IPod selection algorithm

The iPod Selection playlist uses a five-step process to determine which songs will be copied to your iPod.

1. iTunes groups all tracks into albums.
2. iTunes calculates an average play count and average user rating for each album.
3. iTunes begins filling the iPod with albums that have non-zero average play counts and non-zero ratings, in descending order. In other words, albums with higher play counts and higher ratings get higher priority.
4. If Step 3 completes and there's still some free space, iTunes starts copying albums that were recently played or recently added to your library.
5. If there's still some free space after Step 4 completes, iTunes adds random albums until the iPod is filled to the gills and loosening its belt.

If there's a lesson here, it's this: rate your music. Ratings clearly play an important role in the iPod Selection playlist, so if you rate your songs, you'll stand a better chance of shoehorning your favorites into your iPod.

-- The Secret Workings of the iPod Selection Playlist