User subscriptions are necessary for a few types of TheTVDB users: 

• End users of projects that use our API, but require users to enter a subscription PIN to access the data. Examples include media player apps, home media software, etc.
• Developers of user-supported projects that want to test out/start developing using the API (in conjunction with a user-supported API key).
• Developers of personal projects that don't require a full license.
• TheTVDB users who want an ad-free experience.

When you subscribe to TheTVDB, you'll be given a subscription PIN that allows you to access our metadata in conjunction with a user-supported project API key.

Do I need a user subscription?

Individual users and end users of projects will take different actions depending on what access method the project uses.

If the project you’re using has a licensed API key, you will not need a subscription to access the metadata via that particular project. In this scenario, you may not even know that the project you’re using has licensed TheTVDB’s API. 

If you’re an end user of a project that has opted for a user-supported model, you will need to sign up for a user subscription on TheTVDB. When you subscribe, you'll be given a PIN that you can use in your home media software or app. This PIN is used for access restriction only. Each individual project that you use will have more info on how exactly to use your PIN to access TheTVDB’s data.

Your user subscription will also provide you with a legacy v3 API key that you can use to access the v3 API until the project you’re using switches their code to support user PINs, or until the v3 API is deprecated in mid-2021.

Individuals signing up for a TheTVDB subscription should meet/understand the following conditions:

• I am an individual user.
• I am not a developer creating my own app, website, or service.
• I understand that I need a subscription which will give me a PIN for future use plus a legacy API key to use now, which will be shown below.
• I understand that my legacy API key will stop working in early 2021, or once my software updates to the new API, and that at that time I'll need to use my PIN.

You are not permitted to share your PIN with anyone.

Important notes about user subscriptions

• User subscriptions are global, and not tied to a specific API key. This means that if you use three projects that make use of TheTVDB API, your subscription will grant access for any of them that utilize the user-subscription model.
• A subscription is required ONLY for user-subscription projects, although you are welcome to sign up for a subscription to support the site, as well as gain an ad-free TheTVDB experience.
• User subscriptions will grant a unique PIN, which will be entered into the software you use. Please consult your individual software/project for more information on how and where to enter your PIN.
• User subscriptions will be $11.99/year. However, given that we’re a community-driven site, we’ll also allow users to earn a free yearly subscription by contributing quality data to the site, like missing IDs, translations, and artwork. We’ll provide additional details concerning this model in the coming months.

How to sign up for a user subscription:

1. Make sure you’re logged into your TheTVDB account.
2. Navigate to the subscription page, here: https://www.thetvdb.com/subscribe
3. Once you’ve read through all of the information, click Subscribe Now.
4. You will now be prompted to enter your credit card information. TheTVDB uses Stripe to process payments securely. Once you’ve entered your information, click Subscribe @ $11.99. Your card will be charged.
5. You will immediately be given a unique PIN, that you will be able to use as soon as your media center, app, or other project you use has switched over to the v4 API. In the meantime, you’ll be able to use the legacy API key, also provided to you upon subscribing. You can always view your subscription information by navigating to your Dashboard → Subscription.

Managing your user subscription

Once you’re subscribed to TheTVDB, you can easily manage your subscription by going to Dashboard → Subscription. To cancel your subscription, simply click "Cancel Subscription," and confirm.