Metadata is the backbone of any Emby server. Accurate metadata not only helps you organize your media but also enhances the browsing experience by providing details such as posters, cast information, and plot summaries. In our next how to guide, we’ll explore how to get the best metadata for your media library in Emby and customize metadata to suit your preferences.

Why Metadata Matters

Metadata turns a bland file list into an engaging media library. Instead of scrolling through filenames, you can browse visually stunning posters, read synopses, and see ratings or actors at a glance. This makes it easier to find what you want to watch and enjoy your media library to its fullest.

Step 1: Setting Up Metadata Agents

Metadata agents in Emby are responsible for fetching the information about your media. To configure them:

• Navigate to Metadata Settings:

  Go to your Emby Server dashboard.

  Click on Library, then select the library you want to configure.

• Choose Metadata Providers:

  Select metadata providers like TheMovieDB (for movies), TheTVDB (for TV shows), or MusicBrainz (for music).

  Drag and drop the providers to prioritize which one Emby should use first.

• Enable Automatic Updates:

  Make sure "Download metadata from the internet" is checked. This ensures Emby fetches metadata when new content is added.

• Language Preferences:

  Specify the language for metadata and artwork to match your preference.

Step 2: Organizing Media for Better Metadata Matching

Metadata accuracy heavily depends on how well your media files are named and organized. Follow these tips:

• Use Proper File Naming Conventions:

  Movies: MovieName (Year).ext (e.g., Inception (2010).mkv)

  TV Shows: ShowName/Season XX/ShowName - SXXEYY.ext (e.g., Breaking Bad/Season 01/Breaking Bad - S01E01.mkv)

• Organize Media into Folders:

  Separate movies, TV shows, and music into different folders.

  Group collections (e.g., trilogies) into subfolders for easier management.

• Avoid Extra Characters:

  Remove unnecessary text like resolution (e.g., [1080p]) or release group names.

Step 3: Fixing Mismatched or Missing Metadata

Even with proper organization, mismatches can happen. Here’s how to resolve them:

• Manually Edit Metadata:

  Open the Emby web app and locate the mismatched media.

  Click the three-dot menu next to the item, then select Edit Metadata.

  Correct the title or year and let Emby re-fetch the metadata.

• Use the Identify Tool:

  On the Edit Metadata page, use the Identify option to manually search for the correct entry in the provider’s database.

• Replace Incorrect Posters or Images:

  From the Edit Metadata page, go to the Images tab.

  Browse and select new images from the metadata providers or upload your own.

Step 4: Customizing Metadata

If you’re a power user, customizing metadata allows you to make your library uniquely yours.

• Enable NFO File Saving:

  In the Metadata settings, enable saving metadata as NFO files. These are XML files stored alongside your media, allowing you to edit them directly.

• Create Custom Metadata:

  Open the NFO file with a text editor.

  Add or modify tags such as <title>, <plot>, or <cast> to change how the media appears in Emby.

• Bulk Metadata Management:

  Use tools like Media Companion or TinyMediaManager to batch edit metadata and export it to NFO files for use with Emby.

Step 5: Optimizing Metadata for Large Libraries

If you’ve got a large collection, metadata fetching can strain your server. Optimize the process with these tips:

• Schedule Metadata Updates:

  In the Library settings, schedule metadata scans during off-peak hours to reduce server load.

• Use Local Metadata:

  Preload metadata by saving it as NFO files or by downloading artwork to local folders.

Getting the best metadata in Emby doesn’t have to be complicated. By setting up metadata agents, organizing your media files properly, and learning to fix common issues, you can transform your library into a stunning, easy-to-navigate collection. For power users, customizing metadata opens up even more possibilities, making your Emby experience truly unique.

Start fine-tuning your metadata today and enjoy a richer, more immersive Emby server experience today!