---
title: "Deploy remark42"
description: "Privacy-focused lightweight commenting engine"
category: "Other"
url: https://railway.com/deploy/remark42
---

# Deploy remark42

Privacy-focused lightweight commenting engine

**[Deploy remark42 on Railway](https://railway.com/template/remark42)**

- **Creator:** Şükrü
- **Category:** Other
- **Total deploys:** 15

## Template content

### remark42 https://remark42.com/favicon-32x32.png

- **Image:** ghcr.io/umputun/remark42:latest
- **Public domain:** Yes

## Documentation

# Deploy and Host Remark42 on Railway

Remark42 is a self-hosted, lightweight, and privacy-focused comment engine. It serves as a robust alternative to proprietary systems like Disqus, featuring social logins (Google, GitHub, Twitter, etc.), Markdown support, and moderation tools. It is designed to be easy to integrate into static websites and blogs without tracking user data.

## About Hosting Remark42

Hosting Remark42 on Railway requires running a Docker container and attaching a **Persistent Volume** to store the embedded database (BoltDB) and user avatars. Without a volume, all user comments and data will be lost upon service restart. Configuration is primarily handled via environment variables, including a crucial `SECRET` for security and an `ADMIN_PASSWD` for moderation access. The deployment automatically utilizes Railway’s public domain for the `REMARK_URL`, simplifying the initial setup.

## Common Use Cases

- **Static Blogs**: Easily add dynamic comment sections to static site generators like Hugo, Jekyll, or Gatsby.
- **Privacy-First Communities**: Replace tracking-heavy platforms like Disqus to ensure maximum user privacy and control over data.
- **Documentation Sites**: Implement feedback loops, allowing users to leave questions or comments directly on technical documentation pages.

## Dependencies for Remark42 Hosting

- **Persistent Volume**: Required to ensure comment data persistence (mapped to `/srv/var`).
- **SMTP Server** (Optional): Needed for user and administrator email notifications.

> ⚠️ **Note**
>
> Railway allows **SMTP outbound connections only on Pro plans**.  
> If you plan to use email notifications (SMTP), you must be on a Railway Pro account.
>
> You can find more details about this limitation at the link below:  
> https://station.railway.com/questions/smtp-65969dff#5mv2

### Deployment Dependencies

- [Remark42 GitHub Repository](https://github.com/umputun/remark42)
- [Remark42 Documentation](https://remark42.com/docs/getting-started/installation/)

### Implementation Details

Your template uses the following essential environment variables:
- `SECRET`: A long, random string used for JWT signing and security.
- `REMARK_URL`: Automatically set using Railway's public domain: `https://${{RAILWAY_PUBLIC_DOMAIN}}`.
- `ADMIN_PASSWD`: Required to log in to the administrator panel for moderation.

For advanced configuration, including setting up OAuth providers or customizing limits, you can adjust variables based on the **[Complete parameters list](https://remark42.com/docs/getting-started/installation/#complete-parameters-list)** found in the official documentation.

If you need assistance with further customization or run into any issues with this template, please reach out via the **template's discussion page**.

## Why Deploy Remark42 on Railway?

Railway is a singular platform to deploy your infrastructure stack. Railway will host your infrastructure so you don't have to deal with configuration, while allowing you to vertically and horizontally scale it.

By deploying Remark42 on Railway, you are one step closer to supporting a complete full-stack application with minimal burden. Host your servers, databases, AI agents, and more on Railway.

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Open this page in a browser: https://railway.com/deploy/remark42