# Add external IDs

When adding a new show to **TheTVDB**, you’re asked to enter two primary connected IDs, usually **IMDb** and **TheMovieDB (TMDB)**.

These links help TheTVDB sync with other major databases and ensure that your entry connects correctly with related metadata sources like **SIMKL** and **JustWatch**.

However, over time, these IDs may become **incorrect, outdated, or missing,** especially if the original source URLs get deleted, changed, or removed.

This guide explains how to verify and update your **External Links & Connection IDs** to maintain accuracy.

### What Are Connected IDs?

Connected IDs are external database links that associate your show with other platforms and data sources.

They include identifiers from **IMDb**, **TMDB**, **TV Maze**, **Wikidata**, and other sites.

These IDs allow TheTVDB to automatically link:

* Cast and crew information
* Posters, artwork, and metadata
* Streaming availability
* SIMKL synchronization

<figure><img src="https://1063116720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkYIJb2JfKN8kBT29bf%2Fuploads%2FKYblIjaNM44k0HgtmqYX%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=20bb819a-4718-4fd6-8e0f-6389e415740b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

## Where to Find or Edit Connection IDs

You can add or edit connection IDs directly from a show’s edit panel.

<figure><img src="https://1063116720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkYIJb2JfKN8kBT29bf%2Fuploads%2FHt5kggfvkO3wp2rnZktM%2Fchrome_2je11rV3cL.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=028c4f99-3596-4436-875a-495e7ae9378d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Step 1: Open the Series Page

From the TV show’s main page, click:

> ⚙️ **Settings → Edit Series**

<figure><img src="https://1063116720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkYIJb2JfKN8kBT29bf%2Fuploads%2Fy6mtCXqme7UlBZ4yw6GQ%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5cf3bab2-9992-4069-830a-4884062bd3cf" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Step 2: Scroll to “External Links and IDs”

Under the **Edit Series** section, scroll down until you see the “External Links and IDs” panel.

Here, you can add or update:

* IMDb ID (`https://www.imdb.com/title/ttXXXXXXX`)
* TMDB ID (`https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/XXXX`)
* TV Maze ID
* Wikidata / Wikipedia links
* Social media pages (Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook)
* Official network or streaming links

<figure><img src="https://1063116720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkYIJb2JfKN8kBT29bf%2Fuploads%2FPPwnrEcCGpwiMnq2EQQe%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c2f07b32-4429-45bf-8be3-740c6017b571" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### Step 3: Add or Correct Missing Links

If any ID or URL field is blank or broken:

1. Visit the official source (IMDb, TMDB, etc.)
2. Copy the correct link or identifier
3. Paste it into the relevant field
4. Click **Save**

> **Example:**\
> IMDb: `https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15571732`\
> TMDB: `https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/138501`\
> Official Website: `https://www.disneyplus.com/series/agatha-all-along/6NF0RlVHbJnh`

***

#### Commonly Used External Links

In addition to IMDb and TMDB, you can also connect to other relevant sources:

| Category                        | Example                                            | Description                                 |
| ------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| **IMDb ID**                     | `https://www.imdb.com/title/ttXXXXXXX`             | Links to cast, crew, and episode details    |
| **TMDB ID**                     | `https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/XXXX`               | Used by SIMKL for artwork and metadata sync |
| **Official Website**            | e.g., `https://www.netflix.com/title/80223108`     | Helps verify show ownership or platform     |
| **Facebook / Instagram / X**    | `https://www.instagram.com/seriesname`             | Adds legitimacy and community reach         |
| **Reddit**                      | `https://www.reddit.com/r/SeriesName`              | Adds verified fan or community subreddits   |
| **TV Maze / Zap2It / Wikidata** | Database and source cross-references               |                                             |
| **YouTube Channel**             | For official trailers or behind-the-scenes content |                                             |

***

### Common Issues with Connected IDs

1. **Deleted or Moved URLs:**\
   Some IDs point to outdated or removed pages.\
   Solution: Search for the current live version and replace the old link.
2. **Incorrect Cross-linking:**\
   Wrong TMDB or IMDb ID links the show to another title entirely.\
   Solution: Verify via cast, release date, and episode details before updating.
3. **Missing Official Pages:**\
   Social media or streaming site links are empty or incorrect.\
   Solution: Add verified, official accounts only, not fan pages.
4. **Duplicated Entries:**\
   Multiple records may exist for the same show due to incorrect IDs.\
   Solution: Report duplicates to TheTVDB moderators for merging.

***

#### Why Connected IDs Are Important

| Benefit                        | Description                                                      |
| ------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Cross-Database Sync**        | Ensures TVDB data matches IMDb, TMDB, and SIMKL entries.         |
| **Improved Metadata Accuracy** | Correct IDs pull the right posters, episode data, and air dates. |
| **Global Discoverability**     | Allows users from different platforms to find the same title.    |
| **Reduced Errors**             | Prevents duplication and mislabeling between databases.          |
| **Enhanced Linking**           | Allows automatic redirection to official show sources.           |

{% hint style="success" %}

### ;Pro Tips

* Always verify the ID before saving, a single typo can link to the wrong series.
* For **Netflix, Disney+, Hulu**, or **Prime Video** series, use their **official URLs**.
* If unsure, cross-check using **Wikidata or Wikipages** to confirm.
* Avoid adding fan-made or unofficial pages.
* If a field is **locked**, contact TVDB support for moderator approval.
  {% endhint %}


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