How to Create Collections in Plex? 7 Easy Steps to Follow

Anjali Raj SinghJanhavi Ramesh Kowligi
23 Min Read

Plex is an all-around and user-friendly multimedia streaming app that allows users to email, access, and entertain themselves with their favorite multimedia content. With the help of the Plex app, you can effortlessly create your media server that can be accessed from many devices like smartphones, iPads, laptops, and smart TVs.

Contents
1. Creating Collections in Plex1.1. Launch the Plex Collections1.2. Acquire your Media Library1.3. Choose Content 1.4. Give Name to Your Collections. 1.5. Add More Content1.6. Save It 1.7. Get Access to Your Collection 2. Benefits of Plex Collection2.1. Media Integration 2.2. Multi-Platform Compatibility 2.3. Accessible Friendly 2.4. Streamline Media Remotely2.5. Media Format Support 2.6. Customization2.7. Live TV and DVR Setup2.8. Pass Advantages 2.9. Security and Privacy 2.10. Multiuser Support2.11. Library Updates 3. Best Ways to Organize Plex Library 3.1. Make Separate Library 3.2. Use Descriptive Names Convention3.3. Organize Subfolder3.4. Allows Metadata Agent 3.5. Edit Metadata Hand Operated 3.6. Use Tag and Label 3.7. Set Content Rating and Filter 3.8. Optimization of your Network Server 3.9. Regular Metadata Updates 3.10. Use of Many Profiles 4. Ideas for a Small Collection in Plex4.1. Oscar Winning4.2. Director Cut 4.3. Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)4.4. Holiday Movies 4.5. Sci-Fi Adventure 4.7. Historical Epic4.8. Book to Screen Adapted Movies 4.9. Animated4.10. Foreign Languages Gem5. Steps to Optimize Content Library Default5.1. Visit the Library Setting Area 5.2. Select a Library for Optimization 5.3. Access Content Library Setting5.4. Optimizer 5.5. Personalize Optimization Setting 5.6. Begin Optimization 5.7. Keep Track of Progress5.8. Review Optimize Content Library 6. The Top Ten Plex Apps 6.1. Media Server 6.2. Web App6.3. Mobile App 6.4. Smart TV6.5. Streaming Devices 6.6. Plexamp6.7. Kodi Plex Add-On 6.8. Tautulli6.9. News 6.10. Podcast7. How is Plex Different From the OTT Platform?8. Final Words

Therefore, this Plex app helps simplify handling your extensive collection of movies, TV shows, web series, images, and home videos by automatically arranging and categorizing them, obtaining metadata, and offering a beautiful and spontaneous interface for smooth navigation. In this case, the prime feature of Plex is the capability to stream content not only around your local area but also remotely, making it a good solution for users on the go. 

Everyone can run their whole media library from anywhere with an internet connection that allows them to be entertained with their favorite content while traveling or far away. As a result, Plex holds an extensive range of media formats, ensuring it is compatible with virtually all kinds of media files. 

Additionally, the Plex application provides a complete set of customization alternatives, allowing you to fine-tune your personal media server to meet your particular preferences. Using this, you can have your favorite playlists, add custom artwork and descriptions, and equip parental control systems to restrict adult content accessibility to the children.

Overall, Plex is a unique media streaming app that caters to various media requirements, whether you are a movie and music enthusiast or are looking for a convenient way to handle and have fun watching your media content. Therefore, let us understand the steps to create the collection in Plex.

How to Create Collections in Plex
Image by Cottonbro Studio from Pexles/copyright2020

1. Creating Collections in Plex

The main feature Plex provides is an add-on and a plugin that extends its operationality. With this in mind, it involves accessibility to an extensive array of third-party channels like news and web content, making Plex not a media player but an entertainment hub center. Thus, Plex also offers a premium subscription, and you can unlock more of the latest features, live TV shows, DVR ability, mobile synchronization facility, and early access to new features and updates. 

Moreover, Plex is a compelling media streaming app that transforms your library into a seamless and acquirable experience. However, this app gives the convenience of offline accessibility, permitting you to download your favorite media content for offline viewing when you are out of an internet connection. To create intelligent collections in the Plex application, you need to follow some steps:

1.1. Launch the Plex Collections

First, start your Plex application on your chosen device, such as a laptop, smartphone, or TV.

1.2. Acquire your Media Library

Second, ensure your media library is installed and accessible in the Plex app. Here, you can organize your media content library. 

1.3. Choose Content 

Third, find the options to create a smart collection after choosing your Content. Next, this is executed by opting for the content item and searching for “Add Collection” or “Create Collection.”

