Docker Plex

Docker is an open-source platform that allows you to automate the deployment, scaling, and management of applications using containerization. Plex, on the other hand, is a popular media server that allows you to organize and stream your media collection. In this article, we will explore how to use Docker to set up a Plex media server.

What is Docker?

Docker is a platform that enables you to package your applications and all its dependencies into a standardized unit called a container. Containers are lightweight, isolated, and contain everything needed to run the application, including the code, runtime, system tools, and libraries. Docker allows you to run and manage these containers consistently across different environments, making it easy to deploy applications.

Setting up a Plex Media Server with Docker

To set up a Plex media server using Docker, you need to have Docker installed on your system. Docker provides a command-line interface (CLI) that allows you to interact with the Docker daemon and manage containers. Here are the steps to set up a Plex media server using Docker:

Step 1: Pull the Plex Docker Image

The first step is to pull the Plex docker image from the Docker Hub repository. Open your terminal and run the following command:

docker pull plexinc/pms-docker

This command will download the latest Plex docker image onto your system.

Step 2: Create a Docker Volume

Next, create a Docker volume to store the Plex media server data. A Docker volume is a persistent data storage mechanism that can be shared across multiple containers. Run the following command to create a Docker volume:

docker volume create plex-data

Step 3: Start the Plex Container

Now, it's time to start the Plex container using the downloaded image and the created volume. Run the following command:

docker run -d \
  --name plex \
  -p 32400:32400 \
  -v plex-data:/config \
  -v /path/to/media:/data \
  plexinc/pms-docker

This command starts a new Docker container named "plex" with port mapping from container port 32400 to the host port 32400. It also mounts the "plex-data" volume to the "/config" directory inside the container and the "/path/to/media" directory on the host machine to the "/data" directory inside the container. Replace "/path/to/media" with the actual path to your media files.

Step 4: Access the Plex Web Interface

Once the Plex container is running, you can access the Plex web interface by opening a web browser and navigating to "http://localhost:32400". Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Plex media server, create a Plex account, and add your media libraries.

Conclusion

Using Docker to set up a Plex media server provides several benefits, including easy deployment, scalability, and portability. With Docker, you can quickly create and manage Plex containers, ensuring consistency across different environments. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can have your Plex media server up and running in no time!

Hope you found this article helpful! If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Happy Plexing!