How To Install Jellyfin on AlmaLinux 10

Setting up a powerful media server has never been more accessible than with Jellyfin on AlmaLinux 10. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of installing and configuring Jellyfin, transforming your AlmaLinux 10 server into a robust streaming platform that rivals commercial solutions like Plex or Emby. Whether you’re a system administrator managing enterprise infrastructure or a home enthusiast building your personal media center, this tutorial provides the expertise needed for a successful deployment.

Jellyfin stands out as the premier open-source media server solution, offering unlimited transcoding, multi-user support, and cross-platform compatibility without subscription fees or artificial limitations. AlmaLinux 10, with its enterprise-grade stability and Red Hat Enterprise Linux compatibility, provides the perfect foundation for hosting mission-critical media services. This article covers three installation methods: RPM packages for simplicity, Docker containers for flexibility, and manual installation for advanced customization.

Understanding Jellyfin and AlmaLinux 10 Compatibility

What Makes Jellyfin Special

Jellyfin represents the evolution of open-source media streaming technology. Unlike proprietary alternatives, Jellyfin offers complete control over your media library without vendor lock-in or monthly subscriptions. The platform supports hardware-accelerated transcoding, live TV integration, and extensive plugin ecosystems. Users benefit from robust security features, including SSL/TLS encryption, user access controls, and comprehensive audit logging capabilities.

The software excels at handling diverse media formats through FFmpeg integration, automatically converting files for optimal playback across devices. Advanced features include subtitle support, chapter navigation, parental controls, and synchronized viewing experiences across multiple clients.

AlmaLinux 10 Enterprise Foundation

AlmaLinux 10 delivers enterprise-class reliability through its community-driven development model and RHEL binary compatibility. The distribution provides long-term support cycles, ensuring media server deployments remain stable and secure for years. Security updates arrive promptly, maintaining protection against emerging threats without disrupting media services.

The operating system’s package management system simplifies dependency resolution and software updates. DNF package manager handles complex dependency chains efficiently, reducing installation conflicts and maintenance overhead.

Performance and Hardware Considerations

Modern media streaming demands substantial computational resources, particularly for real-time transcoding operations. AlmaLinux 10 optimizes system performance through advanced kernel scheduling, memory management, and I/O optimization. The platform supports hardware acceleration technologies including Intel Quick Sync Video, NVIDIA NVENC, and AMD VCE for efficient video processing.

Network infrastructure plays a crucial role in streaming performance. Gigabit Ethernet connections ensure smooth 4K content delivery, while proper Quality of Service (QoS) configuration prevents network congestion during peak usage periods. Storage considerations include using high-speed SSDs for transcoding cache and optimizing disk arrays for media library access patterns.

Prerequisites and System Requirements

Hardware Specifications

Successful Jellyfin deployment requires careful hardware planning. Minimum specifications include dual-core processors with 2GB RAM, though quad-core systems with 4GB+ memory deliver superior performance during concurrent streaming sessions. Storage requirements vary dramatically based on media library size and transcoding cache allocation.

Transcoding workloads benefit significantly from dedicated graphics hardware. Modern CPUs with integrated graphics provide adequate performance for moderate transcoding demands, while discrete GPUs handle multiple simultaneous streams efficiently. Network interface cards supporting gigabit speeds prevent bandwidth bottlenecks during high-bitrate streaming.

Temperature management becomes critical during intensive transcoding operations. Proper cooling systems prevent thermal throttling that degrades streaming performance. Server-grade hardware offers enhanced reliability for 24/7 media server operations.

Software Environment Setup

AlmaLinux 10 installations require administrative privileges for system configuration and package installation. Users must possess sudo access or root credentials to complete the installation process successfully. Internet connectivity enables package downloads and dependency resolution during setup procedures.

Command-line proficiency accelerates installation and troubleshooting processes. While graphical interfaces provide user-friendly alternatives, terminal-based administration offers greater flexibility and diagnostic capabilities. Basic Linux administration knowledge helps resolve configuration issues and optimize system performance.

Pre-Installation System Verification

Before beginning Jellyfin installation, verify system readiness through comprehensive checks. Confirm available disk space exceeds installation requirements plus anticipated media storage needs. Network connectivity testing ensures reliable internet access for package downloads and future streaming operations.

