The VirusTotal API lets you upload and scan files or URLs, access finished scan reports and make automatic comments without the need of using the website interface. In other words, it allows you to build simple scripts to access the information generated by VirusTotal.
In order to use the API you must sign up to VirusTotal Community. Once you have a valid VirusTotal Community account you will find your personal API key in your personal settings section. This key is all you need to use the VirusTotal API.
Important
The VirusTotal API must not be used in commercial products or services, it can not be used as a substitute for antivirus products and it can not be integrated in any project that may harm the antivirus industry directly or indirectly. Noncompliance of these terms will result in immediate permanent ban of the infractor individual or organization.
Under all circumstances VirusTotal's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy must be respected.
By default any VirusTotal Community registered user is entitled to an API key that allows them to interact with a basic set of endpoints. Advanced research calls are available via the private API, which requires special privileges. Contact us if you would like to learn more about how to obtain access.
Note that all endpoints referenced in this guide share a common URL prefix: www.virustotal.com/vtapi/v2/.