Can't add more than 280 individual files to Plex Library

General Discussions
1

After a clean install of Plex on a new Windows 11 installation, I’ve encountered a bug where I am unable to add more than approximately 280 files to my library, regardless of individual file size. The issue seems to be related to the total data size of the files being added. For example, if adding 280 files totals 1 TB, I can’t add one more file. However, if I remove a large file and replace it with a smaller one, I can sometimes add the 281st file. This bug only appears in the latest version of Plex; it did not happen with older versions."

2

You don’t add files to Plex, you add folders.
https://support.plex.tv/articles/categories/your-media/

3

I misspoke, I meant folders

4

Even so.
You don’t add individual movies to Plex, but the folder that contains all your movies.
You don’t add individual TV shows to Plex, but one folder that contains all your tv shows.
You don’t add individual songs to Plex, but the folder that contains all your music.

5

Dude, what’s the issue? I’m only trying to get help adding movies to a customized library. If I add a single external hard drive, it will upload thousands of movies, but if I add individual movies to something that I customize, I can only add a certain number of them. 2 months ago I was able to do so for up to 1200 movies, and now I created a new customized library, and it will not allow me to add any more than 280. Furthermore, the customized library that I added 1200 to—I can’t add 1201. If my explanation isn’t clear, please feel free to disregard it. Despite my lack of technical expertise, I believe you can understand the essence of what I’m discussing.

6

The number of paths you can add to a library is not unlimited.

Why do you need a customized library?
If you want to restrict what a certain user can see in your library, you can use age ratings and sharing labels to customize that. https://support.plex.tv/articles/204232573-restricting-the-shares/

There is no need to load all the metadata several times, and let Plex server analyze all the same movies several times over, just because you need a customized library view.

7

An example of their custom libraries If I wish to categorize all romantic comedies from a foreign country, I would designate them as foreign romcoms. Conversely, if I intend to establish a bespoke library encompassing all Academy Award Best Picture nominated films, I would label it Oscars Best Picture and Nominations. Perhaps you are unfamiliar with or have never utilized this function known as “Custom Libraries.”

But you know what.

Disregard it. You are exhibiting a degree of knowledge or expertise that I choose not to delineate. I am not here to engage in a debate with you. This topic is outside my expertise, and it appears to be the same for you; therefore, I will disengage, as will you. What is your issue?

8

There is no function in Plex called “custom libraries”.

What you are describing can be achieved with Collections.
https://support.plex.tv/articles/201273953-collections/

Once you have created such a collection, you can publish it in your Home page.
https://support.plex.tv/articles/publishing-collections/

9

Screenshot_20250820_113956_Chrome
Screenshot_20250820_113956_Chrome1080×660 153 KB

10

Observe the section labeled MMA This was established, and all matters pertaining to MMA were incorporated within it. If I attempt to add 280 MMA videos, it will not permit me to add a total of 281.

11

Let’s be specific.
You have a folder of movies and want to group them into different libraries while keeping the files (movie folders) in a single bucket?

Videos
  Movie 1 (year) -> added to your family movie library
    Movie 1 (year).ext
  Movie 2 (year) -> added to your family movie library
    Movie 2 (year).ext
  …
  MMA 1 (year) -> added to your MMA library
    MMA 1 (year).ext
  MMA 2 (year) -> added to your MMA library
    MMA 2 (year).ext
  …

Assuming, that interpretation is correct… why not simply organize the folders into 1 top-level folder per library?
Adding every single movie folder individually to a library sounds like a nightmare (how do you keep track which items have already been added to which library?)… putting the soft limit of how many folders Plex might be able to monitor/manage per library.

Videos
  Movies (Family) -> added to your family movie library
    Movie 1 (year)
      Movie 1 (year).ext
    Movie 2 (year)
      Movie 2 (year).ext
    …
  MMA -> added to your MMA library
    MMA 1 (year)
      MMA 1 (year).ext
    MMA 2 (year)
      MMA 2 (year).ext
    …

Edit: sorry for the poor analogy, this is like pushing a square block through a (smaller) round opening.

12

My concern is that it functioned flawlessly until the recent update. I am curious if any new features have been introduced and, if so, whether there is a workaround. While I acknowledge the alternative method available, I prefer the autonomy of choice. I would like to reiterate that I experienced no issues until a few months ago, when this problem arose abruptly.

13

Standard answer:
You can avoid going by the official naming schema and library organization and get lucky, until you no longer do.

2 Likes
14

Thanks Tom