Self-host Kodi on a VPS
A powerful open-source media centre for the big screen.
A home-theatre front end that plays local and network media with add-ons for everything. Usually run on a device at the TV, often fed by a server elsewhere.
Why self-host Kodi?
Kodi is fully open source and endlessly extensible; running it against your own media store keeps playback local and free of subscriptions.
How to install Kodi
- 1
Provision a VPS
Choose a plan with room for your data as well as the app.
- 2
Install the stack
Install Appliance use + remote media share (NFS/SMB).
- 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 Kodi its own database user with rights only on its own schema.
- Reverse-proxy Kodi 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 Kodi patched — most self-hosting incidents are unpatched software.
Frequently asked questions
- How much RAM does Kodi need?
- Plan on 1–2 GB for typical use; add headroom if you expect many concurrent users.
- What stack does Kodi run on?
- Appliance use + remote media share (NFS/SMB).
- Can I run other things on the same VPS?
- Yes — size the plan so Kodi plus your other workloads fit in RAM with room to spare.
Looking for something else? Popular alternatives include Jellyfin, Plex, Emby — browse all app guides.