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  "identifier" : "/documentation/MediaPlayer/MPPlayableContentDelegate/playableContentManager(_:initiatePlaybackOfContentItemAt:completionHandler:)",
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# playableContentManager(_:initiatePlaybackOfContentItemAt:completionHandler:)

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

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

## 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:

- error: Pass <doc://com.apple.documentation/documentation/ObjectiveC/nil-227m0> if playback successfully began. If playback can’t begin, pass an error to indicate the reason.

## 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.

---

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