System resource monitoring identifies potential performance bottlenecks before they impact media streaming quality. Memory usage patterns, CPU utilization trends, and storage I/O characteristics provide baseline metrics for post-installation performance comparison.

Preparing AlmaLinux 10 for Jellyfin Installation

System Updates and Repository Configuration

Maintaining current system packages ensures optimal security and compatibility. Execute comprehensive system updates using DNF package manager to apply latest security patches and bug fixes. This process typically requires several minutes depending on system age and internet connection speed.

sudo dnf update -y
sudo dnf install epel-release -y
sudo dnf config-manager --set-enabled powertools

Repository configuration enables access to multimedia packages and development tools required for Jellyfin operation. EPEL (Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux) provides additional software packages not included in base AlmaLinux repositories. PowerTools repository contains development libraries and tools necessary for compilation and multimedia processing.

RPM Fusion repositories offer multimedia codecs and proprietary software packages that enhance Jellyfin’s transcoding capabilities. These packages include patent-encumbered codecs and hardware acceleration drivers essential for comprehensive media format support.

Essential Dependencies Installation

FFmpeg represents the cornerstone of Jellyfin’s media processing capabilities. This multimedia framework handles video/audio transcoding, format conversion, and stream processing operations. Installation requires careful attention to codec availability and hardware acceleration support.

sudo dnf install ffmpeg ffmpeg-devel -y
sudo dnf groupinstall "Development Tools" -y
sudo dnf install wget curl unzip -y

Development tools provide compilation environments for building custom software packages and troubleshooting compatibility issues. These utilities prove invaluable when resolving dependency conflicts or installing specialized media processing libraries.

Network utilities including wget and curl facilitate software downloads and API communications. These tools enable automated installations and remote configuration management essential for enterprise deployments.

User Account and Directory Structure

Security best practices mandate running Jellyfin under dedicated system accounts with minimal privileges. Creating specialized user accounts isolates media server processes from system administration functions, reducing security exposure and simplifying permission management.

sudo useradd --system --user-group jellyfin
sudo mkdir -p /var/lib/jellyfin
sudo mkdir -p /var/cache/jellyfin
sudo mkdir -p /var/log/jellyfin
sudo chown jellyfin:jellyfin /var/lib/jellyfin /var/cache/jellyfin /var/log/jellyfin

Directory structure organization facilitates system administration and backup procedures. Separating configuration data, cache files, and log information enables targeted maintenance operations and granular backup strategies. Proper ownership assignment ensures Jellyfin processes possess necessary file system access rights without excessive privileges.

Jellyfin Installation Methods

Method 1: RPM Package Installation (Recommended)

RPM package installation provides the most reliable and maintainable approach for production deployments. Official Jellyfin packages include dependency management, service configuration, and update mechanisms that simplify long-term maintenance operations.

Download the latest stable Jellyfin packages from official repositories. Version numbers change regularly, so verify current releases before proceeding with installation procedures.

VER=10.8.13
wget https://repo.jellyfin.org/releases/server/centos/stable/server/jellyfin-server-$VER-1.el7.x86_64.rpm
wget https://repo.jellyfin.org/releases/server/centos/stable/web/jellyfin-web-$VER-1.el7.noarch.rpm

Package installation proceeds through DNF package manager, which automatically resolves dependencies and configures system services. The server package contains core Jellyfin functionality, while the web package provides browser-based administration interfaces.

sudo dnf install -y ./jellyfin-server-*.rpm
sudo dnf install -y ./jellyfin-web-*.rpm

Service activation ensures Jellyfin starts automatically during system boot cycles. This configuration maintains media server availability during planned and unplanned system restarts.

sudo systemctl enable jellyfin
sudo systemctl start jellyfin
sudo systemctl status jellyfin

Method 2: Docker Container Deployment

Docker containerization offers deployment flexibility and isolation benefits for complex environments. Container-based installations simplify upgrades, rollbacks, and multi-instance deployments across development and production environments.

Install Docker engine through official AlmaLinux repositories. Container runtime configuration requires specific user permissions and service activation for proper operation.

sudo dnf install docker -y
sudo systemctl enable docker
sudo systemctl start docker
sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

Jellyfin container deployment utilizes official Docker images with persistent volume mapping for configuration and media storage. Container orchestration enables sophisticated deployment patterns including load balancing and high availability configurations.

sudo docker run -d \
  --name jellyfin \
  --user 1000:1000 \
  --net=host \
  --volume /path/to/config:/config \
  --volume /path/to/cache:/cache \
  --volume /path/to/media:/media:ro \
  --restart=unless-stopped \
  jellyfin/jellyfin:latest

Volume mapping connects container storage with host file systems, ensuring data persistence across container lifecycle operations. Read-only media mounts enhance security by preventing accidental content modification during streaming operations.

Method 3: Manual Installation Approach

Manual installation provides maximum customization flexibility for specialized deployment requirements. This approach suits environments requiring custom compilation options, specialized library versions, or integration with existing software ecosystems.

Download generic Linux builds from official Jellyfin distribution channels. These portable packages contain pre-compiled binaries suitable for various Linux distributions without package manager dependencies.

mkdir -p /opt/jellyfin
cd /opt/jellyfin
wget https://repo.jellyfin.org/releases/server/portable/stable/server/jellyfin_10.8.13.tar.gz
tar -xzf jellyfin_10.8.13.tar.gz

Service integration requires manual systemd unit file creation and configuration. Custom service definitions enable fine-tuned process management and resource allocation policies.

sudo tee /etc/systemd/system/jellyfin.service > /dev/null <

Post-Installation Configuration and Optimization

Service Management and Monitoring

Proper service management ensures reliable media server operation and facilitates troubleshooting during configuration issues. SystemD service management provides comprehensive process control and monitoring capabilities essential for production deployments.

sudo systemctl daemon-reload
sudo systemctl enable jellyfin
sudo systemctl restart jellyfin

Service status monitoring reveals operational health and identifies potential configuration problems before they impact user experience. Log file analysis provides detailed diagnostic information during troubleshooting procedures.

sudo systemctl status jellyfin
sudo journalctl -u jellyfin -f

Initial Web Interface Configuration

Web-based administration interfaces simplify initial configuration and ongoing management tasks. Access the Jellyfin interface through standard HTTP protocols on port 8096, though HTTPS configuration enhances security for remote access scenarios.

Determine server IP address through network interface inspection. Most AlmaLinux 10 installations use predictable network interface naming conventions that simplify address identification.

ip addr show

Navigate to the web interface using discovered IP addresses. Initial setup wizards guide administrators through essential configuration steps including administrator account creation, library setup, and security parameter configuration.

http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:8096

Administrative account creation establishes primary authentication credentials for media server management. Strong password policies and multi-factor authentication enhance security for internet-accessible deployments.

Advanced Configuration Options

Transcoding configuration optimizes media compatibility across diverse client devices. Hardware acceleration settings leverage available GPU resources for efficient video processing, reducing CPU utilization and improving concurrent stream capacity.

Network configuration determines accessibility patterns for local and remote users. Proper subnet configuration ensures optimal routing performance while maintaining security boundaries between internal and external access patterns.

User management systems control access permissions and content restrictions across multiple family members or organizational users. Parental controls and content filtering enable age-appropriate media access policies.

Plugin ecosystems extend Jellyfin functionality through community-developed additions. Popular plugins include metadata scrapers, notification systems, and integration tools for external services.

Security and Firewall Configuration

Firewall Rules and Network Security

AlmaLinux 10 utilizes firewalld for comprehensive network security management. Proper firewall configuration balances accessibility requirements with security considerations for media streaming services.

sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=8096/tcp
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=8920/tcp
sudo firewall-cmd --reload

Port verification confirms firewall rules activate correctly and permit necessary network traffic. These commands display currently configured firewall rules for validation purposes.

sudo firewall-cmd --list-ports
sudo ss -tlnp | grep jellyfin

SSL/TLS Certificate Implementation

HTTPS configuration protects authentication credentials and media streaming data during transmission. Self-signed certificates provide basic encryption for internal networks, while commercial certificates enable trusted external access.

Certificate generation utilities create cryptographic materials required for secure communications. Proper certificate management includes regular renewal procedures and secure private key storage practices.

sudo openssl req -x509 -nodes -days 365 -newkey rsa:2048 \
  -keyout /etc/jellyfin/jellyfin.key \
  -out /etc/jellyfin/jellyfin.crt

SELinux Policy Configuration

Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux) provides mandatory access controls that enhance system security beyond traditional permission systems. Proper SELinux configuration enables Jellyfin operation while maintaining security enforcement.

