Jellyfin
Self-HostedOpen-source media server for streaming your personal content
Overview
Jellyfin is a free, open-source media server that lets you organize and stream your personal collection of movies, TV shows, music, photos, and more to any device. It supports cross-platform access (web, mobile, smart TVs, gaming consoles) and offers features like metadata scraping, subtitle management, parental controls, and live TV/DVR integration. Deployable via Docker, bare metal, or NAS devices, it prioritizes user privacy by keeping data local—no subscriptions or third-party tracking. It’s community-driven, with regular updates and a plugin ecosystem to extend functionality.
Self-Hosting Resources
Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml.
⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.
version: '3'
services:
jellyfin:
image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
container_name: jellyfin
ports:
- "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
volumes:
- ./data:/app/data
restart: unless-stopped Key Features
- Organize and stream personal media (movies, TV, music, photos)
- Cross-platform support for web, mobile, smart TVs, and gaming consoles
- Metadata scraping & subtitle management
- Live TV/DVR integration
- Plugin ecosystem for extended functionality
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Jellyfin hard to install?
Jellyfin is relatively easy to install using Docker (recommended for most users) which simplifies setup. Pre-built packages are also available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and NAS devices. Beginners can follow official documentation or community guides to get it running quickly.
? Is Jellyfin a good alternative to Plex?
Yes—Jellyfin is an excellent open-source alternative to Plex. It offers core features like media streaming and organization without Plex’s subscription-based restrictions (e.g., mobile sync, live TV in free tiers) and keeps your data local for better privacy. However, Plex may have more polished third-party app support in some cases.
? Is Jellyfin completely free?
Yes—Jellyfin is 100% free and open-source. There are no hidden fees, subscriptions, or premium tiers. All features (including live TV/DVR, plugin support, and cross-platform streaming) are available to everyone at no cost.
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Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Privacy-focused (no third-party tracking or data sharing)
- ⊕ No subscription fees or premium tier restrictions
- ⊕ Open-source & community-driven development
- ⊕ Cross-platform compatibility
Cons
- ⊖ Requires server setup (technical for beginners)
- ⊖ Metadata may need manual adjustments occasionally
- ⊖ Community plugin stability varies