The play counter in iTunes is one of its most overlooked features, and it is quite easy to see why given that it appears relatively unimportant. Even iOS devices, like iPhones and iPads, don’t display how many times you’ve played a track.
Songs featured on studio albums and compilations introduce another discrepancy, with one version having many more plays than another.
Adjusting the number of plays yourself can resolve any such discrepancies. Luckily, it’s not nearly as advanced as it may appear. The entire process can be carried out in a matter of minutes.
Note: the following trick will only work in Windows.
Directions
Begin by downloading the archive containing the script, and extract it to a position you find convenient. No further software is needed, and it can operate from any folder.
Open iTunes. Depending on the view you are using, the “Plays” counter may not be visible without going to “Get Info” and then “File.”
Highlight a song in iTunes, then double-click the script. Accept the run warning to reach the next step.
Enter the new play count in the text box and press Enter.
Check the song’s play count again, and it should match with the value you have entered.
If necessary – for example, if you’re planning to artificially introduce a few tracks into a Smart Playlist – you can use “Ctrl + click” to highlight numerous songs to make their play counts uniform.
Conclusion
While iTunes may have the reputation of restricting user control, quite a bit can be accomplished using scripts. Mac owners will already know the supplementary power of scripts with iTunes, and we previously covered how to use scripts available on Windows. This particular trick is fantastic for its simplicity and can even be used for your own entertainment. Finally, you can showcase the thousands of plays your friend has racked up on Aqua’s “Barbie Girl,”
Paul is a Northern Irish tech enthusiast who can normally be found tinkering with Windows software or playing games.
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