Analytics
Self-host GoatCounter on a VPS
A tiny, no-nonsense web counter.
Lightweight, cookie-less analytics that focuses on the few numbers most sites actually use.
Why self-host GoatCounter?
GoatCounter runs in megabytes, making it perfect for blogs and small sites that want simple stats.
How to install GoatCounter
- 1
Provision a VPS
Choose a plan with room for your data as well as the app.
- 2
Install the stack
Install Single Go binary + SQLite/Postgres.
- 3
Deploy the application
Follow the project’s official install guide for your distribution.
- 4
Enable HTTPS
Serve it on your own domain behind a reverse proxy with a certificate.
- 5
Back it up
Schedule a database dump plus a copy of any uploaded files to an off-box location.
Practical tips
- Give GoatCounter its own database user with rights only on its own schema.
- Reverse-proxy GoatCounter 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 GoatCounter patched — most self-hosting incidents are unpatched software.
Frequently asked questions
- How much RAM does GoatCounter need?
- Plan on 128 MB–256 MB for typical use; add headroom if you expect many concurrent users.
- What stack does GoatCounter run on?
- Single Go binary + SQLite/Postgres.
- Can I run other things on the same VPS?
- Yes — size the plan so GoatCounter plus your other workloads fit in RAM with room to spare.
Looking for something else? Popular alternatives include Umami, Plausible, Matomo — browse all app guides.