---
title: "playableContentManager(_:initiatePlaybackOfContentItemAt:completionHandler:)"
framework: mediaplayer
role: symbol
role_heading: Instance Method
path: "mediaplayer/mpplayablecontentdelegate/playablecontentmanager(_:initiateplaybackofcontentitemat:completionhandler:)"
---

# playableContentManager(_:initiatePlaybackOfContentItemAt:completionHandler:)

Asks the delegate to begin playback of the specified content item.

## Declaration

```swift
optional func playableContentManager(_ contentManager: MPPlayableContentManager, initiatePlaybackOfContentItemAt indexPath: IndexPath, completionHandler: @escaping @Sendable ((any Error)?) -> Void)
```

```swift
optional func playableContentManager(_ contentManager: MPPlayableContentManager, initiatePlaybackOfContentItemAt indexPath: IndexPath) async throws
```

## Parameters

- `contentManager`: The content manager that initiated the request.
- `indexPath`: The index for the indicated item.
- `completionHandler`: A block that the system calls after initiating a playback request. The block takes the following parameter:

## Discussion

Discussion The system calls this method when a media player interface needs to play a media item. Your app responds by beginning playback of the requested media item. After beginning playback, call the provided completionHandler block with an argument of nil; or, if your app can’t begin playback, call the completion handler with an error that indicates the reason. important: Don’t automatically restart playback when the media item is already playing. In most cases, it’s better for your app to do nothing and continue to play the current media item.