apple-musicituneslibrary-managementplaylist
I like to keep my iTunes library ('My Music') clean and only add albums I really like. However, I also like to have playlists with songs I just like a bit. I do not want these songs to show up in 'My Music'.
When adding a song to a playlist in Apple Music, it's automatically added to 'My Music'. When removing it from 'My Music', it's also removed from the playlist.
Is there some way to add a song to a playlist, while not adding it to 'My Music'?
Yes you can, on both iTunes and your Apple device. You didn't mention which device specifically, but on iTunes, look for the + icon or the ..., which you can click and Add to My Music as well.
Check out these screenshots below on iTunes. I boxed the + icon on both pictures because that is the simpler approach, but you can also click the ...:
This problem has been bugging me so much, it seemed so random but yes it definitely disappears the moment you plug in the iPhone, then appears again the moment you take it out.
I assume this is a bug and will be fixed soon, but here are a couple workarounds:
As you say, eject the iPhone either by physically disconnecting, or clicking the eject icon.
You can click "Add to My Music", then go to your library, find the relevant song, and drag/drop into a playlist. It works, but it's not much fun.
Best Answer
Apple has added this ability in the most recent versions of their apps:
Add a song to a playlist in Apple Music without adding it to your library
What’s New in iTunes 12.3.3