# How to use Watchlists Simkl is an all-in-one tracking platform designed for enthusiasts of Movies, TV Shows, and Anime. Unlike traditional list-making apps, Simkl functions as a high-powered "Watchlist as a Service," integrating your viewing habits with a massive database to automate the organization of your digital library. Simkl’s watchlist system is not just a set of lists it’s a **state-driven tracking architecture** that continuously adapts based on your viewing behavior, release schedules, and progress signals. * Your watch progress * Episode release schedules * Title status (ongoing vs ended) * Your interactions (watching, pausing, dropping) This guide breaks down the system in depth from **list logic and automation rules** to **dashboard rendering behavior and filtering controls**. {% hint style="success" %} Simkl dynamically **moves, updates, and prioritizes content** so your dashboard always reflects what actually matters: *what to watch next, what’s airing, and what needs attention.* {% endhint %} *** ## Core Concept for Watchlist The foundational concept of the Simkl Watchlist is automated synchronization. By separating content into three distinct silos: TV, Anime, and Movies. Simkl acknowledges that each medium requires different tracking logic (e.g., episode-by-episode progress for TV/Anime vs. theatrical/digital release dates for Movies).
``` Plan to Watch → Watching → (On Hold / Dropped / Completed) ``` {% content-ref url="../content-tracking/tracking-content/progress-tracking" %} [progress-tracking](https://docs.simkl.org/how-to-use-simkl/core-features/content-tracking/tracking-content/progress-tracking) {% endcontent-ref %} Each transition is governed by: #### **1. System Automation** * Detects watched progress * Tracks episode releases * Identifies completion status #### **2. User Interaction** * Manually moving titles * Marking episodes/movies as watched * Updating preferences The system is designed to eliminate the "What should I watch next?" fatigue by dynamically updating your "Next Up" queue based on your current status and the real-time global airing schedule. > Simkl prioritizes *accuracy over manual control*.\ > This ensures your watch history, stats, and recommendations remain reliable. {% content-ref url="custom-lists/custom-list-types/faq-on-mixed-list" %} [faq-on-mixed-list](https://docs.simkl.org/how-to-use-simkl/core-features/watchlists-and-custom-lists/custom-lists/custom-list-types/faq-on-mixed-list) {% endcontent-ref %} {% hint style="info" %} **Utilize** [**Custom List Collections**](https://docs.simkl.org/how-to-use-simkl/core-features/watchlists-and-custom-lists/custom-list-collections) **to effortlessly connect mixed-type lists together.** {% endhint %} *** ## What Are Simkl Watchlists? A Simkl Watchlist is a personalized, filterable database that archives your entire media history and future intentions. It serves four main purposes: 1. History: A permanent record of every show or movie you have ever watched. 2. Progress Tracking: A granular look at exactly which episode or season you are on. 3. Discovery: A tool that uses your "Completed" and "Favorites" lists to suggest new content. 4. Utility: A bridge to your notification settings, ensuring you are alerted the moment content becomes available. {% hint style="success" %} * Watching *(For TV Shows and Anime only)* * Plan to watch * On hold *(For TV Shows and Anime only)* * Completed * Dropped {% endhint %} *** ## All Default Watchlist Breakdown Managing your entertainment should be as effortless as watching it. SIMKL’s watchlist system isn't just a group of static folders; it’s an automated engine that tracks your progress and organizes your library based on real-time data. Simkl provides **five default watchlists** designed to represent every stage of your viewing lifecycle. It utilizes a specific set of statuses to categorize your media.
These lists are **automatically managed**, but also allow manual control when needed. Below is a breakdown of how each list works, including the "logic flow" that makes the automation possible. ### **Watching:** *(The Active Queue)* This list contains TV shows and Anime that a member is currently watching. As members make progress through episodes or movies, Simkl will automatically update the list to reflect their progress.
* How it Works: Once you mark the first episode of a series as "Watched," SIMKL automatically moves that title into this list, from Plan to Watch. * The Automatic Flow: >

Example: You start a new Anime, Chainsaw Man or any show.
You click "Seen/Watched" on Episode 1.
SIMKL immediately moves the show from Plan to Watch to Watching.
As you watch Episode 2, your progress updates to 2/12.
The show remains here as long as there are more episodes for you to watch.

> Watching List (For TV Shows): > > Watching List (For Anime): ### **Plan to watch:** *(The Queue)* TV Shows, Anime, and Movies that you have not started to watch. This list is for members to keep track of TV shows and movies they intend to watch in the future. Adding content to this list is an excellent way to create a personal watch queue. Think of this as your digital "To-Do" list. It is the landing spot for every Movie, TV Show, or Anime you discover but aren't ready to start yet.
* How it Works: This list acts as a reservoir. It is the only list that supports all three media types (TV, Anime, Movies) equally from the start. * The Automatic Flow: >

Example: You see a trailer for an upcoming Movie like Dune: Part Three.
You add it to your Plan to Watch list.
