Custom Search

The Custom Search feature on SIMKL allows users to enhance their browsing experience by adding quick search links to various external websites, enabling easy access to additional information about Movies, TV Shows, Anime, and even individual episodes.

With this feature, users can create customized search links to find details on IMDb, TMDb, TVDB, AniDB, YouTube, and many other platforms directly from SIMKL pages.

What is Custom Search on SIMKL?

Custom Search enables SIMKL members to integrate search links into their accounts, allowing them to quickly look up movie reviews, news, subtitles, trailers, box office data and more across various websites.

Here: https://simkl.com/settings/custom-search/

This feature is particularly useful for:

• Finding extra information about movies, shows, or anime.

• Quickly searching external sources for ratings, cast, and episode details.

• Connecting websites & apps directly to SIMKL for an integrated experience.

With Custom Search Links with Variables, you can dynamically fetch information from external sites using search variables. This is especially helpful for site owners who want to integrate their website into SIMKL.

For Simkl Members

Where Does Custom Search Appear?

Custom Search on SIMKL enhances user experience by allowing quick access to external databases and resources. It is integrated into multiple locations within the platform for seamless access.

Below are the primary areas where Custom Search appears:

A. SIMKL Website

Custom Search is available on various pages within the SIMKL website, enabling users to look up additional information on their favorite Movies, TV Shows, and Anime. The feature is conveniently placed within:

• Movies, TV Shows & Anime Title Pages – Custom Search links can be found under the "Watch Now" section.

• Episode Pages – Directly access reviews, guides, and related information.

• Discover Pages – Users can explore custom search for their personal watchlists, custom lists, etc.

• Customizing Individual titles - Can only add links to show on a specific title page only.

1. Movies, TV Shows, and Anime Pages

   • Search for information related to the movie or show title.

1. Episode Pages

• Find episode-specific details such as reviews, discussions, and subtitles.

1. Discover Pages (Available on all different layouts v2 Beta Feature)

1. Individual titles

You can also customize these links per title by adding them to individual show pages.

B. SIMKL Lists App

Custom Search is integrated into the SIMKL Lists App on mobile devices & Browser Extension allowing users to quickly access while browsing streaming platforms or related content!

On Mobile:

• Search for additional information on their favorite titles directly from their phone.

• Quickly access IMDb, TMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, and other databases.

• Tap on a title and navigate to the "Search On" section for relevant search links.

On Browser Extension

• Click on a title in their watchlist or favorites and open search links.

• Find external reviews, cast information, or streaming availability in one click.

• Access subtitle databases, ratings sites, and more from the extension's interface.

With Custom Search available in multiple locations, SIMKL ensures that users can instantly look up details, reviews, and availability across various platforms. Whether using the website, mobile app, or browser extension, users can customize and personalize their search experience as they see fit.

Managing Custom Search Links on SIMKL

Custom Search links on SIMKL allow users to quickly access external resources for movies, TV shows, and anime. However, over time, you may want to modify, remove, or share these links for better usability.

Below is a detailed breakdown of how to add, edit, delete, share, and rearrange Custom Search links in SIMKL.

1. How to Add a Custom Search Link

• Navigate to Profile > Custom Search on SIMKL.

• Under "Add Preset Sites", browse available search link options.

• Click "Add to Search Links" for the desired website.

• The added links will now appear under "My Custom Search URLs" when browsing shows or movies.

2. How to Edit a Custom Search Link

Editing a Custom Search Link allows you to update the name, subtitle, or URL of an existing search link. This is useful when a source changes its URL structure or when you want to refine the link for a better search experience.

Steps to Edit a Custom Search Link:

• Go to Custom Search Settings:

  • Navigate to Profile > Custom Search in your SIMKL settings.

• Locate the link you want to modify:

  • Scroll through your list of custom search links and find the one that needs updating.

• Click the Edit Icon (Pencil):

  • A pop-up will appear, allowing you to modify the Name, Subtitle, and URL.

• Make the necessary changes:

  • Update the link title, description, or search URL as needed.

• Click Save Changes:

  • Your updated link will be saved and applied immediately across SIMKL.

Example: If you originally added an IMDb search link like: https://www.imdb.com/find?q=%TITLE% but now IMDb changed their search query format, you can edit the link instead of deleting and adding it again.

2. How to Delete a Custom Search Link

Deleting a Custom Search Link removes it permanently from your list. Use this when a source is no longer relevant, broken, or outdated.

Steps to Delete a Custom Search Link:

• Open Custom Search Settings:

  • Go to Profile > Custom Search in your SIMKL account.

• Find the link you want to remove:

  • Identify the outdated or unwanted search link.

• Click the Delete Icon (Trash Bin):

  • A confirmation message will appear to prevent accidental deletions.

• Confirm the deletion:

  • Click Yes to delete the link permanently.

3. How to Share a Custom Search Link

Sharing Custom Search Links allows you to send your custom search settings to friends or share useful links across the community.

