Media
Self-host Jellyfin (Docker) on a VPS
Containerised Jellyfin for easy updates.
Run Jellyfin as a container so upgrades and rollbacks are trivial and your media stays separate.
Why self-host Jellyfin (Docker)?
The container route keeps Jellyfin’s config isolated, making version changes and backups simple.
How to install Jellyfin (Docker)
- 1
Provision a VPS
Choose a plan with room for your data as well as the app.
- 2
Install the stack
Install Docker + media volume.
- 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 Jellyfin (Docker) its own database user with rights only on its own schema.
- Reverse-proxy Jellyfin (Docker) 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 Jellyfin (Docker) patched — most self-hosting incidents are unpatched software.
Frequently asked questions
- How much RAM does Jellyfin (Docker) need?
- Plan on 2–4 GB for typical use; add headroom if you expect many concurrent users.
- What stack does Jellyfin (Docker) run on?
- Docker + media volume.
- Can I run other things on the same VPS?
- Yes — size the plan so Jellyfin (Docker) plus your other workloads fit in RAM with room to spare.
Looking for something else? Popular alternatives include Plex, Emby, Jellyfin (native) — browse all app guides.