SIMKL will now monitor that movie and notify you the moment it hits theaters or becomes available on Digital/DVD
(based on your notification settings)

> Plan To Watchlist (TV Shows): > > Plan To Watchlist (Movies): > > Plan To Watchlist (Anime): *** ### **On Hold:** *(The Pause Button)* When members need to take a break from a show or anime but plan to return to it later, they can add the content to the "On hold" list. This list helps members remember which content they've paused and want to resume later. Exclusive to TV Shows and Anime, this list is for series you haven't given up on, but aren't actively watching right now.
* How it Works: Moving a show here removes it from your dashboard, preventing clutter while preserving your exact episode progress. * The Automatic Flow: >

Example: You are halfway through a 50-episode series but want to focus on new seasonal releases.

> >

You move the series to On Hold.

> >

Six months later, when you're ready, you move it back to Watching.

> >

SIMKL remembers you were exactly on Episode 25.

> On Hold (TV Shows): > > On Hold (Anime): ### **Completed:** *(The Archive)* Once members finish watching a TV show that has ended or watched a movie, Simkl will automatically move it to the "Completed" list. This list serves as a record of everything a member has watched, making it easy to look back and reminisce or find recommendations for friends. This list is your personal hall of fame. However, SIMKL has a "smart guard" to ensure you don't miss new content. {% hint style="danger" %} **The "Smart Guard" Rule:** * You cannot move a TV show/Anime to "Completed" if it is still airing or has unreleased episodes. * *The show is moved automatically to Completed lists if the show has ended and all episodes have been released!* * It will stay in Watching to ensure you receive notifications for the new season or when new episodes air. {% endhint %}
* How it Works: Once you watch the final episode of a series or finish a movie, SIMKL moves it here. * The Automatic Flow: >

Example: You finish the series finale of Succession.

> >

Since the show has ended and you've seen all episodes, SIMKL automatically moves it to Completed.

> >

If you finish Season 1 of a show that has a Season 2 coming next year, it stays in Watching so you get a ping when Season 2 premieres.

> Completed List (TV Shows): > > Completed List (Anime): > > Completed List (Movies): ### **Dropped:** *(Not Interested Anymore)* If a member decides to stop watching a TV show or movie without finishing it, they can add it to the "Dropped" list. This list is a useful way to remember which content didn't hold a member's interest, preventing them from accidentally returning to it in the future.
For the shows and movies that just didn't "click" or matched your "taste" or "vibes". * How it Works: Moving a title here is a signal to SIMKL’s recommendation engine. It tells the system, "I didn't like this, don't show me similar things." * The Automatic Flow: >

Example: You watch two episodes of a sitcom and decide it's not for you.

> >

You move it to Dropped.

> >

SIMKL immediately stops all notifications for that show and hides it from your "Next Up" queue forever.

> >

Ensuring you don't accidentally click on it again months later.

> Dropped (TV Shows): > > Dropped (Anime): > > Dropped (Movies): *** #### SIMKL's Watchlist Logic | **Feature** | **Watching** | **Plan to Watch** | **On Hold** | **Completed** | **Dropped** | | ------------- | -------------- | ----------------- | ----------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | | Media Types | TV, Anime | TV, Anime, Movies | TV, Anime | TV, Anime, Movies | TV, Anime, Movies | | Auto-Update | Yes (Progress) | No | No | Yes (On Finish) | No | | Notifications | Active | Release Alerts | Paused | Off | Off | *** ## How to Use Watchlist Efficiently (V2 Filters & Discover) Efficient use of watchlists is not about organizing content manually, it’s about **leveraging Simkl’s automation, filters, and discovery engine together** to maintain a clean, intelligent, and continuously updating system. ### a) Mastering with "Watchlist Defaults" If you’re a power user with hundreds of titles in your library, every click counts. One of the best "quality of life" features on SIMKL is the ability to set Watchlist Defaults. Instead of landing on your "Full List" and having to filter down every single time, you can tell SIMKL exactly which sub-category you want to see the moment you click on MY TV SHOWS, MY ANIME, or MY MOVIES. #### Why This Matters By default, most people want to see what they are *currently* watching so they can jump straight into the next episode. However, if you are a movie buff who uses SIMKL primarily to track upcoming releases, having your "Movies" tab open directly to Plan to Watch saves you the hassle of navigating through your completed history. Think of it as a pre-selected filter that loads instantly with the page. > Setting Menu:
