ChannelTube

Self-Hosted

Open-source self-hosted media streaming & management platform

Overview

ChannelTube is an open-source self-hosted media management and streaming platform for private or internal video hosting. It lets users upload videos, organize into channels/playlists, manage access with role-based auth, and stream in multiple formats (MP4, WebM). Deployment is simplified via Docker containers, accessible for basic server admins. Key features include transcoding support, search, and customizable branding—ideal for replacing proprietary services when privacy and control are priorities. You only need a server with storage/bandwidth for your content.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  channel_tube:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: channel-tube
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Video upload & organization into channels/playlists
Role-based user authentication (admin, viewer)
Dockerized deployment for quick setup
Multi-format streaming & transcoding support
Customizable branding & search functionality

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is ChannelTube hard to install?

ChannelTube is easy to install using Docker—pull the official image and run with minimal config (like setting up a database). Manual setup needs Node.js and MongoDB, which requires basic server skills but is well-documented.

? Is it a good alternative to YouTube for private use?

Yes! It’s perfect for private teams or individuals who want full control over their content without ads/tracking. It lacks YouTube’s global audience but excels at privacy and customization for internal or personal media hosting.

? Is it completely free?

ChannelTube is 100% free and open-source under the MIT License. There are no hidden costs—you only pay for your server’s storage, bandwidth, and any associated hosting fees.

Top Alternatives

YouTube (Private Channels) Search Google

Vimeo Pro Search Google

Wistia Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Media Management

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Full control over media data & privacy
⊕ No subscription fees (only server costs)
⊕ Open-source (extensible via code modifications)
⊕ Docker support reduces deployment friction

Cons

⊖ Requires server with sufficient storage/bandwidth
⊖ Lacks advanced SaaS features (e.g., analytics, monetization)
⊖ Basic troubleshooting needs server admin knowledge