Collaborative Playlist

How to Play

Setup

1. Choose a platform your team can access (Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube). Create a shared or collaborative playlist and verify permissions so all participants can add tracks.
2. Share clear instructions ahead of time: each person selects 2–3 songs that represent them, energize them, or make them happy. Ask participants to add songs before the meeting and note any clean/explicit versions.
3. Plan timing. Budget about 2–3 minutes per person. Aim to play 30–45 seconds per song plus short explanations.
4. Assign roles: a facilitator (guides flow and safety), a timekeeper, and a DJ (controls playback, manages volume, and screen/audio sharing). In large groups, create breakout groups of 5–8.
5. Test audio. For virtual or hybrid sessions, confirm screen share with system audio, adjust volume levels, and ensure a backup speaker for the room.
6. Set expectations on respectful listening and content guidelines (see Rules). Prepare a quick random order list or speaker queue.

How to Play

1. Kickoff (2 minutes): Facilitator explains purpose—connection through music, celebrating diverse tastes—and outlines the agenda.
2. Add songs: Participants add 2–3 songs to the shared playlist prior to the session. Encourage brief notes (why it matters, memory, mood, or a lyric).
3. Sharing round:
   • DJ plays a 30–45 second clip of Participant 1’s first song.
   • Participant shares a 30–60 second story: why they chose it, what it says about them, when they listen, or a fun fact.
   • Optional quick reactions: a few teammates share a word, emoji in chat, or raise a hand for one short comment.
   • Repeat for each participant and their remaining song(s).
4. Tag and name: As a group, choose a playlist title and add 2–3 tags (e.g., focus, feel-good, global, throwbacks). Capture standout themes or surprises.
5. Close and carry forward: Share the playlist link, agree on a rotation for a monthly theme or a “guest DJ,” and decide when to refresh the list.

Rules

1. Respect time: 2–3 minutes per person; keep clips to 30–45 seconds to include everyone.
2. Be inclusive: Choose workplace-appropriate content; use clean versions when possible. Offer content warnings for strong language or themes.
3. Consent and comfort: Passing is always allowed. Participants may share fewer songs or opt for instrumental versions.
4. One voice at a time: No talking over music or speakers; use chat for quick reactions.
5. Legal/technical: Stream from licensed platforms only; do not upload or distribute files.

Tips

• Provide prompt ideas: “This song boosts my focus,” “This reminds me of home,” “This gets me moving.”
• Use a visible timer and a speaker queue to keep flow smooth.
• Balance audio: test volume between songs and voices; avoid echo in hybrid rooms by muting extra mics.
• Encourage variety across genres, eras, and cultures. Duplicate songs are fine—compare stories!
• Estimate duration: attendees × (songs × 0.75 min + talk × 1 min) to plan the agenda.
• Keep notes on surprises, shared favorites, or new ideas for future themes.

Variations

• Themed rounds: decades, global beats, focus flow, feel-good Fridays, no-lyrics week, seasonal vibes.
• Guessing game: Play a clip and have the group guess whose pick it is before the reveal.
• Speed round: 10–15 second snippets for very large groups.
• Async option: Collect songs in a shared doc or chat channel; comment with emojis and short captions; recap in the next meeting.
• Breakout groups: Small groups create mini-playlists, then share one favorite track to the main room.
• Recognition: Light, non-competitive shout-outs like “Most Unexpected,” “Instant Mood Lift,” or “New Favorite.”