#### How to Set Your Defaults As shown in the settings menu, you can customize the entry point for each media type individually: 1. Navigate to Settings: Go to your Profile and look for the "Watchlist Defaults & Navigation" section. 2. Select Your Primary List: For each category (TV, Anime, Movies), choose from the 5 core lists: * Watching: Best for TV and Anime fans who want immediate access to their "Next Up" queue. * Plan to Watch: Ideal for those currently in a "discovery phase" looking for something new to start. * Completed: Perfect if you frequently reference your history to give friends recommendations. * On Hold / Dropped: Less common as a default, but available if you’re doing a "spring cleaning" of your library. 3. Save Changes: Hit "Save" and your navigation bar is now optimized for your specific viewing habits. **The "One-Click" Strategy:** If you set My TV Shows to default to *Watching*, one click on the header takes you straight to the shows that have new episodes waiting. ### **b) Efficient Watchlist Management** #### **1. Keep the “Watching” List Actionable (Your Control Center)** Your *Watching* list is your **active execution layer,** it should only contain content you are realistically engaging with. #### **Best Practices** * Move inactive or paused shows → **On Hold** * Avoid leaving finished-but-ongoing shows cluttered without intent * Regularly review shows with: * Unwatched episodes piling up * No recent engagement
#### **Why This Matters** * The dashboard prioritizes *Watching* content * A cluttered Watching list → weak recommendations + poor visibility * Clean Watching list → **accurate “what’s next” suggestions** #### **2. Treat “Plan to Watch” as a Smart Queue, Not a Dump List** The *Plan to Watch* list is most effective when used as a **curated pipeline**, not a storage bin. #### **Best Practices** * Add titles you **intend to watch soon**, not “someday” * Avoid bulk-adding unreleased or distant titles * Periodically: * Remove outdated interests * Re-prioritize based on mood or trends
#### **Advanced Tip** Use Plan to Watch as a **release-driven trigger system**: * Let Simkl notify you when: * Episode 1 airs * Movie becomes available This transforms your list into a **timed discovery engine** #### **3. Use “On Hold” as a Strategic Buffer (Not a Graveyard)** *On Hold* is not abandonment—it’s **intentional delay**. #### **Best Practices** * Move content here when: * Waiting for a full season to release * You want to binge later * You temporarily lose interest #### **Optimization Strategy** * Periodically revisit On Hold: * Resume → move back to Watching * Lose interest → move to Dropped Keeps your ecosystem **actively maintained, not stagnant** #### **4. Use “Dropped” to Train Simkl’s Recommendation Engine** Most users underutilize this list, but it’s critical for **personalization accuracy**. #### **Best Practices** * Move content you genuinely didn’t enjoy → Dropped * Don’t leave disliked shows in Watching or On Hold #### **System Impact** * Simkl learns: * What genres/styles you avoid * What pacing/themes don’t work for you This reduces: * Irrelevant recommendations * Repeated suggestions of unwanted content *** ### **c) v2 Filters & Discover System** Simkl v2 introduces a **modular filtering and discovery system** that allows you to slice your watchlists with precision.
#### **A. Watchlist Filters: State-Based Segmentation** These filters allow you to isolate content based on lifecycle stage: * Watching → Active tracking * Plan to Watch → Future queue * Completed → Historical archive * On Hold → Paused content * Dropped → Ignored titles #### **B. Metadata Filters: Behavioral & Quality Insights** These filters refine lists based on **user interaction signals**. * **Favorites** → Your highest priority content * **Not Rated** → Items needing feedback * **Not 100% Progress** → Incomplete shows * **Has Memos** → Annotated or noted entries #### **C. Genre Filters: Content-Level Precision** Each media type includes **specialized genre taxonomies**: * **TV Shows:** Drama, Crime, Documentary, Reality, Talk Show, etc. * **Anime:** Shounen, Seinen, Mecha, Slice of Life, Psychological, etc. * **Movies:** Thriller, War, Romance, Sci-Fi, etc. Enables **context-based viewing decisions** {% hint style="info" %} **To master your Watchlist, you must utilize the V2 Filter System:** * The Randomizer (Dice Icon): If you can't decide what to watch, click the dice icon on your "Plan to Watch" list. Simkl will randomly select a title for you based on your filtered criteria. * Advanced Filters: * Not 100% Progress: Quickly find shows where you might have missed a special episode or OVA. * Has Memos: Filter by titles where you’ve left personal notes (e.g., "Watch with brother"). * Released on DVD/Digital: For movie fans, this filter instantly tells you which items on your "Plan to Watch" list are actually available to view right now. * Maximize Mode: Use the "Maximize" button in the V2 sidebar to expand your list into a full-screen grid view, perfect for auditing large collections. {% endhint %}
*** ## A Smart, Self-Maintaining Watch System on SIMKL The Simkl Watchlist is more than a simple bookmarking tool; it is a lifelong media companion. By leveraging automated notifications, medium-specific statuses, and powerful V2 filtering, Simkl ensures that you spend less time managing your lists and more time actually watching. Whether you are waiting for a specific Anime dub or tracking a movie’s journey from theaters to digital, the Watchlist keeps everything organized in one unified, sleek interface. {% content-ref url="../social-and-community/profile-statistics" %} [profile-statistics](https://docs.simkl.org/how-to-use-simkl/core-features/social-and-community/profile-statistics) {% endcontent-ref %}
They combine: * **Automation** → Tracks progress and updates states * **Intelligence** → Adapts to release schedules * **Clarity** → Shows only relevant content What This Means for You * You always know **what to watch next** * Your progress is always **accurate** * Your history is **clean and structured** * Your recommendations are **personalized and evolving** Simkl doesn’t just store your watchlists, it **manages your entire viewing journey automatically**.