TheAudioDB

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About TheAudioDB

TheAudioDB provides a REST API for accessing music data, including information on artists, albums, songs, and music venues. It offers two API versions: v1, which uses a numeric API key in the URL for authentication and returns JSON data, and v2, which uses header-based authentication with the X-API-KEY attribute and is restricted to premium subscribers. Endpoints support searching by name (artist, album, track) and looking up entities by ID, and the service also provides access to artist, album, and track artwork images in multiple sizes.

A free tier is available using a shared test API key, limited to 30 requests per minute with reduced result limits on most search endpoints. A Premium tier, priced at $8 per month, provides a personal API key, higher rate limits (100 requests per minute), higher search result limits, access to the v2 API, and additional features such as livescores and video highlight links. A Business tier offers a rate limit of 120 requests per minute.

The service is intended for developers building applications or music sites that require artist, album, track, or venue data, as well as enthusiasts and startups seeking free or low-cost access to music metadata.

Key features

Search artists, albums, and tracks by name via REST API
Lookup artists, albums, and tracks by unique ID for faster retrieval
Access fan-contributed artwork including JPEG fanart and transparent PNG logos/badges
Retrieve preview images in medium and small sizes via URL suffixes
V2 API offers modern header-based authentication with standard HTTP response codes
Discography and MusicBrainz ID-based lookups for artists and albums

Frequently asked questions

Is there a free tier?

Yes, a free API key ('123') is available with no signup required, though it has limited request rates and method access. Free users are limited to 30 requests per minute.

How much does the premium plan cost?

Premium access costs $8 per month and includes higher rate limits (100 requests per minute), full V1 method access, and the ability to use the V2 API.

What authentication methods are supported?

V1 uses a simple numeric API key placed directly in the URL, while V2 requires the API key to be sent in the request header via the 'X-API-KEY' attribute.

Who is this API for?

It's designed for developers, enthusiasts, and startups building apps or music sites that need artist, album, song, or music venue data without expensive subscriptions.

What data formats and endpoints does it support?

The API returns JSON data through v1 (https://www.theaudiodb.com/api/v1/json) and v2 (https://www.theaudiodb.com/api/v2/json) base URLs, with search and lookup endpoints for artists, albums, and tracks.