Dynamic Playlists

Dynamic playlists automatically include media that matches criteria you define. Instead of manually adding and removing items, the playlist updates itself as your media library changes.

How Dynamic Playlists Work

A dynamic playlist is defined by a set of rules rather than a fixed list of items. When the playlist is evaluated, Stratos queries your media library for items matching the rules and builds the playback sequence on the fly.

Rule Types

Rule	Description
Tag	Include media with specific tags (e.g. `summer-promo`, `cafe-menu`).
Folder	Include all media in a particular folder or folder tree.
Type	Filter by media type — images, videos, or documents.
Date Range	Include media uploaded within a specific date range.
Name Pattern	Match media files whose names contain a specific string.

Combining Rules

You can combine multiple rules with AND or OR logic:

AND — media must match all rules to be included.
OR — media matching any rule is included.

For example, a playlist with the rules Tag = "lobby" AND Type = "Image" will include only images tagged with “lobby.”

Ordering Dynamic Playlists

Dynamic playlists still need a playback order. You can choose:

Upload date — newest or oldest first.
File name — alphabetical or reverse alphabetical.
Random — shuffle the items each time the playlist loops.
Manual priority — assign a priority number to each matching item (requires manual curation).

When Dynamic Playlists Update

Dynamic playlists are re-evaluated:

When media is uploaded, edited, or retired.
When a schedule referencing the playlist starts.
On a regular interval (configurable in playlist settings).

Use Cases

Promotional rotations — tag new promotional images and they automatically appear in the lobby playlist.
Menu boards — all images in the “menu-items” folder are included; add a new dish by uploading to that folder.
Seasonal content — use date range rules to automatically include holiday content during specific periods.

Creating a Playlist — manual playlist creation.
Playlist Ordering — control playback sequence.
Media Tags — tagging strategy.