How to Self-Host Jellyfin on DigitalOcean (2026 Guide)

Jellyfin is an open-source media server software that allows you to organize, manage, and stream your media collection. In this guide, we’ll walk you through installing Jellyfin on a DigitalOcean VPS, providing you with a functional and cost-effective solution for your media streaming needs.

Prerequisites

Before you start, ensure you have:

1. A DigitalOcean account. If you don’t have one, sign up and get a VPS.
2. Basic knowledge of SSH and terminal commands.

Choosing a DigitalOcean Droplet

DigitalOcean offers various Droplet configurations. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

For Jellyfin, a Droplet with at least 1 GB of RAM is recommended.

Step 1: Create a DigitalOcean Droplet

1. Log into your DigitalOcean account.
2. Click on the “Create” button and select “Droplets.”
3. Choose an operating system (Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is recommended).
4. Under “Choose a plan,” select the lowest tier (1 vCPU, 1 GB RAM) for 6 USD/month.
5. Complete the creation process.

Step 2: Access Your Droplet

Once your Droplet is running, access it via SSH:

ssh root@your_droplet_ip

Replace your_droplet_ip with the IP address of your Droplet.

Step 3: Update Your System

Once logged in, it is important to update your package index:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 4: Install Jellyfin

1. Install Required Dependencies

   sudo apt install apt-transport-https software-properties-common -y

2. Add the Jellyfin Repository

   wget -qO - https://repo.jellyfin.org/keys/jellyfin.commons.gpg | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/jellyfin.gpg
   echo "deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/jellyfin.gpg] https://repo.jellyfin.org/ubuntu focal main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/jellyfin.list

3. Install Jellyfin

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install jellyfin -y

Step 5: Start and Enable the Jellyfin Service

You need to start the Jellyfin server and ensure it runs on boot:

sudo systemctl start jellyfin
sudo systemctl enable jellyfin

Step 6: Configure Your Firewall

Use UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) to allow access to Jellyfin:

sudo ufw allow 8096

Check if UFW is active:

sudo ufw status

Step 7: Access Jellyfin

Open your web browser and go to:

http://your_droplet_ip:8096

Follow the setup wizard to configure your media library.

Step 8: Adding Media

1. During the initial setup, choose the folders where your media files are stored.
2. You can later add more libraries from the Jellyfin dashboard.

Maintenance and Security

Regularly check for updates to keep your Jellyfin server secured. You can update Jellyfin with:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

FAQs

1. Can I use Jellyfin for live TV?

Yes, Jellyfin supports live TV if you connect it with a compatible TV tuner or service. Users can set up tuners via the Jellyfin dashboard and enjoy live programming along with their media library.

2. What are the hardware requirements for Jellyfin?

For a basic setup, a VPS with at least 1 vCPU and 1 GB of RAM is sufficient for playing back media. However, if you’re transcoding multiple streams or using advanced features, consider upgrading your VPS with more resources, such as 2 vCPUs and 4 GB of RAM.

3. How does Jellyfin compare to other media servers like Plex?

Jellyfin is completely free and open-source, unlike Plex which limits features in its free version and requires a subscription for premium features. Jellyfin allows more customization and control over your data, making it a preferred choice for self-hosting enthusiasts and developers.

For a full VPS comparison and to choose the best option for your project, visit our full VPS comparison.

Conclusion

Self-hosting Jellyfin on DigitalOcean is a straightforward and rewarding project for media enthusiasts. As you venture into the self-hosted realm, consider expanding your setup with other open-source applications that complement your media server, making the most of your DigitalOcean Droplet. Happy streaming!