Steps to Share a Custom Search Link:

• Go to Custom Search Settings:

  • Open Profile > Custom Search.

• Find the link you want to share:

  • Browse through your saved search links.

• Click the Share Button:

  • A copyable link will be generated.

• Send the link to others:

  • You can paste the link in messages, forums, or social media for others to use.

Example: If you've created a custom Crunchyroll search link or any website, you can share it with other anime fans so they can add it to their SIMKL accounts.

4. How to Rearrange Search Links in Order

Organizing your Custom Search Links helps you prioritize frequently used sources and maintain a cleaner search experience.

Steps to Rearrange Search Links:

• Open Custom Search Settings:

  • Go to Profile > Custom Search.

• Locate the list of saved search links:

  • You’ll see all Main & More Custom Search Links.

• Click & Drag the Move Icon (☰) Up/Down:

  • Rearrange the order by dragging links into a preferred position.

• Changes are saved automatically:

  • Once moved, the new order is instantly applied.

Managing Custom Search Links effectively helps enhance your browsing experience on SIMKL. Whether you're adding, editing, deleting, sharing, or rearranging, these actions allow you to personalize and optimize your search workflow.

Custom Search for Individual Titles

Simkl allows users to add custom search links to specific TV Shows, Movies, or Anime, making it easier to quickly access relevant external content directly from a title's page. This feature helps users find additional information such as reviews, subtitles, streaming availability, and more.

How to Add a Custom Search for a Specific Title

You can add custom search URLs for individual titles by following these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Title Page

• Go to the TV Show, Movie, or Anime page for which you want to add a custom search.

• Scroll down to the Watch Now section.

• Locate the “My Custom Search URLs” area.

• Click on “Add URL” to proceed.

Step 2: Enter Custom Search Information

After clicking Add URL, you will be redirected to the Custom Search Settings page:

• Enter the Link Name – Example: IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Subtitles Search.

• Enter a Link Subtitle (Optional) – Example: Reviews, Streaming Search, Watch Online.

• Enter the Link URL – Paste the full URL for the external website you want to link to.

• Click Save to confirm.

This feature is useful for users who want to quickly access trusted sources for information, streaming, or community discussions related to their favorite shows and movies

How to Use Custom Search on SIMKL

• When viewing a movie, show, or anime page, look for "Custom Search URLs".

• Click on any preset link to search the title across supported platforms.

• Additional search links are hidden & customizable, click "More" to reveal extra options.

For Website and App Owners

For website owners, SIMKL allows integration by adding search links directly into the platform.

How to Add Your Website to SIMKL’s Custom Search

1. Edit your app’s custom search settings here: Developer Settings

2. Provide your users with this OAuth authorization link: https://simkl.com/oauth/authorize?response_type=link&client_id=*** (Replace *** with your client ID.)

3. Once users sign in with Simkl or authorize your app, your custom search settings will be automatically added to their profiles.

Benefits for Website Owners:

• Drive traffic to your site directly from Simkl show and episode pages.

• Enhance user engagement by allowing users to search directly on your platform.

• Support external content sources such as streaming services, reviews, and ratings.

• Use variables in search URLs to dynamically link to relevant pages on your site.

• Example: https://yourwebsite.com/show/american-princess-s01e01

Example: If you run a streaming site, you can integrate a custom search to allow users to check whether a movie or show is available.

Using Variables in Search URLs

Simkl allows dynamic variables to be used in search URLs to make them more efficient. Some commonly used variables include:

Example: A custom search URL for IMDb reviews: https://www.imdb.com/title/%IMDB%/reviews/

This will dynamically replace %IMDB% with the actual IMDb ID of the movie or show.

FAQs

1. Can I remove a search link later?

Yes, search links can be deleted anytime from Profile > Custom Search settings.

2. What if my website isn't listed?

Website owners can manually add their search URL templates using Developer Settings.

3. Can I prioritize certain search links?

Yes! Drag and move the most used search links to the Main Custom Search Links section for quick access.

4. How does this benefit regular users?

It allows for quick searching of relevant information without leaving SIMKL.

5. What if my search URL isn’t working?

Ensure that dynamic variables are used correctly. Incorrect formatting can break the search.

6. What variables can I use in the search URLs?

Simkl supports dynamic variables to help tailor search links to your needs. For example, you can use parameters for the show name, episode title, season number, etc.

7. Can I update my custom search settings later?

Yes! Both members and website owners can update their custom search settings anytime from the links provided above.

Conclusion

Custom Search on SIMKL is a powerful tool that helps both users and website owners to integrate external search engines & sites, streamlining access to additional content, reviews, and metadata for movies, TV shows, and anime.

This feature enhances accessibility, saves time, and offers personalized search customization for a better user experience.

By adding, customizing, and managing search links, users can create a personalized and efficient way to access relevant content across the web.