Skip to main content
To be authenticated, follow these steps:

​
1. Create a new request token

This endpoint is used to generate a request token. It can be used to validate a TMDB user login. 
GET https://api.themoviedb.org/3/authentication/token/new?api_key=YOUR_API_KEY
  • A temporary request token is generated.
  • The token is valid for 60 minutes.
  • This token must be authenticated by the user in the next step.

​
2. Authenticate the request token

Before creating your session, you must authenticate your token. 
https://www.themoviedb.org/authenticate/your_request_token
Or, if you want to redirect the user back to your app after authentication: 
https://www.themoviedb.org/authenticate/{REQUEST_TOKEN}?redirect_to=http://www.yourapp.com/approved
  • The user will be asked to approve or deny the token.
  • If approved, the token is now authenticated and can be used to create a session.

​
3. Create a new session id

Once the request token is authenticated, exchange it for a session ID. 
POST https://api.themoviedb.org/3/authentication/session/new?api_key=YOUR_API_KEY \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{"request_token": "YOUR_REQUEST_TOKEN"}'
Response 
{
  "success": true,
  "session_id": "xyz987654321"
}
You should treat this key like a password and keep it secret.