Setup a Private Streaming Server at Home for Movies, Music and More

This tutorial will show you how to setup your own Netflix/Spotify-style streaming service at home.

There are different ways to do it, but I'll show you what's working best right now.

If the apocalypse hits, wouldn't it be great to know that you have something to lift your spirits and pass the time?

Assuming you have solar, that is.

But seriously, let's get started…

Why Setup Your Own Server at Home?

Here's the bottom line…

Your favorite music and movies can be removed from subscription streaming services at any time.

On top of that, streaming services can publish remastered versions of your favorite songs and movies that may not be as good as the originals.

Ahem…can anyone say Star Wars?

To put it another way, you never have a choice if which version you want to watch or listen to.

You have to take what they give you.

That's no fun.

But when you setup your own server at home, you are in complete control of the content on your sever and you never have to pay a subscription fee.

So if this appeals to you, then here's how to get started…

How to Set It Up

Here's a great video that will show you how to set this up your media server device at home. Links to the resources are provided below.

I personally use Jellyfin for my media server software because it's free and is less likely to fall into the hypermonetization trap.

Jellyfin has apps for every major platform, so you can watch your movies and listen to your music on almost any device.

Plex is another popular server solution, but they are going to raise their prices significantly soon and I can see the day that they might do away with the free plan altogether.

For the server hardware, one of the most reliable solutions right now is the UGREEN DH4300. You can get it on Amazon, the reviews are solid and in my research it works very well.

I personally use an older NAS device because I've had it forever, but if it broke today, I would get a UGREEN.

To rip CDs and DVDs from the discs, first you'll need an external drive for your computer. I recommend getting this one on Amazon.

Now let's get into how to find content for your new server.

Where to Get Music

Luckily it's a lot easier to download legit music nowadays.

You can also get better than CD quality sound and I've been able to find 99% of the songs that I've been looking for.

This article will show you my favorite places to get digital downloads and CDs.

When you buy music through these sites, the artists get more of your money than on streaming sites.

One you find the songs you want, upload it to your server and have Jellyfin scan the folder. Your songs will now be available on your devices via the Jellyfin app.

Where to Get Movies

It's not as easy to legally buy and download movies, so the best solution is to rip them from DVDs you own.

I'm not a lawyer, so check with the rules in your area before doing so.

Luckily, DVDs are currently very inexpensive because there were so many of them made.

You can go to a thrift stores and pick them up for a few dollars. Great deals can also be found at garage sales and flea markets.

There are also good deals on eBay, but you have to pay for shipping. Consider buying large lots on eBay, they can be very cheap and allow you to build your collection quickly.

If you want new DVDs and Blu ray discs, then Amazon is usually your best bet.

Add Other Media to Your Server

But wait, there's more!

You can also add PDFs, home videos and photos to your server.

Use your media server to replace all of your “cloud” services. Remember, the cloud is simply someone else's computer.

Do you really want your personal stuff on some random person's computer?

I hope not.

Once you have your server up and running, you can now read your books, watch your videos and have all of your pictures in one place.

You can even share access with your family and friends.

Final Thoughts

It will take some time to go through this process and it may seem a little daunting. That's what stops most people from even starting.

But if you start slow and add content steadily, you'll probably be surprised at how fast you can build your library.

I've also found that the process is a lot of fun. I discover a lot of great music and movies by buying physical media.

You can keep your streaming services until you get your server to where you want it, then decide if you want to cancel.

If you're like me though, once you get your server running the choice should become clear. Paying every month for content that may disappear one day, or owning your media forever by paying once?

Seems like a no-brainer. But the world is getting weird and that may not be so obvious to a lot of people out there.

Have fun!