> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/awesome-selfhosted/awesome-selfhosted/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Media Streaming - Multimedia
> Self-hosted multimedia streaming servers supporting both audio and video
# Media Streaming - Multimedia
[Multimedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multimedia) streaming tools and software that handle both audio and video content.
Related categories: [Media Streaming - Video](/categories/media-streaming-video), [Media Streaming - Audio](/categories/media-streaming-audio), [Media Management](/categories/media-management)
## Featured Multimedia Platforms
Free, open-source media server with apps for all platforms
Powerful media center for organizing your collection
Modern media browser with anime support
UPnP Media Server for home streaming
## All Multimedia Streaming Applications
### Complete Media Servers
**Jellyfin** - Media server for audio, video, books, comics, and photos with a sleek interface and robust transcoding capabilities. Clients available for all major platforms.
* [Demo](https://demo.jellyfin.org/stable) | [Source Code](https://github.com/jellyfin/jellyfin)
* License: `GPL-2.0`
* Platform: `C#/deb/Docker`
**Kodi** - Multimedia/Entertainment center, formerly known as XBMC. Runs on Android, BSD, Linux, macOS, iOS and Windows.
* [Source Code](https://github.com/xbmc/xbmc)
* License: `GPL-2.0`
* Platform: `C++/deb`
**Kyoo** - Innovative media browser designed for seamless streaming of anime, series and movies with dynamic transcoding and intelligent metadata.
* [Demo](https://kyoo.zoriya.dev) | [Source Code](https://github.com/zoriya/kyoo)
* License: `GPL-3.0`
* Platform: `Docker`
**Meelo** - Personal Music Server, designed for collectors and music maniacs.
* [Source Code](https://github.com/Arthi-chaud/Meelo)
* License: `GPL-3.0`
* Platform: `Docker`
### UPnP/DLNA Media Servers
**Gerbera** - UPnP Media Server for streaming throughout your home network to UPnP compatible devices.
* [Source Code](https://github.com/gerbera/gerbera)
* License: `GPL-2.0`
* Platform: `Docker/deb/C++`
**Rygel** - UPnP AV MediaServer that allows you to share audio, video, and pictures. Supports MediaRenderer control via UPnP.
* [Source Code](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/rygel/)
* License: `LGPL-2.1`
* Platform: `C`
### Lightweight Alternatives
**cmyflix** - Minimalist Plex/Jellyfin alternative to stream video.
* [Source Code](https://github.com/farfalleflickan/cmyflix)
* License: `AGPL-3.0`
* Platform: `C/deb`
### Streaming Infrastructure
**Icecast 2** - Streaming audio/video server for creating an Internet radio station or privately running jukebox.
* [Source Code](https://gitlab.xiph.org/xiph/icecast-server)
* License: `GPL-2.0`
* Platform: `C`
**MediaMTX** - Ready-to-use real-time media server and proxy for video/audio streams over SRT, WebRTC, RTSP, RTMP, HLS, MPEG-TS, RTP.
* [Source Code](https://github.com/bluenviron/mediamtx)
* License: `MIT`
* Platform: `Go/Docker`
**MistServer** - Public domain streaming media server supporting RTMP, HLS, and more.
* [Source Code](https://github.com/DDVTECH/mistserver)
* License: `Unlicense`
* Platform: `C++`
**µStreamer** - Lightweight and very quick server to stream MJPEG video from any V4L2 device to the net.
* [Source Code](https://github.com/pikvm/ustreamer)
* License: `GPL-3.0`
* Platform: `C/deb`
### Specialized Platforms
**ClipBucket** - Video sharing website (YouTube/Netflix Clone) in minutes.
* [Demo](https://demo.clipbucket.oxygenz.fr/) | [Source Code](https://github.com/MacWarrior/clipbucket-v5)
* License: `AAL`
* Platform: `Docker/PHP`
**Karaoke Eternal** - Host karaoke parties where everyone can queue songs from their phone. Browser-based player with MP3+G, MP4 support.