1.4. Give Name to Your Collections. 

Finally, describe your collection that shows the theme’s purpose. For instance, if you create a collection of horror movies, you will name it “Horror Movie.”

1.5. Add More Content

After giving your collection a name, you can add more content to it. Choose the additional content item to add to your personalized collection lists. This process can be done by finding media within your library and listing it in your manual collections.

1.6. Save It 

Next, when you are done adding likable content to your personalized content, save it correctly for the future, as this finalizes your collection list. 

1.7. Get Access to Your Collection 

Lastly, you are ready to get access to your collection from the main menu on top or the library of the Plex app. Thus, it gets listed alongside media, making it easier to look at and enjoy. 

In short, following the steps mentioned above, you can create your collections in the Plex application to organize and list all the associated media content and make it easy to search and entertain yourself. 

How To Create And Organize Collections On Plex 2021

2. Benefits of Plex Collection

Plex has become a go-to preference for people to combine and streamline their favorite media content consumption across any device and place. Over there are various benefits of the Plex app. Here some are listed: 

2.1. Media Integration 

Firstly, the Plex app lets you integrate all your favorite media content in one place. Over there, you can organize Star Wars movies, TV libraries, web series, pictures, and home videos in one app, making it convenient to access and handle your overall collection.

2.2. Multi-Platform Compatibility 

Secondly, the Plex app is available on various gadgets, including tablets, smart TVs, phones, streaming devices, and gaming consoles. So, this multi-platform compatibility ensures you can connect your media library virtually anywhere. 

2.3. Accessible Friendly 

As a rule, Plex provides an intuitive and accessible friendly interface that makes browsing and finding your content media easy. Automatically, it finds metadata cover art and details attractive and convenient to explore. 

2.4. Streamline Media Remotely

An exceptional feature of Plex is its ability to streamline your media remotely. It does not matter whether you are at home or traveling. With good internet connectivity, you can access your overall media library through the Plex app platform.

2.5. Media Format Support 

Here, Plex supports many media formats, ensuring compatibility with many media files. Next, you should be okay with the content file compatibility problems while adding your chosen content to the library. 

2.6. Customization

Above all, this app permits you to customize your media library essentially. Over there, you can also create music playlists, add custom works and details, and organize your Content in one collection to match your choices. 

2.7. Live TV and DVR Setup

Because of the Plex pass subscription, you have access to live TV and install a DVR to record your TV shows, which gives you a complete entertainment solution in one single app. 

How to Create Collections in Plex? 7 Easy Steps to Follow 1
By OmarMedinaFilms / Pixabay Copyright 2018

2.8. Pass Advantages 

By subscribing to the Plex pass unlock feature that includes early accessibility to the latest features and new updates, mobile synchronization for offline connection. 

2.9. Security and Privacy 

Importantly, Plex provides security features such as user authentication and personalization. Permission to control making sure your media library is private and secured. 

2.10. Multiuser Support

Here, Plex permits numerous users to have customized profiles within a particular account. So, this is ideal for the household with various viewing choices. 

2.11. Library Updates 

Plex automatically updates all media libraries with the latest available Content, ensuring that your collection is current.

In short, the Plex streaming app provides various benefits, including centralized media arrangements, multi-platform compatibility, remote access, and music enthusiasts finding easy methods to handle and enjoy multimedia Content. It offers comprehensive solutions to cater to an extensive range of media requirements.

content library updates
Image Karolina Grabowska from Pexels/copyright2020

3. Best Ways to Organize Plex Library 

Organizing your content library in the Plex app is essential for a seamless and entertaining streaming experience. Here are many ways to appropriately manage your customized library in the Plex application:  

3.1. Make Separate Library 

Firstly, start by categorizing your media content into separate libraries based on its types. For example, it creates a library for movies, TV shows, and web series images. So, this very first step gives a structural base for the organization. 

3.2. Use Descriptive Names Convention

Secondly, while giving names to your media field, follow an easy and descriptive method that includes related details such as the title, release year, and quality. For this reason, it helps Plex recognize and categorize your content appropriately. 

3.3. Organize Subfolder

Therefore, within every library, use subfolders to organize your media library for genres, directors, or episodes of TV shows. Thus, Plex quickly detects and categorizes Content within subfolders. 

3.4. Allows Metadata Agent 

For this reason, the Plex app relies on metadata to give the correct information about your media content. Make sure that you have equipped metadata agents for every library. For the most part, the Plex app uses the digital database to get information such as movie posters, plot summaries and episode details.  

