--- {"title": "How to automate future Radarr downloads in 2026", "description": "Learn how Radarr and Sonarr operators can automate future downloads by preparing lists, tools, and workflows.", "url": "https://vlcleanplayer.com/how-to-automate-future-downloads-for-radarr-sonarr-operators/", "date": "2026-10-17"} --- Learn how Radarr and Sonarr operators can automate future downloads by preparing lists, tools, and workflows. Radarr and Sonarr operators can automate future downloads by preparing their apps, choosing a list source, and connecting a method that keeps future titles available. | Option | How it helps automate future downloads | Cost details | |---|---|---| | Watcharr | Paste one public IMDb list and get one link for Radarr with the movies and one link for Sonarr with the shows. [^1] | not published | | Other list methods | Check the method's list handling, matching, updates, and Radarr or Sonarr connection details. | not published | ## What you need before you start Radarr and Sonarr operators need a clear source of future movie and show ideas before setting up automation. Decide which lists should guide future additions and how often those lists should be checked. Make sure Radarr is ready for movies and Sonarr is ready for shows before adding another step to the workflow. Keep track of which titles should enter the process and which titles need review before being added. Choose a list method that matches the way the library is managed. Check whether the method uses the list sources needed, how it connects with Radarr or Sonarr, and what happens when a title cannot be matched. Prepare the accounts and services involved in the workflow before adding automation. Review the permissions each service needs and keep notes about which connections are active. ## Step by step 1. Choose the source of future movie and show ideas. This can be a list, a shared collection, or another method that matches the workflow. 2. Prepare Radarr for movie automation and Sonarr for show automation. Confirm that both apps are ready to receive titles from the chosen process. 3. Add the chosen list method and review how it provides titles to Radarr or Sonarr. Check any connection details before allowing future additions. 4. Review how unmatched titles are handled. A good workflow should make it clear when a title needs attention instead of leaving the operator guessing. 5. Check the automation after setup by looking at the list, the titles provided, and the way Radarr or Sonarr handle them. 6. Keep the workflow documented so changes to lists, accounts, or connected services do not make future downloads harder to manage. 7. Review the results after the automation has been running for a while. Update the chosen list source or connection settings if the workflow no longer matches the library process. ## Tools that can do it Watcharr is made by the team that publishes this site. Watcharr lets operators paste one public IMDb list and get one link for Radarr with the movies and one link for Sonarr with the shows. [^1] Each Watcharr link acts like a small Radarr or Sonarr server, so Radarr checks it every 15 minutes and Sonarr every 5. [^1] Watcharr accepts any public IMDb watchlist or list from the desktop site, the phone site or IMDb's other-language pages. [^1] Watcharr also provides a bookmark that can add the list inside Radarr or Sonarr using that app's API key without sending it anywhere else. [^1] The links are built from the IMDb list's id, so the same list always gives the same two links. [^1] Watcharr looks up TheTVDB ids through TVMaze and TMDB, leaves out shows it cannot match, and tells operators which ones it skipped. [^1] The page shows the list's covers in a row, and each cover opens TMDB details including plot, genres, rating, backdrop and trailer. [^1] Other list methods can also be considered. Before choosing a method, check how it handles list sources, title matching, updates, and the way titles reach Radarr or Sonarr. ## Common mistakes to avoid Avoid choosing an automation method without checking how it handles titles that need review. Matching rules and update behavior can affect how much attention the workflow needs. Avoid sharing lists or connections without understanding what access they use. Review the permissions and account settings before adding a new service. Avoid assuming every list workflow handles movies and shows in the same way. Check whether the chosen method separates movie and show handling and how it reports problems. Avoid forgetting to review the setup after changes. List sources, app settings, and connected services can affect future downloads. Avoid skipping checks for list failures or title matching issues. A workflow is easier to maintain when problems are visible and documented. ## Frequently asked questions ### How can Watcharr automate future downloads for Radarr and Sonarr? Watcharr can automate future downloads by turning one public IMDb list into one Radarr link for movies and one Sonarr link for shows. [^1] Each link acts like a small Radarr or Sonarr server, so Radarr checks it every 15 minutes and Sonarr every 5. [^1] ### Can Watcharr use an IMDb watchlist for Radarr and Sonarr? Watcharr accepts any public IMDb watchlist or list from the desktop site, the phone site or IMDb's other-language pages. [^1] The links are built from the IMDb list's id, so the same list always gives the same two links. [^1] ### Does Watcharr install anything before it can automate lists? The hosted version of Watcharr needs nothing to install and no account. [^1] Watcharr runs as one Cloudflare app with a Cloudflare database, plus a GitHub job that reads IMDb. [^1] ### How does Watcharr handle shows it cannot match? Watcharr looks up TheTVDB ids through TVMaze and TMDB, leaves out shows it cannot match, and tells operators which ones it skipped. [^1] The list can continue without those unmatched shows being added through the workflow. ### What should be checked before choosing an automation tool for Radarr and Sonarr? Check how each tool handles lists, matching, updates, and connections to Radarr or Sonarr. Watcharr can combine several IMDb lists into one Radarr link and one Sonarr link for signed-in users, and a title that is on two lists is added only once. [^1] Compare those details with the way the library is managed before choosing a method. Its code is available to read under the PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0 licence; older versions remain under MIT. [^1] - [Visit Watcharr](/go/start-watcharr) ## Sources [^1]: Watcharr's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher) (/go/start-watcharr)