Skip to main content
POST
https://api.trackyard.com
/
api
/
external
/
v1
/
download-track
POST /download-track
curl --request POST \
  --url https://api.trackyard.com/api/external/v1/download-track
Download a licensed track as an MP3 file. Optionally request a smart-trimmed clip with automatic segment selection and hit point alignment. Cost: 1 credit per request License: Perpetual sync license included automatically. No additional step required.

Authentication

All requests require a valid API key in the Authorization header:
Authorization: Bearer your_api_key_here

Request Body

track_id
string
required
The track ID from search results.Example: "trk_abc123"
duration_seconds
number
Clip length in seconds. Omit this field to download the full track.When specified, Trackyard analyzes the waveform and selects the best-sounding segment automatically.Range: 10-300 seconds Recommended minimum: 10 seconds (shorter clips may lack musical coherence)
hit_point_seconds
number
Offset (in seconds) where the musical peak should land. Requires duration_seconds.The algorithm finds the dominant energy peak in the track and aligns it to this offset.Use case: Sync the music’s climax to a specific moment in your video (product reveal, logo drop, title card).Range: Must be less than duration_seconds Precision: ±1 second

Example Requests

Download Full Track

curl -X POST https://api.trackyard.com/api/external/v1/download-track \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TRACKYARD_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"track_id": "trk_abc123"}' \
  --output track.mp3

Download 30-Second Clip (Best Segment Auto-Selected)

curl -X POST https://api.trackyard.com/api/external/v1/download-track \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TRACKYARD_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "track_id": "trk_abc123",
    "duration_seconds": 30
  }' \
  --output clip-30s.mp3

Download 22-Second Clip with Hit Point at 12 Seconds

curl -X POST https://api.trackyard.com/api/external/v1/download-track \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TRACKYARD_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "track_id": "trk_abc123",
    "duration_seconds": 22,
    "hit_point_seconds": 12
  }' \
  --output clip-with-hit.mp3
What happens: The music’s biggest drop/hit/crescendo lands at exactly 12 seconds, perfect for syncing to a product reveal or logo drop.

Response

Content-Type: audio/mpeg Content-Disposition: attachment; filename="track-title.mp3" The response body is the raw MP3 audio file. No JSON wrapper.

Response Headers

Content-Type: audio/mpeg
Content-Disposition: attachment; filename="Digital_Sunrise.mp3"
Content-Length: 3428760
X-Track-Id: trk_abc123
X-Track-Duration: 142
X-Credits-Remaining: 486
X-RateLimit-Remaining: 7

How Smart Trimming Works

When you specify duration_seconds, Trackyard:
1

Analyzes the waveform

Scans the entire track for musical phrases, energy peaks, beat alignment, and tonal consistency.
2

Scores possible segments

Every potential clip is scored based on musical coherence, energy distribution, and start/end quality.
3

Selects the best segment

Returns the highest-scoring segment as a clean MP3 with no fade-outs or awkward cuts.

When to Use Smart Trimming

Short-form content — Instagram Reels, TikToks, YouTube ShortsAds — Social media ads, pre-roll, mid-rollProduct demos — SaaS walkthroughs, unboxing videosTrailers — App, game, or film trailersBatch processing — Auto-scoring 100+ videos at scale

Hit Point Alignment

The hit_point_seconds parameter choreographs the music’s peak to a specific moment in your video.

Use Cases

Scenario: 15-second Instagram Reel, product appears at 8 secondsRequest:
{
  "track_id": "trk_xyz789",
  "duration_seconds": 15,
  "hit_point_seconds": 8
}
Result: Music peaks right when the product enters the frame.
Scenario: 30-second YouTube ad, logo reveals at 22 secondsRequest:
{
  "track_id": "trk_def456",
  "duration_seconds": 30,
  "hit_point_seconds": 22
}
Result: Musical peak aligns with the logo for maximum impact.
Scenario: 45-second app trailer, title card at 35 secondsRequest:
{
  "track_id": "trk_ghi123",
  "duration_seconds": 45,
  "hit_point_seconds": 35
}
Result: Music builds throughout, peaks at the title card.

What’s Included in the License

Every download includes a perpetual sync license automatically:

Perpetual License Rights

  • No expiration — Use the track forever
  • No renewals — One-time payment, no recurring fees
  • Multi-platform — Social media, YouTube, podcasts, websites
  • Worldwide — No geographic restrictions
  • Unlimited views — No caps on impressions or plays
What’s NOT included:
  • ❌ Broadcast (TV/film) — requires upgraded license tier
  • ❌ Audio resale — can’t redistribute as standalone audio
  • ❌ Sync to offensive/illegal content
See How Trackyard Works for full licensing details.

Error Responses

401 Unauthorized
Missing or invalid API key.
{
  "error": "Unauthorized",
  "message": "Invalid API key"
}
402 Payment Required
Out of credits.
{
  "error": "Out of credits",
  "message": "Please top up or upgrade your plan"
}
404 Not Found
Track ID doesn’t exist.
{
  "error": "Not Found",
  "message": "Track not found"
}
400 Bad Request
Invalid parameters (e.g., hit_point_seconds without duration_seconds).
{
  "error": "Bad Request",
  "message": "hit_point_seconds requires duration_seconds",
  "code": "invalid_parameters"
}
See Error Codes for full reference.

Tips for Best Results

Preview first: Use the preview_url from search results to audition tracks before downloading
Choose tracks with clear peaks: Electronic drops, orchestral crescendos, and hip hop hits work best for hit point alignment
Test different durations: If a 30-second clip doesn’t sound right, try 28 or 32 seconds for better segment selection
Align hit points to visual moments: Product reveals, logo drops, title cards, scene transitions

Next Steps