3.5. Edit Metadata Hand Operated 

In most cases, the Plex app does not find accurate metadata. You can easily edit it manually. Next, right-click on one of the media items and choose “Fix Match“ for the appropriate metadata. Over there, you can also personalize artwork and description.

How to Create Collections in Plex? 7 Easy Steps to Follow 2
By Mohamed_hassan / Pixabay Copyright 2018

3.6. Use Tag and Label 

Later, properly use tags and labels to classify your media library. Overall, designations recognize Content with attributes like “Family-friendly” or “Action-packed. “Conversely, brands help categorize media content by mood or themes. 

3.7. Set Content Rating and Filter 

Hence, Plex permits you to set content ratings for your organized media. It can be beneficial if you have any specific content you desire to restrict access to based on age factor or maturity level. After that, form a content filter to keep age-based Content accessible. 

3.8. Optimization of your Network Server 

Later, ensure the Plex network server runs smoothly by optimizing your database daily. It also gives a built-in feature facility to maximize your server well, which can help improve performance and decrease database clutter

3.9. Regular Metadata Updates 

Periodically update your media libraries to ensure new Content is added and available metadata remains accurate. It helps in scanning and updating your media library at particular intervals. 

3.10. Use of Many Profiles 

If you have many users who share your Plex server, promote them to create an individual user profile. Users can maintain their Content by watching history, choices, and files. Following the above steps, you can easily organize your customized media library in the Plex app. 

games
Image by Liliana-Drew from Pexels/copyright2021

4. Ideas for a Small Collection in Plex

In general, creating a small collection in Plex is one of the best ways to develop and organize a particular subset of the media library for easy accessibility and entertainment. Here are a few ideas for a small collection you can make in the Plex app: 

4.1. Oscar Winning

First, form a collection that features movies that have won Academy Awards, including Best Pictures, Best Actor, and other prestigious categories.

4.2. Director Cut 

Next, a collection of movies directed by your favorite filmmakers or displaying the works of well-renowned directors. Then, highlight their particular cinematic styles. 

4.3. Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)

Thirdly, list all the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) groups in a collection for an entertaining Marvel marathon series.

4.4. Holiday Movies 

On the other hand, make a holiday-themed movie collection for watching during the festive season for a particular season.to enjoy.

4.5. Sci-Fi Adventure 

Later, compile a set of musicals and music-related movies for toe-tapping soothing viewing experiences. 

4.7. Historical Epic

It would be best to have an epic collection of historical movies that takes you to unique historical eras and affairs

4.8. Book to Screen Adapted Movies 

For this reason, compiling movies that are an adaptation of famous books permits you to contrast both.

4.9. Animated

Make sure to combine an entire collection of animated movies and their series for enthusiasts of all age groups.  

4.10. Foreign Languages Gem

Lastly, highlight foreign language films well known for their storytelling and cultural richness.

To conclude, these ideas for a small collection in the Plex app permit you to personalize your library according to particular interests and moods by making it easy to search and entertain the Content you enjoy the most.

movies
Image by Andrea Piacquad from Pexels /copyright2020

5. Steps to Optimize Content Library Default

The Optimization of your Plex library is essential for ensuring smooth playback and appropriate management of your content library. Here are some steps to follow: 

5.1. Visit the Library Setting Area 

Click on the “Libraries “in the Plex app dashboard to see media libraries. 

5.2. Select a Library for Optimization 

Second, choose the library you desire to optimize from the lists of libraries. Every library represents a particular kind of media, for instance, Movies or TV series. 

5.3. Access Content Library Setting

Thirdly, in the chosen library, find and click on the three vertical dots or the “More “button. After that, it will open a drop-down menu list.

5.4. Optimizer 

Next, from the drop-down menu list, choose the Optimizer option. Plex also provides many optimization preferences, including “Optimize database,” “Optimize thumbnail and “Optimize Media. “

5.5. Personalize Optimization Setting 

Depending on your preferences (database, thumbnail or media), you may offer extra settings to personalize the optimization procedures. Over there, you can allocate these settings based on your choices. 

5.6. Begin Optimization 

After your complete personalization, click the “Start “or “Optimizer “button to begin the optimization procedure. Next, the Plex app will automatically start your chosen library. 

5.7. Keep Track of Progress

On the other hand, the Plex app shows the progress. Depending on the size of your library and the selected optimization type, it may take additional time. 

5.8. Review Optimize Content Library 

After the Optimization, review your library content to ensure everything is operational as planned. You must be noticing better performance and smooth media playbacks. 

