How to Load Multiple Files into an mpv Playlist?

This article provides the exact command-line syntax and methods required to load multiple media files or entire directories into an mpv media player playlist directly from your terminal. You will learn how to append files sequentially, pass multiple arguments, use wildcards for specific file types, and leverage playlists or directories to streamline your playback experience.

Loading Multiple Specific Files

To open multiple specific files at once in mpv, you simply list them as separate arguments after the command. The player will automatically queue them in the order they are listed.

mpv video1.mp4 video2.mkv audio1.mp3

Loading Multiple Files with Wildcards

If you want to load all files of a specific format or all files within a current directory, you can use the shell’s wildcard (*) expansion.

• Load everything in the current folder:

mpv *

• Load all files of a specific format (e.g., MP4s):

mpv *.mp4

Loading an Entire Directory

Instead of listing individual files, you can pass the path to a directory. mpv will scan the folder and play all compatible media files found inside.

mpv /path/to/your/media_folder/

Appending Files to a Running mpv Instance

If you already have an mpv session open and want to add files to the current playlist from another terminal window without restarting the player, you can use the --input-ipc-server option.

1. Start mpv with a socket:

mpv --input-ipc-server=/tmp/mpvsocket video1.mp4

2. Append a new file from another terminal:

echo '{ "command": ["loadfile", "video2.mkv", "append"] }' | socat - /tmp/mpvsocket

Useful Playlist Navigation Shortcuts

Once your files are loaded into the terminal playlist, you can control playback using your keyboard:

• ENTER or >: Skip to the next file in the playlist.
• BS (Backspace) or <: Go back to the previous file in the playlist.