Archive.org

API

Free API for accessing the Internet Archive's vast digital library

Overview

The Archive.org API offers RESTful access to the Internet Archive’s repository of books, web pages, audio, video, and more. Key endpoints include /metadata (item details), /wayback (archived URLs), /search (keyword queries), and /download (content retrieval). Responses are JSON-formatted. Use cases: fetching historical web snapshots (Wayback Machine), accessing media/ text metadata for research, embedding archived content in apps, or building tools for digital heritage exploration. Most endpoints require no auth; advanced actions (uploading) need an account token.

Example Integration (JavaScript)

script.js JS


fetch('https://archive.readme.io/docs')
  .then(res => res.json())
  .then(data => console.log(data))
  .catch(err => console.error(err));

Key Features

RESTful
JSON Responses
No Auth (Public Endpoints)
Wayback Machine Integration
Metadata Access
Search Functionality

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Archive.org API free to use?

Yes, most public endpoints are free with no cost. Advanced operations like uploading items require an account but remain free for non-commercial use.

? Does it require an API Key?

No key is needed for public endpoints (metadata, Wayback, search). Authenticated actions (uploading) require an account token from the Internet Archive.

? What is the response format?

Nearly all endpoints return data in JSON format, which is easy to parse and integrate into applications.

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Tool Info

Pricing Free

Category Open Data

Platform Public API

Pros

⊕ Vast Open Data Repository
⊕ Free to Use
⊕ Well-Documented
⊕ Supports Multiple Content Types

Cons

⊖ Rate Limits Apply
⊖ Advanced Features Need Authentication
⊖ Large Responses Require Pagination