Lastly, regular Optimization of your content library helps in high-maintenance performance and overall health, offering a good streaming experience for you and the users.

streaming optimization
Image by Cottonbro Studio from Pexels/copyright2020

6. The Top Ten Plex Apps 

Alternatively, Plex provides apps and plugins that increase its functionality and offer additional features for media management and streaming platforms. Here are the ten Plex apps and plugins: 

6.1. Media Server 

Over there is the central Plex media server where you can host and organize your favorite media library. It is essential for handling and streaming your show’s Content to other Plex apps.

6.2. Web App

Secondly, the web app is a browser-based interface that allows you to access your Plex collecting library from any computer with internet connectivity. It offers similar functionality to the base Plex app. 

6.3. Mobile App 

Third mobile app for iOS and Android users, permitting you to access and run your Content on smartphones or iPads.

6.4. Smart TV

In this case, Plex provides smart TV apps that include famous brands such as Samsung, LG and Sony. The apps offer a seamless experience on your television setup. 

6.5. Streaming Devices 

It is the most compatible app with several streaming devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. Firstly, install the Plex app on your devices to enjoy streaming your Content quickly to your gadget. 

6.6. Plexamp

It is a music app that offers a complete music-listening experience. Plexamp provides features such as a custom radio station, gapless playback and the latest trending music library.

6.7. Kodi Plex Add-On 

So, this Kodi Add-on media center software permits Kodi users to access their Plex media library within its interface, combining both platforms’ strengths

6.8. Tautulli

Tautulli, formerly Plex Py, is a robust tracking and analytic tool. It gives comprehensive statistics on your server use, including user activity, playback history, and notifications for the latest Content.

6.9. News 

Here, Plex News is a built-in feature that gives accessibility to many news sources. This app delivers customized news content to your Plex dashboard, updating you about recent events. 

6.10. Podcast

Lastly, podcasts permit you to listen and subscribe to your favorite podcast directly inside the Plex app. In short, these ten apps and plugins increase your Plex experience by offering additional features for media organization, streaming and personalization. You can install and use the apps to tailor them to your media consumption habits according to your choices and requirements

How to Use Plex Collections !

7. How is Plex Different From the OTT Platform?

Plex and Over-the-top (OTT) platforms are associated with media streaming but differ in purpose, functionality and user interface experience. Plex primarily works as a Plex media server and your favorite content organizer. Next, it relies on your built media library, including movies, TV shows, and web series videos you acquire. 

For the most part, Plex is well-designed for users who want to organize and access their personal collection list.   Above all, it offers a free tier with essential features and a facility for a paid subscription. Due to this, this app permits the installation of third-party plugins that expand its functionality, like Tatulli or Plex amp. 

All users have complete control over their media library and data privacy while using the Plex App. Over there, all the Content is stored and handled locally, decreasing data privacy concerns. The OTT platform usually does not support the third-party app and plugin system and chooses to offer a controllable user experience. These IoT platforms collect all the user data and watching lists to customize suggestions and target ads, increasing privacy concerns.

In summary, Plex is considered the best as it suits users who want to organize and stream their content media well. On the other hand, the OTT platform provides vast catalogs of licensed Content that includes original programming based on subscription services. 

Is PLEX the All-time Best Free Streaming Service?

8. Final Words

In summary, Plex collections offer an effective method for organizing and improving how we enjoy media content. Users can create curated libraries that cater to specific themes, genres or interests by grouping movies, TV shows, or music. This feature simplifies how we navigate Content and enhances the enjoyable streaming experience.

Plex’s dedication to user customization and organization ensures that people who love media can easily customize their libraries according to their preferences. It is a valuable tool for those looking for an organized entertainment platform. Ultimately, Plex collections contribute to a more enjoyable multimedia consumption experience.

 

Last Updated on by Janhavi Ramesh Kowligi

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By Anjali Raj Singh content writer
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Hello, I am a content writer expert in writing different niches like lifestyles, gaming, fashion, beauty, food, travel etc. I have written several lifestyle related contents for Icy Tales. Currently I'm writing and researching lifestyle related contents and helping people deal with day to day and general life issues as well as social life issues as well.

Finance enthusiast who wants to explore the world - Janhavi R. Kowligi is a freelance editor and content provider pursuing a bachelor's in commerce. With two years of diverse experience in content writing, she focuses on ensuring the authenticity and accuracy of the content of various categories like health, travel, food and much more. She likes to interact with people of diverse backgrounds and bring out the best in them.

Education Bachelor’s in Commerce, Pune University Specialization in Banking and Finance Certifications/Qualifications All India School Certificate Examination with Skill Course 402-Information Technology
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