> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://nostalgiatv.gitbook.io/user-guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://nostalgiatv.gitbook.io/user-guide/basics/settings/channel-customization/adding-a-custom-channel.md).

# Adding a Custom Channel

*While NostalgiaTV provides 70+ parody stations, you can build your own dedicated channels from scratch to highlight specific parts of your Plex library.*

{% hint style="info" %}
This page will use the mobile app interface. This can also be done using the web UI. Learn more about the web interface on the \[Web UI] page.
{% endhint %}

### Step 1: Initiation

At the very top of the Channel Customization dashboard, select the Add Custom Channel button.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://1133341156-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FbyQJozebwQu1tYl63pxW%2Fuploads%2FVn5c19vyrA4dnL3wQ1PE%2FAdd%20Custom%20Channel.png?alt=media&amp;token=f5b9b44b-1ba0-4c38-b4ac-06edfe0d629c" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### Step 2: Define the Channel

Every custom channel needs a unique entry in your guide:

{% columns %}
{% column %}

#### Assign a Number

Enter a unique channel number.

#### Name Your Station

Give it a title that will appear in the guide (e.g., "The 80s Slasher Vault").

{% hint style="info" %}
Be mindful of the length as the guide may cut it off.
{% endhint %}

#### Pick a Logo

Choose a retro icon from your device to act as the channel's logo. This step isn't required.
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

<figure><img src="https://1133341156-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FbyQJozebwQu1tYl63pxW%2Fuploads%2FZBSQC31OMrw8sBn863AY%2FNew%20Channel1.png?alt=media&amp;token=8836d5ae-b703-401b-b856-5232e92a5182" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

### Step 3: Set the Logic

Decide how the shows should flow.

{% columns %}
{% column %}
As in [Channel Customization](/user-guide/basics/settings/channel-customization.md), you have various toggle switches

#### **Kid Channel**

Tagging this allows the channel to remain visible when "Kid Mode" is active.

#### **Allow Specials**

Toggling this will allow the channel to play TV show specials. These are the episodes in Season 0.

#### Watched Only

NostalgiaTV will only play items that have marked as watched in Plex.

#### Duplicate Content

Allow duplicate content to be played

#### Override Default Language and Logo

#### **Music Channel**

Optimizes the playback behavior for music. Audio files only.

#### Live Stream Channel

Use live stream content for the channel. You will need to provide the URL to the .M3U8 feed.

#### Sorting Method

The sorting method determines the order of your channel. It dictates how episodes are picked and played throughout the day. Learn More [Sorting Methods](/user-guide/basics/sorting-methods.md)

#### Enable Marathons

When toggled, there is a 3% chance the app will ignore the schedule and play a single show for 4 straight hours.

#### R-Rated Restriction

Toggling "Schedule R-Rated Content After" ensures mature content only appears during late-night "broadcast" hours.<br>
{% endcolumn %}

{% column valign="middle" %}

<figure><img src="https://1133341156-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FbyQJozebwQu1tYl63pxW%2Fuploads%2F2ezRAWyi7dMTxFLBQcq6%2FCustom%20Channel%202.png?alt=media&amp;token=e4c780fd-6a57-4058-a919-bc41cb59dce7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

### Step 4: Map Your Content

This is where you tell the app which files to play.

{% columns %}
{% column %}

#### Choose Source

You can add content by Collection, Genre, Decade, an existing Plex Playlist, or even search up an individual piece of media.

#### Select Libraries

Pick which Plex libraries the app should scan (e.g., Movies or TV Shows).

#### Add Items

Use the dropdown to select the specific collections or genres you want on this channel.
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

<figure><img src="https://1133341156-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FbyQJozebwQu1tYl63pxW%2Fuploads%2F3whdoJrxirIsaXf50YQv%2FNew%20Channel3.png?alt=media&amp;token=a8d3eef7-23cb-4c1d-876f-e3174d76892c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

{% hint style="success" %}
After adding a brand-new channel, it may not appear in your guide immediately. Go to the Guide Schedule tab and tap Refresh Schedule to force the app to generate the first 8-hour block for your new station.
{% endhint %}