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Private Trackers
Private trackers require an account and enforce upload/download ratios. In exchange, they offer curated content, faster speeds, longer retention, and a more trusted community.
How They Work
- Invitation or application: You need an invite from a member or must pass an application/interview process
- Ratio: You must upload at least as much as you download (typically 1:1 minimum). Fall below the requirement and your account is warned or disabled
- Seeding requirements: Some trackers require you to seed each torrent for a minimum time or until you hit a ratio
- Hit and run (H&R): Downloading without seeding enough is called a "hit and run" and is punished on most private trackers
Major Private Trackers
General
| Tracker | Focus | How to Join |
|---|---|---|
| TorrentLeech (TL) | General | Open signups periodically; check their Discord/IRC |
| IPTorrents (IPT) | General | Open signups periodically; can purchase invites |
| TorrentDay | General | Occasional open signups |
Movies & TV
| Tracker | Focus | How to Join |
|---|---|---|
| PassThePopcorn (PTP) | Movies | Invite only; extremely strict. Forum/IRC application possible |
| BroadcasTheNet (BTN) | TV Shows | Invite only |
| HDBits (HDB) | HD video | Invite only; among the most exclusive |
Music
| Tracker | Focus | How to Join |
|---|---|---|
| Orpheus (OPS) | Music (lossless) | Open applications via their site |
| Redacted (RED) | Music (lossless) | IRC interview required |
Music trackers like Redacted and Orpheus have strict format requirements (FLAC, MP3 320, etc.) and a transcoding system. The quality is unmatched.
Books & Academia
| Tracker | Focus | How to Join |
|---|---|---|
| MyAnonamouse (MAM) | Books, audiobooks | Open applications |
Getting Started with Private Trackers
Option 1: Open Signups
Many trackers open registrations periodically. Follow tracker news on:
- r/trackers — frequent open signup announcements
- r/OpenSignups — dedicated open signup alerts
- Tracker-specific Discord/IRC channels
Option 2: Interview Trackers
Some trackers (notably Redacted) require an IRC interview where you demonstrate knowledge of audio formats and encoding. The Redacted interview prep guide is the canonical resource.
Option 3: Seedbox First
Having a seedbox (a remote server always seeding) makes it much easier to maintain ratio on private trackers. See Seedboxes for guidance.
Ratio Management
If you're struggling with ratio:
- Freeleech torrents: Downloads don't count against your ratio. Grab everything during freeleech events
- Bonus points: Most trackers award points for seeding time that can be exchanged for upload credit
- Seed new uploads: New torrents have few seeders and demand is high — upload credit accumulates faster
- Get a seedbox: A server with a fast uplink can build ratio quickly
What Not to Do
- Never share your account — accounts are IP-bound on most trackers
- Don't use VPNs unless the tracker explicitly allows it (many ban VPN IPs to prevent cheating)
- Don't download and immediately stop seeding — hit and runs get you banned