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Stremio Setup Guide - Complete Tutorial & Documentation

Catalogs & Metadata Add-ons

Catalog and metadata add-ons enhance Stremio by providing additional content sources and detailed information. This guide explains how these add-ons work and how to use them effectively.

What are Catalog Add-ons?

Catalog add-ons provide content sources - they give Stremio access to different libraries of movies, TV shows, and other media.

How Catalogs Work

Catalogs provide:

  • Content Discovery: New movies, TV shows, and series
  • Alternative Sources: Content not available in official catalogs
  • Specialized Collections: Anime, documentaries, international content
  • Streaming Sources: Direct links to watch content

Catalog add-ons don’t host content themselves - they provide links to where content can be found. The actual streaming depends on the add-on’s sources.

Built-in Catalogs

Stremio comes with several built-in catalogs:

Cinemeta (Default):

  • Movies and TV shows from The Movie Database (TMDb)
  • Comprehensive metadata
  • Official Stremio catalog

WatchHub:

  • Alternative catalog with different content selection
  • May include different titles or versions

What are Metadata Add-ons?

Metadata add-ons provide information about content - posters, descriptions, cast, ratings, etc.

How Metadata Works

Metadata add-ons provide:

  • Posters & Artwork: High-quality images
  • Descriptions: Plot summaries and synopses
  • Cast & Crew: Actor and director information
  • Ratings: IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, user ratings
  • Release Information: Air dates, seasons, episodes
  • Genres & Categories: Content classification
Tip

Metadata add-ons work alongside catalogs. A catalog tells Stremio what content exists, while metadata add-ons tell Stremio about that content.

Torrentio

Description: Popular torrent aggregator that searches multiple torrent sources.

Features:

  • Searches across multiple torrent sites
  • Provides debrid service integration
  • Supports multiple languages
  • Real-time availability checking

Installation: Search for “Torrentio” in the add-on catalog.

Source: Torrentio GitHub

Jackett

Description: Meta-search engine for torrent trackers.

Features:

  • Searches 100+ torrent sites
  • Supports private trackers
  • Advanced filtering options
  • API integration

Installation: Requires Jackett server setup first.

Source: Jackett Website

Streaming Catalogs

Pornhub Add-on:

  • Adult content catalog
  • Requires age verification
  • Multiple categories

YouTube Add-on:

  • YouTube videos as content
  • Channel subscriptions
  • Search integration

Twitch Add-on:

  • Live streaming
  • Gaming content
  • VOD archives

RPDB (Rating Poster Database)

Description: Alternative posters and ratings database.

Features:

  • Custom poster selection
  • Multiple rating sources
  • Community-driven content
  • Regional poster support

Installation: Visit ratingposterdb.com

Trakt

Description: Social tracking and recommendations.

Features:

  • Watch history sync
  • Personalized recommendations
  • Watchlist management
  • Statistics and analytics

Installation: Search for “Trakt” in add-on catalog.

Source: Trakt.tv

TMDb Add-ons

Description: Alternative metadata from The Movie Database.

Features:

  • Comprehensive movie/TV data
  • Multiple language support
  • High-quality posters
  • Cast and crew information

Installation: Search for “TMDb” in add-on catalog.

Installing Catalog & Metadata Add-ons

Steps

  1. Open Add-ons Page

    • Click the puzzle piece icon
    • Or go to Settings → Add-ons

  2. Browse or Search

    • Scroll through available add-ons
    • Use search to find specific add-ons
    • Check ratings and reviews

  3. Install Add-on

    • Click on the add-on you want
    • Click “Install”
    • Add-on will sync across devices

  4. Configure (if needed)

    • Some add-ons require API keys
    • Follow setup instructions
    • Test with sample content

Organizing Your Catalogs

Catalog Priority

Stremio displays catalogs in order of installation:

Steps

  1. Install preferred catalogs first

    • Most used catalogs get highest priority
    • Appears first in browse sections

  2. Uninstall unused catalogs

    • Reduces clutter
    • Improves performance

  3. Reinstall to change order

    • Uninstall and reinstall in desired order
    • Newest installed appears first

Content Filtering

Filter by:

  • Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, etc.
  • Type: Movies, TV Shows, Anime
  • Year: Release year ranges
  • Rating: IMDb or other ratings
  • Language: Content language

Custom Collections

Some add-ons provide specialized catalogs:

  • Anime Catalogs: Dedicated anime content
  • Documentary Collections: Educational content
  • International Content: Region-specific media
  • Classic Movies: Older film collections
  • Indie Content: Independent productions

Metadata Add-on Configuration

Language Settings

Steps

  1. Set Interface Language

    • Settings → General → Interface Language
    • Affects metadata language preference

  2. Install Language-Specific Add-ons

    • Search for your language code (ES, FR, DE, etc.)
    • Install localized metadata sources

  3. Test Language Support

    • Search for content in your language
    • Check if descriptions appear correctly

Poster Preferences

RPDB Configuration:

Steps

  1. Create RPDB Account

  2. Configure Preferences

    • Set preferred poster regions
    • Choose rating sources
    • Customize display options

  3. Install RPDB Add-on

    • Use your API key
    • Test with sample content

Troubleshooting Catalog Issues

Content Not Appearing

Solutions:

  • Check internet connection
  • Verify add-on is installed and enabled
  • Clear cache (Settings → Advanced → Clear Cache)
  • Restart Stremio
  • Check add-on status on developer’s site

Metadata Not Loading

Solutions:

  • Wait 24-48 hours for sync
  • Check metadata add-on configuration
  • Verify API keys are valid
  • Try alternative metadata add-ons

Slow Loading

Solutions:

  • Reduce number of installed catalogs
  • Use faster internet connection
  • Clear cache regularly
  • Disable unused add-ons
Warning

Important Legal Note: Some catalog add-ons may provide access to copyrighted content. Users are responsible for complying with local copyright laws. Stremio itself is legal, but the content accessed through add-ons may not be.

Legal Add-ons:

  • Official streaming service catalogs
  • Public domain content
  • Creative Commons licensed material
  • User-generated content platforms

Gray Area Add-ons:

  • Torrent aggregators
  • Unofficial streaming sources
  • Region-locked content unlockers

Best Practices

✅ Do:

  • Install add-ons from trusted sources
  • Keep add-ons updated
  • Use reputable metadata sources
  • Organize catalogs by priority
  • Test add-ons before relying on them
  • Respect copyright laws

❌ Don’t:

  • Install add-ons from unknown developers
  • Share API keys or credentials
  • Use add-ons for illegal content
  • Install too many catalogs (causes clutter)
  • Ignore add-on warnings or errors

Advanced: Creating Custom Catalogs

For developers interested in creating add-ons:

Steps

  1. Learn the Stremio Add-on SDK

  2. Choose Content Source

    • API access to content database
    • Web scraping (with permission)
    • User-generated content

  3. Implement Manifest

    • Define catalog structure
    • Set metadata endpoints
    • Configure streaming sources

  4. Test and Deploy

    • Test locally first
    • Deploy to hosting service
    • Share with community

Sources: