Do you ever hear a song and instantly think of a certain moment, trip, or season?
Music has a way of bookmarking the best (and even the messy) parts of our year. That’s what makes a playlist spread in your bullet journal such a fun idea.
Instead of trying to write long entries about how the year went, you can simply track the songs that played in the background of your life.
It’s like a memory log but with your favorite tunes.
The best part? You don’t need to be an artist or spend hours setting it up. All you need is a pen, a ruler (if you want super straight lines), and a little space in your journal.
Whether you’re into pop, country, throwback hits, or a mix of everything, this spread helps you capture the vibe of your year in a way that’s personal and easy to look back on.
So, ready to build your year’s soundtrack? Let’s break it down step by step.
Why Create a Playlist Spread?
Music sticks with us in ways words sometimes can’t. Think about it, what song instantly reminds you of summer road trips? Or that one tune that got you through a tough week? A playlist spread lets you see your year in songs, like a soundtrack of your own life.
What’s great is that this type of spread gives you a fun, creative way to reflect without having to write long journal entries.
Instead of filling a page with paragraphs, you can simply write down the song, the artist, and maybe a quick note like “first dance at my cousin’s wedding” or “gym hype track” (because yes, that counts!).
And here’s the best part: it works no matter how into music you are. Whether you’re the type who curates playlists for everything (mood, season, chores, you name it) or you just have a few favorite songs on repeat, a playlist spread makes it personal.
It’s simple, fun, and when you flip back through it later, it’s like pressing play on your memories.
What to Include in Your Playlist Spread
A playlist spread doesn’t have to be fancy to be meaningful. It’s all about keeping track of those songs that capture a feeling, a moment, or even a whole season.
Here’s what you’ll want to include so it’s both fun to fill out and easy to look back on later:
- Song title + artist
This is the heart of your spread. Write down the song and who sings it. For example: “Flowers – Miley Cyrus” or “Levitating – Dua Lipa.” - Date or season (optional)
If you want to remember when the song meant something, add a quick date or note like “Spring 2025” or “July beach trip.” It helps you see how your music taste shifted through the year. - Short note on why it matters
Just a few words are enough! Maybe it’s “road trip anthem,” “my morning walk jam,” or “that song I played on repeat during finals.” These little notes bring your memories to life. - Space for rating or mood icon
Want to make it even more personal? Add stars, hearts, or a smiley face to show how much you loved it. Or write down a mood like “chill,” “hype,” or “feels.” (Because let’s face it, some songs just hit different.)
The beauty of this spread is how simple and fun it is. It’s like building a little time capsule of your year, one song at a time.
Easy Playlist Layout Ideas
The fun part about a playlist spread? You can make it as simple or creative as you like.
Here are a few easy layout ideas that look cute and stay super doable.
You can start with a simple list where you write down each song and artist, and add tiny doodles like music notes or little hearts next to your favorites. It’s quick, neat, and still lets your personality shine through.
If you want a bit of a throwback vibe, try a record or cassette tape theme. Draw a big tape outline and fill the “label” with your top songs of the month. It’s fun, and you don’t need perfect drawing skills (crooked tapes totally count!).
Another easy option is a grid of squares. Each box holds one song. You can add the title, a mood icon, or even a mini color swatch that matches the song’s vibe (because yes, songs do have colors sometimes).
Or go for a timeline style where you place your songs along a line that stretches across the page. This helps you see how your music taste shifted through the year from that upbeat spring anthem to your cozy winter jams.
No matter which style you try, the goal is to make it yours. Keep it easy, fun, and something you’ll actually want to come back to as the year goes on. (And hey, a few messy lines just add character!)
How to Set Up Your Playlist Spread
Getting your playlist spread started is easier than you might think with no fancy supplies or artistic skills required (unless you want to break out those markers).
Here’s how to set it up in a way that keeps things fun and stress-free:
- Start with a pencil draft. Lightly sketch out where your songs will go. Maybe it’s a list down the side, a grid of little boxes, or a timeline across the page. Pencils give you the freedom to play around without worrying about mistakes.
- Add boxes, lines, or simple icons. Use a ruler to make clean lines if that helps, or draw easy icons like music notes or stars. These little touches help break up the page and keep it looking organized.
- Ink it in and add color if you like. Once you’re happy with the layout, go over your lines with a pen. If you want to brighten things up, a pop of color here and there (maybe your go-to highlighter?) can make the spread feel even more fun.
- Leave extra space. Trust me, you’ll think of more songs as the year goes on. It’s so satisfying to look back and see how your soundtrack grew over time, kind of like a memory lane in playlist form.
Tip: Don’t stress if your lines aren’t perfect or your icons are a little wonky. The magic is in making it personal not in making it flawless.
Add Your Style and Make It Fun
Your playlist spread isn’t just about the songs it’s about making the page feel yours. The best part? You don’t need to go overboard to make it personal.
- Try washi tape, small stickers, or a pop of color. A strip of washi along the edge, a heart sticker by your favorite track, or a swipe of soft color can make your spread feel more fun without taking tons of time.
- Add a lyric that sticks with you. You don’t need to write out the whole song, just a line or two that gives you that yes! moment, every time you see it. Think: “You can’t stop the beat” for a dance party memory or “Let it go” for that week you finally decluttered the garage (hey, it counts!).
- Mix it with a mood or memory spread. Your playlist tells a story, so why not pair it with a mood tracker or a small memory box? Jot down the moment tied to the song, like “beach day with the kids” or “that solo coffee shop work session that actually felt peaceful.”
The goal when making a playlist spread should be to keep it light, keep it fun, and let your playlist spread reflect your soundtrack of the year.
Let Your Playlist Tell the Story
A playlist spread is like your year’s highlight reel, but in song form. Every time you flip back to it, you’ll remember those little moments that made you smile (or dance in the kitchen with your coffee in hand).
And the best thing about it is, you don’t have to fill the whole page at once. Start with a song or two that means something right now. Add as you go, when that new jam pops up during a road trip or that chill song helps you through a tough week.
There’s no perfect playlist, and that’s the beauty of it. What matters most is that it reflects your year. So have fun with it, keep it simple, and enjoy looking back at the soundtrack of your life. (Bonus: it’s a page that will always play your favorite hits, no headphones needed!)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to be artistic to make a playlist spread?
Not at all! All you really need is a pen and a ruler (if you want straight lines). Simple shapes, clean headers, or even just a neat list totally work. The focus is the music, not perfect drawings.
2. How do I pick songs that really matter?
Think of the tracks that remind you of moments. Maybe the song you played on repeat during a summer road trip or the one that kept you calm on a busy workday. If it made you feel something, it’s playlist-worthy.
3. Can I combine this with my monthly spreads?
Absolutely! You can add a tiny space at the bottom of your monthly layout to jot down a “song of the month.” That way, it builds naturally without needing a whole extra page (unless you want one!).
4. What’s a quick way to decorate the page?
Stickers, washi tape, or a swipe of color under your headers can go a long way. Even adding a tiny doodle like a heart, star, or music note keeps it cute without taking extra time.
5. Can I make this a shared playlist with friends or family?
Yes! You can create a playlist spread where everyone adds their favorite track of the month or season. It’s a fun way to connect and it gives you a mix of songs you might not have picked yourself.