: Create & manage playlists – Android.
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- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
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Know when Autoplay may stop for other reasons
Even when no video has failed, YouTube Help says Autoplay may stop after 30 minutes of inactivity on a mobile network or four hours of inactivity on Wi-Fi. A “Continue watching?” prompt may appear after 30 minutes of uninterrupted viewing on mobile, 60 minutes on web, or 180 minutes on TV. These are YouTube Help thresholds, verified in 2026; they are separate from whether an erroring playlist entry advances.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a 24/7 YouTube live stream made from uploaded videos, StreamNeo is a separate option: it loops uploaded recordings or playlists from the cloud, rather than playing a regular YouTube playlist for a viewer. Upload your video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay running at home; uploads stream as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or start the free first day.
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