Jellyfin Server Media Image

Deploy and Host Jellyfin with one click on Railway

Jellyfin is a free, open-source media server that lets you organize, manage, and stream your movies, TV shows, music, and photos across all your devices. It’s often called the “self-hosted alternative to Plex or Emby” because it gives you complete control over your media library without subscriptions, tracking, or paywalls. You can install Jellyfin on Docker in minutes and enjoy your own personal streaming service.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to host Jellyfin Docker on Railway, understand its configuration, and make the most of its powerful features. By the end, you’ll be able to stream your favorite content from any device, including Apple TV, smart TVs, phones, and browsers.

About Hosting Jellyfin on Railway (Self Hosting Jellyfin with Docker)

Jellybin works best when run as a Docker container. With Docker, you don’t have to worry about operating system dependencies or complex setup steps, it just works. You can use Docker Compose for multi-container setups, or deploy a single container for simplicity.

Hosting Jellyfin on Railway makes self-hosting even easier. Railway provides:

Persistent storage for your media files.
Automated scaling and monitoring.
A public domain to access your Jellyfin server anywhere.
Managed databases and networking if needed for plugins.

With one click, you can deploy a Jellyfin server and start streaming your personal Netflix right from Railway.

Why Deploy Managed Jellyfin on Railway

Most people who try to self-host Jellyfin on their laptops or VPS quickly realize it’s tedious: manual Docker Compose setup, ports, storage paths, updates, and uptime monitoring. Railway solves these issues by offering automation, scaling, and easy deployments.

Railway vs DigitalOcean

DigitalOcean requires setting up droplets, SSH access, manual Docker Compose, and keeping your system patched. Railway abstracts this into a click-to-deploy template.

Railway vs Linode

Linode gives you servers, but you manage everything. With Railway, Jellyfin Docker containers are pre-configured for simplicity.

Railway vs Vultr

Vultr is affordable, but setup is still manual. Railway provides persistent volumes and streamlined scaling.

Railway vs AWS Lightsail

AWS adds networking complexity and IAM headaches. Railway skips the AWS jargon and focuses on simplicity.

Railway vs Hetzner

Hetzner is great for bare-metal power users, but managing Jellyfin there requires Linux expertise. Railway combines ease-of-use with affordability.

Jellyfin Docker compose

Common Use Cases of Jellyfin

Home Media Streaming: Centralize movies, TV shows, and music.
Family Media Server: Share your library with family members.
Plex Alternative: Avoid subscriptions and restrictions.
Apple TV and Smart TVs: Use the Jellyfin app for streaming.
Subtitles & Metadata: Auto-fetch posters, subtitles, and details.

Dependencies for Hosting Jellyfin on Railway

Jellyfin runs best with Docker. It also requires persistent storage for storing media.

Deployment Dependencies

Docker: For running Jellyfin containers.
Persistent Storage: To save your media and metadata.
Jellyfin Default Port: By default, Jellyfin runs on port 8096.
Jellyfin Networking Guide: Railway handles public domains and HTTPS for you.

Example Docker Compose for Jellyfin

docker-compose.yml

version: "3.8"
services:
  jellyfin:
    image: jellyfin/jellyfin:latest
    container_name: jellyfin
    restart: unless-stopped
    ports:
      - "8096:8096" # Jellyfin default port
    volumes:
      - ./config:/config
      - ./cache:/cache
      - ./media:/media
    environment:
      - JELLYFIN_PublishedServerUrl=https://yourdomain.railway.app

Start with:

docker-compose up -d

How to Host Jellyfin on Railway

Click Deploy Now: Use the Railway template for Jellyfin Docker.
Set Environment Variables: Configure paths, storage, and domain.
Wait for Deployment: Railway handles container creation.
Access Jellyfin Login: Visit your Railway public domain.
Login with Jellyfin Admin: Set up your first user and media library.

Alternatives to Jellyfin

Jellyfin vs Plex

Plex is polished but requires subscriptions for advanced features. Jellyfin is fully free and open source.

Jellyfin vs Emby

Emby started free but now locks features behind a paywall. Jellyfin forked from Emby’s last free version and continues development.

Jellyfin vs Kodi

Kodi is more of a media player than a media server. Jellyfin is built for streaming across networks.

Jellyfin vs Stremio

Stremio is focused on online streaming add-ons, while Jellyfin organizes your personal media.

