--- {"title": "How to import Trakt or IMDb exports locally in 2026", "description": "Learn how self-hosted media hoarders can import Trakt or IMDb exports into a local database with practical steps and tool options.", "url": "https://vlcleanplayer.com/how-to-import-a-trakt-or-imdb-export-into-a-local-database-for-self-hosted-media-hoarders/", "date": "2026-10-12"} --- Learn how self-hosted media hoarders can import Trakt or IMDb exports into a local database with practical steps and tool options. Self-hosted media hoarders can import a Trakt or IMDb export into a local database by preparing the export file, choosing an import method, and checking how titles are matched and stored. | Option | Import method | Cost details | |---|---|---| | Watcharr | Paste one public IMDb list and get one link for Radarr with the movies and one for Sonarr with the shows. [^1] | not published | | Local script | Read the export file and write selected information into the local database. | not published | | Self-hosted import app | Read supported export data and store imported titles in the chosen local workflow. | not published | ## What you need before you start Make sure the local media database or library workflow is ready before importing any exported data. Decide which movies and shows from the export should be added and which titles need a review first. Prepare the Trakt or IMDb export file so it is ready for the chosen import method. Check the export format and make sure the tool you choose can read the file or list source. Know which type of data the export contains, such as watched history, ratings, collections, watchlists, or saved lists. Keep the original export file unchanged so it can be used again if the import needs to be repeated. Radarr and Sonarr are free helper programs that many self-hosters run to find and add movies (Radarr) and shows (Sonarr) to the library. Have them ready if they are part of the way imported titles are added to the library. Decide whether imported titles should go directly into the library workflow or should be reviewed first. Choose where the export will be imported. The choice can be a hosted tool, a self-hosted app, or a script that reads the export file and writes to the local database directly. ## Step by step 1. Export the data from Trakt or IMDb using the export option provided by the service. Save the file or list information in a place where the import tool can access it. 2. Pick one import method that accepts the export format and matches the way the local database is managed. Check whether the method sends titles to a library tool or stores them directly. 3. Review the exported titles before importing them. Remove unwanted entries and decide whether movies, shows, watched history, or other details should be included. 4. Upload the export file or provide the list information to the chosen import method. Follow the tool instructions for reading the data and creating local entries. 5. Match imported titles to the correct places in the media workflow. Confirm that movies and shows are separated correctly if different tools handle each type. 6. Check titles that could not be matched during the import. Review those entries and add any wanted titles manually through the normal library process. 7. Decide whether future changes from the Trakt or IMDb source should be imported again. If the chosen tool supports refreshes, check how it handles updated lists and changed entries. 8. Review the final database entries after the import. Confirm that titles, watched details, and other saved information match the original export. ## Tools that can do it Watcharr is made by the team that publishes this site. Watcharr is a tool where a public IMDb list can be pasted to get one link for Radarr with the movies and one 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] A bookmark clicked inside Radarr or Sonarr adds the list using that app's API key without sending it anywhere else. [^1] Watcharr accepts any public IMDb watchlist or list from the desktop site, the phone site or IMDb's other-language pages. [^1] It looks up TheTVDB ids through TVMaze and TMDB, leaves out shows it cannot match, and tells you which ones it skipped. [^1] The links are built from the IMDb list's id, so the same list always gives the same two links. [^1] The hosted version of Watcharr needs nothing to install and no account. [^1] Its code is available to read under the PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0 licence, and older versions remain under MIT. [^1] A local database import can also be handled by a custom script or another self-hosted application. Check how each option handles export formats, title matching, refreshes, and the way imported titles move into the library workflow. ## Common mistakes to avoid Avoid importing a Trakt or IMDb export without checking the titles first. Old entries, unwanted items, or unmatched titles can make the local database harder to manage. Avoid choosing an import method without checking how it handles movies and shows. The import should match the way the existing media library stores and manages content. Avoid forgetting to keep the original export file. A saved copy makes it easier to repeat the process or compare imported information later. Avoid skipping account and privacy checks. Review what information a tool asks for and what access it uses before connecting it to other parts of the media setup. ## Frequently asked questions ### How can a self-hosted media hoarder import a Trakt or IMDb export into a local database? A self-hoster can export data from Trakt or IMDb, choose an import method that reads the export format, and connect the imported information to the local media workflow. The important parts are checking title matching, keeping a copy of the export, and reviewing the final database entries. ### Can Watcharr split an IMDb list into movies and shows? Watcharr lets a user paste one public IMDb list and get one link for Radarr with the movies and one for Sonarr with the shows. [^1] Each link acts like a small Radarr or Sonarr server, so Radarr checks it every 15 minutes and Sonarr every 5. [^1] ### Does Watcharr need to be installed on the server? The hosted version of Watcharr needs nothing to install and no account. [^1] ### What happens to shows Watcharr cannot match? Watcharr looks up TheTVDB ids through TVMaze and TMDB, leaves out shows it cannot match, and tells you which ones it skipped. [^1] Review skipped titles separately if they need to be added to the media library. ### What should be checked before choosing a tool to import a Trakt or IMDb export? Check how a tool handles export formats, title matching, refreshes, and the way imported titles move into the library workflow. Watcharr accepts public IMDb watchlists or lists from the desktop site, the phone site or IMDb's other-language pages. [^1] Compare those details with the current media setup before choosing an import 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)