Setting up a Jellyfin media server with Docker Compose

Jellyfin is a free, open-source media server you run on your own server. It lets you watch your own library (home videos, licensed content, your music collection) on phones, tablets, TVs and in the browser; no subscription and no tracking.

Note: host only content you legally own or have the right to share.

Requirements

• A server with Docker and Compose installed (see Installing Docker).
• Enough disk for your library: video grows fast; you can upgrade your plan or create a request for extra disk.
• Real-time transcoding is CPU-heavy: 4 vCPU or more is recommended; prefer direct play on clients where possible.

1. Prepare folders

mkdir -p ~/jellyfin/{config,cache} /srv/media/{movies,shows,music}
cd ~/jellyfin

2. The Compose file

Create compose.yaml:

services:
  jellyfin:
    image: jellyfin/jellyfin:latest
    container_name: jellyfin
    restart: unless-stopped
    ports:
      - "127.0.0.1:8096:8096"
    volumes:
      - ./config:/config
      - ./cache:/cache
      - /srv/media:/media:ro
    environment:
      - TZ=Europe/Istanbul

The port is bound to 127.0.0.1 only, so it isn’t exposed to the internet directly. The media folder is mounted :ro (read-only) so the application can’t change your library.

3. Start it and run the first-time setup

docker compose up -d
docker compose logs -f jellyfin

To try it locally at first, open an SSH tunnel: ssh -L 8096:127.0.0.1:8096 user@SERVER_IP, then browse to http://localhost:8096. In the wizard create the admin user, add libraries (such as /media/movies) and choose your language.

4. Publish it over HTTPS

For access from outside use a domain and a reverse proxy. With the steps in the Caddy guide you can point media.yourdomain.com at jellyfin:8096 and get a certificate automatically. First point the domain’s A record at the server IP (see DNS records).

5. Security and maintenance

• Use a strong admin password; delete accounts you don’t use.
• Keep sign-up and anonymous access off; create separate users for family and friends.
• To update: docker compose pull && docker compose up -d
• Back up the config folder (library and user settings) regularly; a backup of the media itself matters separately.

Performance tips

Start with Melinhost

Pick a cloud server with enough disk and cores for a media server; upgrade the plan as your needs grow.