Adding Other Types Of Assets To A Playlist

This article will guide you on how to incorporate various asset types beyond just images and videos.

In this guide, we will delve into the various asset types that can be incorporated into a playlist.

  • Nested Playlists
  • IPTV Live Streams
  • YouTube Videos
  • Web Pages
  • Live Stream Video

In the playlist editing screen, located in the top right corner, you will find a dropdown menu that allows you to select the type of asset you wish to add to your playlist.


 

Nested Playlists

A nested playlist is a type of playlist that can be included within another playlist, simplifying the management of numerous screens. This feature is particularly beneficial for efficiently organising and updating content across a large network of displays.


For instance, you might create individual playlists for different screen locations, necessitating separate updates for each with their respective generic assets. Additionally, you may have a collection of generic assets that you want to display across all screens. In the example provided, there are two local playlists (one for Manchester and another for Leeds) alongside a Master playlist.


In NowSignage, you can incorporate nested playlists into your master playlists as well as any other relevant playlists that may require them.

Incorporating a nested playlist into the Master playlist will display generic assets first, followed by the specific assets for Manchester and Leeds in sequence. Future adjustments to the nested playlists can be managed from either the playlist or main playlist screen, with any modifications automatically reflecting wherever that playlist is used.


With nested playlists this allows you to update the content in multiple linked playlists at the same time without having to add each asset individually playlist into each playlist.



IPTV Live Streams

To add a Live Stream video to your playlist, simply select 'Live Streams' from the drop down.

 

You will be presented with a list of available live streams. Once you identify the live stream you wish to display, simply click the 'Add' button next to your selected option.

The standard duration for the Live Stream is initially set to 300 seconds (or 5 minutes). However, you have the option to modify this duration to meet your specific requirements. Once you have selected your preferred duration, click 'Add to playlist' to promptly add it to your playlist.



YouTube Videos

To add a YouTube video to your playlist, simply select 'Other Apps' from the drop down where you will see an option for YouTube.

 

To incorporate a YouTube video into your playlist, click the 'Add' button next to the YouTube icon. Then, paste or enter the URL of the desired video in the External URL section. Finally, specify the duration for which you want the video to play in your playlist.

 

 

Optional - If the YouTube video has available subtitles click the captions tick box to enable these. (This feature is available on Android v3.0.2+ and all other app builds v0.6.0+)

Please note - Captions are not currently compatible with the BrightSign build of the NowSignage app.


 


Once you have finalised your selections, click 'Add to playlist' to instantly include the video. Please note that in the Preview window, the video will show the YouTube play button. This is only for preview purposes; once the playlist goes live, the video will autoplay on the device.

 

Please note - The duration setting does not automatically adjust to match the video's actual length; You must enter this information manually. For instance, if the YouTube video is 3 minutes long, you should input the precise duration in seconds (180 seconds) to ensure the video plays in its entirety.



Web Pages

To add a web page to your playlist, simply select 'Other Apps' from the drop down where you will see an option for web pages.

Now click 'Add' next to the Web Page icon, then simply paste or enter in the Web Page URL you wish to include in your playlist into the external URL section and enter in the duration you wish the Web Page to display for.

 

Once you are happy with this, click 'Add to playlist' and it will be added instantly. 



Live Stream Video

To add a custom live stream to your playlist, simply select 'Other Apps' from the drop down where you will see an option for live stream video.

Now click 'Add' next to the Livestreamed Video icon, then simply paste or enter in the live stream URL you wish to include in your playlist into the External URL section and enter in the duration you wish the stream to play for.

After confirming your selections, click 'Add to playlist' to seamlessly include the item in your playlist.

Please note -  Currently, NowSignage exclusively supports the HLS streaming protocol. To integrate a live stream into our system, please provide a live stream URL in the .M3U8 format.

 

An alternate method for live streaming is using the YouTube feature (which supports publicly available live streams if hosted via YouTube).