Installation
Cinephage supports two installation methods. Both provide the same features - choose the one that best fits your infrastructure and preferences.
Choose Your Installation Method
🐳 Docker
Recommended for most users
Simple containerized deployment with consistent environments and easy updates.
- One command to install
- Works on any platform with Docker
- Easy backup and migration
- Isolated dependencies
⚙️ Bare Metal
For maximum performance
Direct installation on Linux with no container overhead.
- Maximum performance
- Full system integration
- Direct file system access
- No Docker knowledge required
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Docker | Bare Metal |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Complexity | Simple | Moderate |
| Performance | Excellent | Maximum |
| Updates | One command | Requires rebuild |
| Backup | Copy volume directories | Copy data directory |
| Learning Curve | Docker basics | Linux/systemd basics |
| Best For | Most users | Performance-critical setups |
Prerequisites
Regardless of your chosen method, you will need:
- A server or computer to run Cinephage (see system requirements)
- A TMDB API key (free)
- Basic familiarity with command line
System Requirements
Minimum Requirements
- CPU: 2 cores (x86_64 or ARM64)
- RAM: 2GB
- Storage: 10GB for application + space for your media library
- OS: Linux (Docker) or Linux with systemd (Bare Metal)
Recommended Requirements
- CPU: 4+ cores
- RAM: 4GB+
- Storage: SSD recommended for database
- Network: Stable internet connection
Not Sure Which to Choose?
If you are new to self-hosting, start with Docker. It is easier to set up, maintain, and troubleshoot. You can always migrate to bare metal later if you need maximum performance.
Next Steps
After installing Cinephage using your chosen method, continue to the Initial Setup guide to configure your first library, download client, and indexers.
Getting Help
If you encounter issues during installation:
- Check the Troubleshooting Guide
- Review the Installation FAQ
- Join our GitHub Discussions