How to Set Up Plex Smart Collections that Update Automatically

In this video I'll show you how to set up Plex smart collections that update automatically.

Timestamps:
Introduction: 0:00
Steps to Set Up Plex Smart Collections that Update Automatically: 0:36
Conclusion: 2:49

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Video Transcript:
If you are tired of manually managing your Plex movie and TV show collections every time you add new media to your server, smart collections are the perfect solution. Unlike standard collections where you have to tag each item yourself, a smart collection relies on advanced filters. Once you set up your rules, Plex will automatically add any future movies or shows that match your criteria, and instantly remove items that no longer fit.

Here are the steps to create a smart collection using the Plex web app or desktop player.

Step 1. Open Plex on your computer, navigate to the left sidebar, and select the specific movie or TV show library you want to build a smart collection for.

Step 2. Look near the top of your library screen and click the button that says "All" to open a menu. Select "Advanced Filters" from the dropdown menu. This changes your standard library view into a rules engine.

Step 3. Click the first filter dropdown box to choose your criteria, such as Genre, Director, Actor, Year, or even Content Rating.

Use the middle dropdown box to select your logic rule, like Matches or Is Not, and then use the final box to choose or type your specific value, like Horror for a genre or 2020 for a release year.

If you want to refine your collection further, click the Plus icon to add another rule row.

For example, you can set a rule to match a four-star rating, and then add a second rule row stating the actor must be Jason Statham.

Step 6. Once your filtered list looks exactly how you want it, click the drop-down arrow next to the "Save As" button located next to your filters, and then select "Save as Smart Collection." Give your new dynamic collection a name and then click "Create."

Your new smart collection is now active and can be found under the Collections tab at the top of your library screen. You can easily tell it apart from standard collections by looking for the small gear icon displayed in the top right corner of its poster artwork.

If you want your friends and family to see this new collection on their own home screens, you can easily publish it. To do this, go to your Collections tab, hover your mouse over your new smart collection poster, and click the three dots icon to open the menu. Hover over Visible On, and then check the boxes next to Home, Library, or Shared Users Home to turn those rows on for your viewers.