* [Source Code](https://github.com/bhj/KaraokeEternal)
* License: `ISC`
* Platform: `Docker/Nodejs`
**NymphCast** - Turn Linux hardware into an audio and video source for TV or speakers (Chromecast alternative).
* [Source Code](https://github.com/MayaPosch/NymphCast)
* License: `BSD-3-Clause`
* Platform: `C++`
**Stash** - Web-based library organizer and player for adult media with auto-tagging and metadata scraping.
* [Source Code](https://github.com/stashapp/stash)
* License: `AGPL-3.0`
* Platform: `Docker/Go`
**üWave** ⚠ - Self-hosted collaborative listening platform. Users take turns playing media from YouTube, SoundCloud, etc.
* [Demo](https://wlk.yt/) | [Source Code](https://github.com/u-wave)
* License: `MIT`
* Platform: `Nodejs`
## Jellyfin vs Plex vs Emby
**Pros:**
* Completely free and open source
* No phone-home or tracking
* Active development community
* No premium features locked behind paywall
**Cons:**
* Fewer third-party apps than Plex
* Some features still maturing
**Best For:** Privacy-conscious users, self-hosters who want full control
**Pros:**
* Most polished interface
* Extensive client support
* Easy sharing with friends
* Strong metadata fetching
**Cons:**
* Requires online account
* Some features require Plex Pass
* Not fully open source
**Best For:** Users wanting the easiest experience with best app support
**Note:** Not included in awesome-selfhosted due to proprietary elements
**Pros:**
* Good performance
* Strong plugin ecosystem
* Live TV support
**Cons:**
* Premium features locked behind Emby Premiere
* Not fully open source
**Best For:** Users who want middle ground between Plex and Jellyfin
**Note:** Not included in awesome-selfhosted due to proprietary elements
## Recommended Setup
* **Jellyfin**: Best all-around FOSS choice
* **Kodi**: For local playback and home theater
* **Gerbera**: For UPnP/DLNA networks
```
/media/
/movies/
/Movie Name (Year)/
Movie Name (Year).mkv
/tv/
/Show Name/
/Season 01/
Show Name - S01E01.mkv
/music/
/Artist/
/Album/
```
Enable hardware acceleration if available:
* Intel Quick Sync
* NVIDIA NVENC
* AMD AMF
* VA-API (Linux)
* **Jellyfin**: Apps for iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV, Android TV
* **Kodi**: Available on most platforms as standalone
* **Web**: All servers include web interfaces
## Protocol Support
### Streaming Protocols
* **HLS** (HTTP Live Streaming): Most compatible, supported by Jellyfin, Kyoo
* **RTMP**: Traditional streaming, supported by Icecast, MediaMTX
* **RTSP**: IP camera standard, supported by MediaMTX
* **WebRTC**: Low latency, supported by MediaMTX
* **UPnP/DLNA**: Home network standard, supported by Gerbera, Rygel
### Media Formats
Most servers support:
* **Video**: MP4, MKV, AVI, WebM, MOV
* **Audio**: MP3, FLAC, AAC, OGG, OPUS
* **Subtitles**: SRT, ASS, SSA, VTT
## Performance Tips
Enable GPU transcoding to reduce CPU load:
* **Jellyfin**: Configure in Dashboard > Playback
* **Requires**: Compatible GPU and drivers
* **Benefit**: 5-10x faster transcoding
**Direct Play**: Stream original file (fast, no CPU usage)
* Requires client support for codec
* Best quality, lowest server load
**Transcoding**: Convert on-the-fly (slower, high CPU)
* Needed for incompatible codecs
* Required for bandwidth limiting
* Use efficient codecs (H.265/HEVC for video)
* Consider SSD for server database
* Keep media on large HDD storage
* Enable automatic library scanning
## Network Configuration
**Remote Access Security**
When exposing your media server to the internet:
* Use HTTPS with valid certificates
* Implement strong authentication
* Consider using VPN instead of direct exposure
* Use reverse proxy (Nginx, Caddy) for additional security
* Enable fail2ban or similar brute-force protection
For family sharing, Jellyfin's user management with separate libraries per user is excellent. Each user can have their own watch history and preferences.