Smart DL Redirect

Add a countdown page before file downloads with timer, ads, and fallback link using a simple shortcode.

Author:	Dibyandu Pal (profile at wordpress.org)
WordPress version required:	5.0
WordPress version tested:	6.9
Plugin version:	1.3.1
Added to WordPress repository:	18-08-2025
Last updated:	05-01-2026
Rating, %:	100
Rated by:	1
Plugin URI:	https://wordpress.org/plugins/smart-dl-redire...
Total downloads:	471
Active installs:	10+
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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.