How to use Plex to create your own private Netflix or Spotify

Build Your Own Streaming Service with Plex: A Step-by-Step Guide

We're accustomed to on-demand content at our fingertips, thanks to services like Netflix and Spotify. However, building a personal media library offers unique advantages: ownership and guaranteed access to your collection, free from subscription changes. Plex empowers you to create this library and stream it across your devices.

Plex is a free software suite (with optional paid upgrades) allowing you to build a media library on your Windows or Mac computer and stream it to other devices, regardless of location. A Plex Pass subscription ($6.99/month) unlocks features like remote streaming and offline downloads.

Setting Up Your Plex Server

While Plex offers free movies and shows with ads, and Live TV channels, creating a personalized library requires adding your own video and audio files. Remember to respect copyright laws when sourcing your content. Legal downloads and backups of purchased DVDs/Blu-rays for personal use are generally acceptable, but always check your local regulations.

Organize your media files into folders (e.g., by TV show or artist) on your Windows or macOS computer for optimal Plex performance. Plex uses metadata and online information to label and organize your content.

Download and install the Plex Media Server software (Windows or macOS), create a free Plex account (if needed), and access the web-based interface. Here, you'll create libraries (Movies, Music, etc.) and add your media folders using the "Browse For Media Folder" option. Adding large amounts of content might take time for complete organization. Manage your libraries (add folders, etc.) by clicking your profile picture (top right) and selecting "Libraries."

Connecting to Your Plex Library

Keep your media server computer on and the Plex Media Server app running for access to your library. Streaming quality depends on your internet connection and receiving device; a direct connection to your router for the server is recommended for optimal performance.

Plex offers official apps for various devices (Android, iOS, gaming consoles, streaming boxes – see the full list on their website). Sign into your Plex account on any device to connect to your media server. The intuitive and consistent interface across platforms allows access to both your personal library and Plex's free content.

On iOS, for example, access your libraries via the bottom "Libraries" button, switch libraries using the top drop-down menu, and use filters to refine your view. Browse by genre using the "Categories" option.

Plex includes familiar streaming features: watchlists, watched/unwatched status, and online database integration for detailed content information.

The above is the detailed content of How to use Plex to create your own private Netflix or Spotify. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!