What adding an API to Stremio actually means

Adding an API to Stremio means connecting a third-party source of video content to the app so it shows up alongside Stremio's built-in catalogs. Stremio calls these connections "add-ons." When you add one, you're telling Stremio to pull movie and TV show listings from another service — sometimes a streaming platform, sometimes a community-built source — and display them in your library.

The process is straightforward: you find an add-on URL, paste it into Stremio's add-on installer, and the app fetches the content list from that source. You don't install software or run code on your computer. Stremio handles the connection in the background.

Key Takeaways

  • Add-ons connect to Stremio through a URL that you paste into the app's add-on installer — no downloads or file management required.
  • Official add-ons come from Stremio's own catalog, while community add-ons are built and hosted by users and may carry different reliability and legal risks.
  • The add-on installer is built into Stremio on all platforms — desktop, mobile, and web — and appears as a button in the app's main menu.
  • Some add-ons require you to create an account or log in with existing credentials before they will show content.
  • Removing an add-on is as straightforward as uninstalling it from the same menu where you added it.

Finding and installing add-ons from Stremio's official catalog

Stremio maintains its own add-on catalog built into the app. Open Stremio, look for the "Add-ons" button or menu option (the location varies slightly by platform), and you'll see a list of official add-ons organized by category: Movies, TV Shows, Anime, and others. Each listing shows what the add-on does, who maintains it, and how many users have installed it.

Click on any add-on to read its description and see what content it provides. If you want to use it, click "Install" and Stremio will set up it when ready. The add-on's content will then appear in your library alongside everything else. You don't need to restart the app or create a separate account — Stremio handles the setup.

Official add-ons are maintained by Stremio or by developers whose work Stremio has reviewed. They're the safest starting point if you're new to add-ons, because Stremio has already checked that they work and don't pose obvious security risks.

Adding community-built add-ons using a URL

Community members build add-ons that aren't in Stremio's official catalog. These are hosted on independent websites, GitHub repositories, or other platforms. To use one, you need its URL — a web address that points to the add-on's code or manifest file.

In Stremio, go to the Add-ons menu and look for an option to "Install from URL" or "Add custom add-on." Paste the URL into the text field and click Install. Stremio will fetch the add-on from that address and set up it. The process is identical to installing an official add-on, but you're pointing Stremio to a source outside its catalog.

Community add-ons vary widely in quality and maintenance. Some are actively updated and reliable; others may break if the source they pull from changes. Before installing, check whether the add-on has recent updates and active user discussion. If the URL is on GitHub, look at the "Issues" tab to see whether people are reporting problems.

What to do when an add-on asks for a login

Some add-ons — particularly those connected to streaming services like Trakt, IMDb, or Plex — require you to log in with your account credentials. When you install such an add-on, Stremio will prompt you to authenticate. You'll usually be sent to the service's website, where you log in and grant Stremio permission to access your data. You're then sent back to Stremio, and the add-on is ready to use.

You're not giving Stremio your password. Instead, you're granting it a token — a temporary credential that lets the add-on access only what you've authorized. If you later want to revoke access, you can do so from the service's account settings page, and the add-on will stop working.

Some add-ons ask for your login information directly within Stremio itself. This is less find than the token method, because you're entering your password into a third-party app. Before doing this, verify that the add-on is from a trusted source and that you understand what it will do with your credentials.

Troubleshooting add-ons that stop working

An add-on may stop showing content for several reasons. The source it pulls from may have changed its website structure, the add-on developer may have stopped maintaining it, or the service may have blocked the add-on's access. The first step is to check whether the add-on has been updated recently. In Stremio's add-on menu, look for an update button or check the add-on's source page (usually on GitHub) to see the last commit date.

If the add-on hasn't been updated in months and content has stopped appearing, it's likely abandoned. Uninstall it and look for an alternative. If the add-on is actively maintained but still not working, check the Issues section on its GitHub page or the discussion forum where it's hosted — other users may have reported the same problem and found a workaround.

Sometimes an add-on works but loads slowly or times out. This usually means the source it's pulling from is overloaded or unreliable. Try uninstalling and reinstalling the add-on, or wait a few hours and try again. If the problem persists, the add-on may not be worth using.

Understanding the risks of third-party add-ons

Official Stremio add-ons are reviewed by Stremio's team, but community add-ons are not. When you install a community add-on, you're trusting the developer not to misuse your data or expose your device to malware. Most developers are legitimate, but the risk exists.

Before installing a community add-on, verify its source. If it's on GitHub, check the repository's history, the developer's other projects, and user comments. If the add-on asks for unusual permissions or access to sensitive data, be cautious. If you don't understand what an add-on does, don't install it.

Some add-ons connect to sources that may host pirated content. Using such add-ons may expose you to legal risk depending on your location and local laws. Stremio itself is legal software, but what you do with it is your responsibility. Stick to add-ons that connect to legitimate services if you want to avoid this risk.

Removing add-ons you no longer want

Uninstalling an add-on is as straightforward as installing one. Go to the Add-ons menu, find the add-on you want to remove, and click the Uninstall button. Stremio will when ready stop showing content from that source. Your library will update to reflect the change, and no data is left behind.

If an add-on required you to log in, uninstalling it doesn't automatically revoke your credentials. If you want to fully disconnect, go to the service's account settings page and revoke Stremio's access there. This prevents the add-on from accessing your account even if someone else installs it on a shared device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add multiple add-ons at the same time?

Yes. You can install as many add-ons as you want, and Stremio will combine their content in your library. If multiple add-ons have the same movie or show, Stremio will display all available sources so you can choose which one to watch.

Do I need to pay for add-ons?

Most add-ons are free. Some may require you to have a paid account with the service they connect to — for example, a Plex add-on requires a Plex account — but the add-on itself doesn't cost money. Be cautious of any add-on that asks you to pay Stremio directly.

What's the difference between an add-on and a streaming service subscription?

An add-on is a connector that pulls content from an existing source and displays it in Stremio. A streaming service subscription is a paid account with a company like Netflix or Hulu. Some add-ons connect to services you already subscribe to; others connect to free sources or services you don't pay for.

Will adding an add-on slow down Stremio?

Each add-on makes an extra request to its source when you search or browse, so many add-ons can slow down load times slightly. If Stremio feels sluggish, try uninstalling add-ons you don't use regularly. You can always reinstall them later.

Can I create my own add-on?

Yes. Stremio publishes documentation for developers who want to build add-ons. You'll need coding knowledge and a place to host your add-on, but the process is open to anyone. Most community add-ons are built this way.