Description
Smart DL Redirect is a lightweight and powerful WordPress plugin that lets you add a timer-based interstitial page before a file download starts.
It’s perfect for:
– Affiliate marketers
– Download site owners
– Resource-sharing blogs
– Anyone who wants to delay download with ads or messages
Once a visitor clicks a download link, they are redirected to a customizable « preparing download » page, where a timer counts down, shows ads or custom HTML, and then auto-redirects to the actual file.
Important — redirect behavior: This plugin redirects the visitor’s browser to the file URL you provide — the plugin does not download, host, or proxy the file server-side. Authors should only supply links to files they trust.
Ad/snippet sanitization: Any ad/snippet HTML entered in the plugin settings is sanitized using wp_kses_post() before output. Note that wp_kses_post() strips <script> tags and other potentially dangerous elements — if your ad provider requires inline scripts, follow the provider’s recommended safe-install instructions or use a trusted ad plugin.
✨ Key Features
- ⏱️ Countdown Timer – Set the delay (in seconds) before download starts.
- 🎯 Auto-Redirect – Automatically starts the file download when timer ends.
- 🧰 Manual Fallback Link – If download fails, users can click a manual download link.
- 💡 Ad Placement or Custom HTML – Insert ads, promotional banners, or instructions in the waiting area.
- 🧩 Easy Shortcode Usage – Just add
[smart_dl file="https://example.com/file.zip"]to any post or page. - ⚙️ Lightweight and Fast – No external dependencies, optimized for performance.
License
Smart DL Redirect is licensed under the GPLv2 or later. See https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html for details.
Captures d’écran
Setting location – where to find the plugin options in the WordPress dashboard. 
Plugin settings page – configure redirection, countdown, and download rules. 
Use of shortcode – insert the download redirect shortcode into posts or pages. 
Countdown page – automatically generated before download starts. 
Frontend download button – the button users click to initiate the download. 
Frontend download page – final download page with the redirected file.
Installation
- Upload the plugin folder to the
/wp-content/plugins/smart-dl-redirectdirectory, or install it via the WordPress dashboard. - Activate the plugin through the « Plugins » menu.
- Visit Settings Smart DL Redirect to configure the timer duration, ad content, and redirect slug.
- Use the shortcode
[smart_dl file="https://example.com/file.zip"]wherever you want to offer a delayed download.
FAQ
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What does this plugin do?
-
It adds a delay (with optional ads or custom content) before the user receives their file. It’s often used for monetization or engagement purposes.
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How do I use the shortcode?
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Insert
[smart_dl file="URL_TO_FILE"]in any post or page. This creates a link to the redirect page, which will count down and then trigger the download. -
Can I change the number of seconds for the countdown?
-
Yes. Go to Settings Smart DL Redirect and change the timer value.
-
Yes. There is a dedicated field in the settings page where you can paste any HTML, ad script, or message.
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Does it support direct links to any file type?
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Yes. As long as it’s a valid, publicly accessible file URL, the plugin will handle it.
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Will it affect SEO?
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No. The redirect page is a regular page created on activation and not auto-linked, so it won’t interfere with SEO unless intentionally indexed.
Avis
Contributeurs & développeurs
« Smart DL Redirect » est un logiciel libre. Les personnes suivantes ont contribué à cette extension.
Contributeurs
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Historique des changements
1.3
- Added: Security index.php files to all plugin directories to prevent direct file access
- Added: Translation support with smart-dl-redirect.pot file in /languages
- Added: uninstall.php for proper cleanup of plugin settings and created page on uninstall
- Added: Download button now automatically inherits the active theme’s default button style for visual consistency
- Removed: Unused banner and icon image assets from /assets
1.2
- Fixed: Countdown and auto-download were not triggering due to missing DOM elements
- Improved: Dynamic countdown message now updates every second
1.1
- Minor edits to readme.txt for clarity and compliance
- Updated plugin metadata (no changes to functionality)
- Adjusted plugin folder name to match slug requirements
1.0
- Initial public release
- Shortcode support
- Countdown timer with fallback link
- Custom HTML/ad integration