Sorry if this is answered. I've looked and can't find anything except for the answer to:
"go to preferences -> show all -> playlist -> untick Auto Start"
I've done that a few times. Quit and restarted VLC and when I add files to the playlist they automatically start. Isn't there a way I can just add them to the playlist, sit back and get ready to watch, and THEN hit play? I know I can choose "Play Paused" or "Start Paused", but I'm usually binge watching seasons of a show and having to restart it for every episode is inconvenient.
I'm new to Macs, BTW. I'm used to much simpler media play like in MPC HC.