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TMDB API key

Last updated: 2026-11-03

The Movie Database (TMDB) provides public artwork and descriptive metadata for movies and series. A key is optional. Provider playback still works without one, but the library may have fewer posters and details.

Bringing your own personal TMDB v3 API key is approved for both Free and Premium tiers and does not require Premium, while per-client support for the direct BYOK path is still being completed (in builds before that client update lands, saving a key stores the credential without yet activating enrichment). Direct BYOK requests go straight from your client to TMDB using your own key; this is separate from planned WyreDeck-managed metadata enrichment and does not unlock the separate managed Premium Discovery feed.

When a paired device has an active Premium account with WyreDeck-managed metadata enrichment enabled and no personal TMDB key is configured on the device, the app can fetch TMDB and TheTVDB metadata through WyreDeck's managed metadata proxy without requiring you to create or enter your own API key. If you also configure your own personal TMDB key, your personal key always takes precedence and connects directly to TMDB.

Get a key

  1. Create an account at themoviedb.org/signup.
  2. Verify the account and open Profile > Settings > API.
  3. Request an API key under TMDB's current terms.
  4. Copy the credential without posting it in chat, screenshots, or support messages.

TMDB controls its registration questions, approval process, and terms. Follow the instructions shown on its site rather than relying on example answers from third parties.

Use it with Local Install

Enter the key during provider setup or later under Settings > Metadata > TMDB API Key. The saved key is encrypted on the TV; once direct BYOK support is completed on your client, it is used for direct metadata requests to TMDB on both Free and Premium tiers without requiring a Premium subscription.

Use it with a LAN Backbone

Configure the key on the Backbone according to its operator documentation. The Backbone performs its own metadata enrichment under its own rules. A key configured on the TV is not automatically copied to the Backbone. See LAN Backbone for how Standard and Full Backbone editions handle metadata.

Optional advanced metadata sources

Supported clients and LAN Backbone appliances also support optional personal API keys for supplemental metadata and artwork providers:

  • Fanart.tv (optional personal API key): high-resolution ClearLogos, backdrops, and posters fetched lazily when viewing a title.
  • OMDb (optional personal API key): supplemental maturity ratings and review scores matched by IMDb ID when opening a title's detail page.
  • TVmaze (no key required): public series and episode fallback when a series is not matched on TMDB or TheTVDB.

Like your personal TMDB key, any personal Fanart.tv or OMDb key stays on your TV or LAN Backbone and connects directly to that provider.

Attribution

Movie and series metadata and artwork are provided by The Movie Database (TMDB), TheTVDB, Fanart.tv, OMDb, and TVmaze. WyreDeck uses these APIs under their respective terms and is not endorsed or certified by TMDB, TheTVDB, Fanart.tv, OMDb, or TVmaze.

Security

A TMDB key is a credential. Do not include it in an issue report or log excerpt. WyreDeck's account service does not receive it. See Updates and issue reports for how issue reports handle redaction.