Distribution - Create a New Distribution

This guide explains how to create a distribution link for an asset in EnterMediaDB using:

  • JSON REST API
  • EnterMediaDB API UI

Both methods perform the same operation.

1. Overview

The Create Distribution API allows you to generate a distribution link for an asset.

This process creates a public or shareable distribution URL that can be used to access the asset externally.

2. API Endpoint

The API endpoint is the URL used to run this operation via the REST API.

Endpoint:

POST /assets/mediadb/services/distribution/create/create

This endpoint:

  • Creates a new distribution request
  • Generates distribution URLs for the specified asset

3. Required Parameters

The following parameters must be included in the request body:

  • assetid: (required) ID of the asset to distribute
  • id: (optional) Custom distribution ID used in the generated URL

These values specify which asset to distribute and optionally define the distribution identifier.

4. Create Distribution Using JSON REST API

Step 1: Prepare Your Data

Example:

{
  "assetid": "101",
  "id": "93caa502-139a-40c3-accb-5891076bb04a"
}
Step 2: Send the Request
curl -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -X POST http://entermedia.org/assets/mediadb/services/distribution/create/create \
  -b "entermedia.key=YOUR_SESSION_KEY" \
  -d '{
    "assetid": "101",
    "id": "93caa502-139a-40c3-accb-5891076bb04a"
  }'
Notes
  • Replace YOUR_SESSION_KEY with your actual entermedia.key
  • Ensure your API session is initialized (see Authentication section)
  • Use -L if your server redirects to HTTPS
  • If no id is provided, EnterMediaDB may generate one automatically

5. Create Distribution Using EnterMediaDB API UI

You can create a distribution link directly in the EnterMediaDB interface.

Steps

  1. Open the EnterMediaDB API UI

    Example:
    https://emedialibrary.org/mediadb

  2. In the left sidebar, navigate to:
     Distribution → Create a new distribution

  3. In the request editor, enter:

{
  "assetid": "12345"
}

4. Click Execute

6. Response

A successful request returns:

{
  "response": {
    "id": "93caa502-139a-40c3-accb-5891076bb04a",
    "status": "ok"
  },
  "data": {
    "id": "93caa502-139a-40c3-accb-5891076bb04a",
    "assetid": {
      "id": "101",
      "name": ""
    }
  },
  "urls": {
    "baseurl": "http://em10.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/distribution/published/93caa502-139a-40c3-accb-5891076bb04a/",
    "largeimage": "http://em10.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/distribution/published/93caa502-139a-40c3-accb-5891076bb04a/largeimage"
  }
}

7. Accessing Distribution Links

The response includes generated distribution URLs.

Common URLs include:

  • baseurl: Base distribution URL for the asset
  • largeimage: URL to a large preview image

These URLs can be used to:

  • Share assets externally
  • Embed assets in applications or websites
  • Provide downloadable access to media

8. What Happens After Distribution Creation

After a successful request:

  • A distribution entry is created
  • Public distribution URLs are generated
  • The asset becomes accessible through the generated distribution links

9. Troubleshooting

1. Distribution creation fails
  • Check that assetid is valid
  • Ensure the asset exists
  • Verify API permissions are enabled
2. Unauthorized request
  • Ensure entermedia.key is included
  • Ensure session is initialized
  • Verify permissions
3. Distribution URL does not work
  • Verify the distribution was created successfully
  • Check whether the asset still exists
  • Ensure the distribution service is enabled on the server
[JSON, API]