The Internet Movie Database, or IMDb, is the largest and most comprehensive resource for movie, media, news, and trivia information on the web. It is constantly updated as new movies are released, and it often accepts contributions of new titles from its huge community of members. Whether you've helped produce a new film that you're submitting for approval or you've found a cinematic gem that doesn't yet have a listing, adding new titles to IMDb is simple. Simply register an account and provide the necessary information and the title will be submitted for review.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Register an IMDb account
Step 1. Access the IMDb home page
From the main site, you have the option to search for titles, read movie news, watch recently released trailers, and monitor your account activity all from one place. Account options can be found at the top of the page.
- Enter the website URL (http://www.imdb.com) or do a quick search for “IMDB” and select the first result.
- Before you can add new titles to the database, you will need to be officially registered and log in as a member.
Step 2. Click on the link that says “other sign in options”
You should be able to find the link in the upper right corner of the screen, below the links to the various social media platforms. If you are already a member, you can also use this link to log in.
- Logging in or registering with your Facebook account can save you time instead of filling out forms. Your account will be created using the email you used to sign up for Facebook.
- Your activity on IMDb will not be tracked or reported on other websites in any way without your express permission.
Step 3. Choose the option to create a new IMDb account
Near the middle of the page you will see a large yellow button that says “Create a New Account”. By selecting this link, you will be taken to a new page where you can enter your personal information to become a registered member.
- Make sure you don't already have an existing IMDb account before creating a new one.
- Registered members will also be able to take advantage of additional features like writing reviews, creating custom watchlists, and posting to message board discussions.
Step 4. Fill in your personal information and send the form
You will be asked to provide your full name, email address, and password of your choice. Enter your information and then click on “Create Your IMDb Account”. After this, you will be able to submit new titles, add production details and credits, review your contribution history and make use of the other functions reserved for members.
- You may be asked to confirm your registration before you can continue.
- Choose the option to "stay connected" so you don't have to enter your information every time you visit the site.
Part 2 of 3: Submit New Titles for Consideration
Step 1. Do a quick search for the title you want to add
Use the search bar at the top of the main page to search for any existing titles or keywords related to the title you want to add. The title has likely already been archived. If you find the title in the results, there is no need to do anything else. Otherwise, you can proceed to fill out the submission form for a new title.
- Enter both the international title of the film and the title that appears in the original language.
- If you were part of the production of a film and want to submit a listing for the new title, entrust the process to a member of the team (preferably the director or producer). This will avoid repeating shipments that are likely to have been rejected.
Step 2. Highlight the “News & Community” node at the top of the page
This will pull up a drop down menu with a list of various options. Under the “Community” heading, click on the “Contributor Zone” link. This will take you to a page that briefly explains submission guidelines, as well as the community's role in making contributions to IMDb's ever-growing title selection.
New members are advised to search for articles in the “Contributor Zone” before attempting to add new entries to the database
Step 3. Select the “How to Add a New Title” link
You should find the link, along with other useful information resources, in the section titled “Adding Data to IMDb”. When you click it, you will be redirected to a form that you can fill in with the relevant data of the new title.
- Be sure to review the site's submission guidelines and the “Frequently Asked Questions” page before adding a new title. The answers to any question you may have will usually be found there.
- You will have to repeat this process every time you want to submit a new title.
Step 4. Complete the title information form
The form will ask you for the title of the film, the specific type of medium, its current status (in development or already released), the year it was produced, and your relationship as a contributor. Provide the data as accurately as you can to make the listing a more reliable resource.
- Record the title of the film in its original language, with the same spelling and capitalization, as it appears on the title opening credits screen.
- Only films that have received a major release or distribution are eligible for listing on IMDb. This does not include things like home movies, student movies, or content produced for public access broadcasts.
Part 3 of 3: Confirm Shipment
Step 1. Carefully review the information you have provided
Before shipping, make sure all information is complete and as accurate as possible. Look for spelling and capitalization errors and verify that you entered other critical information correctly, such as the release date. Title pages should be as factual, complete, and up-to-date as possible.
- Listings that contain errors can confuse readers.
- If the information you provide for the new title is not accurate, your submission may be totally rejected.
Step 2. Click on the “Check These Updates” button
Once you submit the new title, it will be sent to the IMDb title managers for review. As long as the information you have submitted complies with the standards outlined in the submission guidelines, the new listing will normally be posted within a few days.
Anyone can submit new titles to IMDb, but they will need to be approved by the website administrators before a listing is created
Step 3. Wait for the submission of the new title to be approved
It can take up to two weeks for the new listing to be uploaded to the database, so check back periodically to see its status. Approved listings will be accessible through the main website or through search results. Keep contributing new titles to help IMDb continue to grow as the Internet's leading resource for all things filmmaking!
- When the shipment has been approved, you will receive a confirmation in your account activity, as well as in the email with which you registered.
- You will also receive a notification of rejected shipments, which will be accompanied by a brief explanation of why they were not taken into account.
Advice
- IMDb's extensive listing archive currently contains more than 4 million titles, of which nearly 400,000 are feature films.
- The listings are continually updated and can be added, corrected or deleted at any time.
- Use the IMDb title submission form to also add information from other types of media such as TV shows, video games, and web series.
- If you are having trouble navigating the site or have a question about shipping guidelines that are not answered in the FAQ, please email the site's troubleshooting specialists.
- Add freelance titles you worked on to the database to receive an official list of credits and show your work to the world.
- IMDb credits are highly valued in the film industry and can even be featured as references on an actor or filmmaker's resume.
Warnings
- Failure to adhere to IMDb community submission guidelines or regulations may result in suspension of membership privileges.
- Be careful submitting titles to IMDb if your films are copyrighted by a third party. Submitting the form for a new listing gives IMDb permission to freely exchange title information on the website.