Context labeling ensures Jellyfin processes possess necessary file system access rights without compromising system security. These commands configure appropriate SELinux contexts for media directories and configuration files.

sudo setsebool -P httpd_can_network_connect 1
sudo semanage fcontext -a -t admin_home_t "/var/lib/jellyfin(/.*)?"
sudo restorecon -R /var/lib/jellyfin

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

Service Startup and Permission Problems

Service startup failures often indicate permission conflicts or missing dependencies. Systematic diagnostic procedures identify root causes and guide resolution strategies.

Permission verification ensures Jellyfin processes possess necessary file system access rights. Incorrect ownership or insufficient permissions prevent normal operation and generate diagnostic error messages.

sudo chown -R jellyfin:jellyfin /var/lib/jellyfin
sudo chmod -R 755 /var/lib/jellyfin
sudo systemctl restart jellyfin

Dependency analysis identifies missing libraries or incompatible package versions that prevent successful service activation. Package manager utilities provide detailed dependency information for troubleshooting purposes.

Media Access and Transcoding Issues

Media playback problems frequently result from codec incompatibilities or insufficient transcoding resources. FFmpeg configuration verification ensures proper multimedia processing capabilities.

ffmpeg -codecs | grep h264
ffmpeg -hwaccels

Hardware acceleration troubleshooting identifies GPU compatibility issues and driver configuration problems. These diagnostic procedures help optimize transcoding performance and resolve playback difficulties.

File permission verification ensures Jellyfin processes can access media libraries for scanning and streaming operations. Proper directory permissions enable recursive access to nested folder structures containing media files.

Network Connectivity Diagnostics

Network connectivity issues prevent client devices from accessing media content or administrative interfaces. Systematic network testing identifies configuration problems and guides resolution procedures.

Port binding verification confirms Jellyfin services listen on expected network interfaces and port numbers. This diagnostic information helps identify conflicts with other network services.

sudo netstat -tlnp | grep 8096
sudo lsof -i :8096

Routing table analysis ensures proper network path configuration for client connectivity. These commands display current routing configuration and identify potential network infrastructure problems.

Performance Optimization and Maintenance

Transcoding Performance Tuning

Transcoding optimization directly impacts streaming quality and concurrent user capacity. Proper configuration balances quality requirements with available system resources for optimal user experience.

Hardware acceleration configuration leverages available GPU resources for efficient video processing. Modern graphics hardware provides substantial performance improvements over CPU-based transcoding operations.

sudo usermod -a -G render jellyfin
sudo systemctl restart jellyfin

Cache configuration optimizes temporary file storage and reduces redundant processing operations. Proper cache sizing improves response times while managing disk space utilization effectively.

Database Maintenance Procedures

Regular database maintenance ensures optimal performance and prevents data corruption issues. These procedures include index optimization, cache clearing, and backup verification operations.

sudo systemctl stop jellyfin
sudo sqlite3 /var/lib/jellyfin/data/library.db "VACUUM;"
sudo systemctl start jellyfin

System Resource Monitoring

Continuous monitoring identifies performance trends and resource utilization patterns. Proactive monitoring enables capacity planning and prevents service degradation during peak usage periods.

Resource monitoring tools provide detailed insights into CPU utilization, memory consumption, and I/O performance characteristics. These metrics guide optimization decisions and infrastructure scaling requirements.

top -p $(pgrep jellyfin)
iotop -a

Updating and Long-term Maintenance

Automated Update Procedures

Regular updates maintain security and functionality improvements. Automated update procedures reduce administrative overhead while ensuring timely security patch application.

sudo dnf update jellyfin -y
sudo systemctl restart jellyfin

Backup and Recovery Strategies

Comprehensive backup procedures protect configuration data and metadata against hardware failures or data corruption events. Regular backup verification ensures recovery procedures function correctly when needed.

Configuration backup includes user accounts, library settings, and customization parameters. These backups enable rapid service restoration following system migrations or disaster recovery scenarios.

sudo tar -czf jellyfin-backup-$(date +%Y%m%d).tar.gz /var/lib/jellyfin

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Jellyfin. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Jellyfin software media system on the AlmaLinux OS 10 system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Jellyfin website.