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Self-host PeerTube on a VPS

Federated video hosting you control.

A self-hosted alternative to YouTube that federates with other PeerTube instances, with live streaming, channels and no ads.

Why self-host PeerTube?

PeerTube lets you publish video on your own terms — no algorithm, no ads, no account suspensions — while still being discoverable through federation.

How to install PeerTube

  1. 1

    Provision a VPS

    Choose a plan with room for your data as well as the app.

  2. 2

    Install the stack

    Install Node.js + PostgreSQL + Redis + transcoding.

  3. 3

    Deploy the application

    Follow the project’s official install guide for your distribution.

  4. 4

    Enable HTTPS

    Serve it on your own domain behind a reverse proxy with a certificate.

  5. 5

    Back it up

    Schedule a database dump plus a copy of any uploaded files to an off-box location.

Practical tips

  • Give PeerTube its own database user with rights only on its own schema.
  • Reverse-proxy PeerTube and terminate TLS at the proxy so certificates are managed in one place.
  • Take a VPS snapshot before major upgrades so you can roll back cleanly.
  • Keep PeerTube patched — most self-hosting incidents are unpatched software.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM does PeerTube need?
Plan on 4–8 GB for typical use; add headroom if you expect many concurrent users.
What stack does PeerTube run on?
Node.js + PostgreSQL + Redis + transcoding.
Can I run other things on the same VPS?
Yes — size the plan so PeerTube plus your other workloads fit in RAM with room to spare.

Looking for something else? Popular alternatives include Owncast, MediaCMS, YouTube (hosted) — browse all app guides.