Jellyfin vs Serviio/Universal Media Server

These are older DLNA-based tools. Jellyfin is modern, web-based, and has apps for all platforms.

Jellyfin vs Infuse

Infuse is a premium iOS/Apple TV app that can connect to Jellyfin, Plex, or Emby. Infuse is not a full server solution but a beautiful media player. Jellyfin gives you the server backbone.

Jellyfin vs Mezzmo

Mezzmo is a Windows-based DLNA server, but it lacks modern apps. Jellyfin offers a better cross-platform ecosystem.

Jellyfin vs Streama

Streama is a self-hosted Netflix clone but is less feature-rich and less active. Jellyfin has stronger community development.

Jellyfin vs Immich (for Photos & Videos)

Immich is a newer self-hosted media platform focused on photos and mobile syncing. Jellyfin is stronger for movies, TV shows, and streaming to devices.

Features of Jellyfin

Open Source: 100% free.
Cross-Platform Apps: Android, iOS, Apple TV, Roku.
Metadata Fetching: Posters, cast info, and descriptions.
Jellyfin Plugins: Extend functionality (e.g., music, themes, TV guides).
Subtitles: Support for automatic fetching and custom uploads.
Multi-user Support: Create user profiles and parental controls.
Live TV & DVR: Connect IPTV or tuners for live content.

Pricing of Jellyfin

Jellyfin itself is free forever. The only cost is hosting. On Railway, expect about $5 per month for storage and containers, depending on your media library size.

FAQs about Jellyfin

What is Jellyfin?

Jellyfin is an open-source media server to self-host movies, shows, and music.

How do I install Jellyfin with Docker?

Use the jellyfin/jellyfin Docker image and expose port 8096.

What port does Jellyfin use?

The Jellyfin default port is 8096.

Where can I download Jellyfin?

Visit the Jellyfin GitHub or use Docker.

Does Jellyfin have an app?

Yes, the Jellyfin app is available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, and more.

Can Jellyfin fetch subtitles?

Yes, Jellyfin supports automatic subtitle fetching and manual uploads.

How do I login to Jellyfin?

After setup, access your server’s domain, create an admin account, then login.

Can I use Jellyfin with Apple TV?

Yes, there’s an official Jellyfin Apple TV app.

Does Jellyfin support plugins?

Yes, you can add Jellyfin plugins for extra features.

Is Jellyfin better than Plex?

If you want full control, no subscriptions, and privacy, Jellyfin is better.

How do I setup networking for Jellyfin?

Follow the Jellyfin networking guide or use Railway’s built-in public domains.

How much does it cost to self host Jellyfin?

Jellyfin is free, hosting on Railway costs about $5/month.

Can Jellyfin be used for music?

Yes, Jellyfin supports music libraries and metadata.

Can I self host Jellyfin with Docker Compose?

Yes, Jellyfin provides Docker Compose examples for multi-volume setups.

Does Jellyfin support hardware acceleration?

Yes, with proper configuration, Jellyfin supports GPU hardware acceleration (Intel QuickSync, NVIDIA NVENC, AMD VCE) to transcode video faster.

Can I share my Jellyfin server with friends?

Yes, you can create multiple user accounts and give friends access to your media.

Does Jellyfin support live TV?

Yes, with plugins, you can connect Jellyfin to TV tuners and IPTV sources.

Can Jellyfin integrate with third-party apps?

Yes, Jellyfin has an active API and can integrate with tools like Infuse, Kodi, and even smart home setups.

How secure is Jellyfin?

Jellyfin is as secure as your hosting setup. On Railway, you get HTTPS out of the box, making it safe for external access.

Can I migrate from Plex or Emby to Jellyfin?

Yes, Jellyfin can import libraries and metadata from Plex/Emby for a smooth transition.

Does Jellyfin have mobile sync?

Yes, Jellyfin apps allow offline downloads for supported devices.

Can I run Jellyfin alongside Nextcloud?

Yes, many users combine Jellyfin with Nextcloud for a full self-hosted cloud + media solution.

Does Jellyfin require a database?

No, Jellyfin stores metadata in its own SQLite database by default.

Conclusion

Jellybin gives you the power of a personal Netflix without subscriptions or restrictions. By using host Jellyfin Docker on Railway, you get the perfect balance of privacy, control, and convenience. With one click, you can deploy your own Jellyfin server.

Deploy Jellyfin Now