Dynamic Media Library: On-Demand Downloads for Radarr/Sonarr & Plex

This n8n workflow, known as Placeholdarr for Plex (BETA), generates placeholder dummy files for media items tagged 'unprocessed-dummy' in Radarr and Sonarr. These dummies populate your Plex library, allowing a vast collection to appear available immediately, even if the actual content isn't downloaded yet. When a user plays a dummy file in Plex, the workflow automatically monitors the item in the respective Arr app, adds it to the download queue, and fetches it from your Debrid provider—typically ready in ~3 minutes.

Key benefits include massive storage savings, as only played content is downloaded, and seamless user experience with no 'file missing' errors. Tautulli integration detects download completion during playback, stops the stream, notifies the user, and refreshes Plex for the real file. Optional Trakt support syncs collections effortlessly.

Ideal for media enthusiasts with large libraries on limited storage. Requires configuring URLs, auth headers, SSH host with FFmpeg, and Trakt API key. BETA status means ongoing GitHub updates—suited for technical users. Links to repo for latest enhancements.