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Getting TMDB up and running takes just a few minutes. You’ll sign up for a free API key, connect it to the app, and be browsing trending movies and TV shows before you know it. This guide walks you through every step from a fresh start to your first search.
TMDB requires a free API key from The Movie Database to load any content. Without a valid key, the app will not display movies, shows, or any other data. The key is free and takes only a moment to obtain.
1

Get your free TMDB API key

Go to themoviedb.org and create a free account. Once you’re signed in, navigate to Settings → API and submit a request for a new API key. Select Developer as the use type and fill in the short application form. Your key is typically issued immediately.
Keep your API key private. Treat it like a password — don’t commit it directly to source control or share it publicly.
2

Clone or download the TMDB app

Get a copy of the TMDB app on your machine. You can clone the repository using Git or download it as a ZIP from the repository page.
3

Add your API key to the app configuration

Create a .env file in the root of the project directory and add your API key as an environment variable. The app reads this value at startup to authenticate all requests to The Movie Database API.
.env
Replace your_api_key_here with the API key you received in step 1. For full configuration options and alternative setup methods, see API key setup.
4

Install dependencies and run the app

Install the project’s dependencies, then start the local development server.
The app will compile and launch. Wait for the terminal to confirm the server is ready before continuing.
5

Open the app and start exploring

Open your browser and go to http://localhost:3000. You should see the TMDB home screen with a curated list of trending movies and TV shows, refreshed daily from The Movie Database. From here you can search for titles, browse by genre, or tap into any movie or show for full details and cast information.

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Next steps

Now that TMDB is running, here are the best places to go next.

Browse movies and shows

Learn how to navigate trending, popular, and top-rated content across movies and TV shows.

Search

Use TMDB’s search to find any title, person, or keyword in the full catalog.

Movie details

Explore what’s available on each movie page — ratings, cast, trailers, and more.