Documentation

Everything you need to know about using IntroDB and contributing timestamps.

Best Practices

Follow these guidelines to ensure your submissions are accurate and get accepted.

Timing the Intro

Wait until the intro fully ends

Don't stop at the logo. Wait for it to completely fade out or transition to the episode content.

Start from the actual intro

The intro starts when the intro sequence begins, not when the episode starts.

What to Exclude

Cold opens / teasers

If the show has a 'previously on' segment or a teaser before the intro, don't include it. Start timing when the actual intro sequence begins.

Ad reads / sponsor segments

Some shows (especially podcasts or web series) have sponsor reads at the start. Don't include these.

Netflix/streaming pre-roll

Ignore any streaming service branding or 'skip intro' prompts when timing.

Logo stings

If there's a quick production company logo before the intro, don't include it unless it's part of the actual intro sequence.

When You're Unsure

  • Watch the episode: If you're not sure where the intro starts/ends, watch a few seconds before and after.
  • Check other episodes: Most shows have consistent intro timing. If S01E02 has an intro from 12s-45s, S01E03 probably does too.
  • Round conservatively: If the intro ends at ~44.7s, it's better to say 45s than 44s. Give players a small buffer.

Timing the Outro

Skip to the post-credits scene (when present)

If an episode has an end-credits scene, set the outro segment to skip the credits and land at the start of the post-credits scene.

Be consistent within a show

If a show sometimes has post-credits scenes, prefer marking outros so playback reliably reaches the next scene.