# **Self-Hosting Audiobooks with Audiobookshelf: A DRM-Free Streaming Solution**
In the current digital landscape, audiobooks have become essential for those who enjoy listening rather than reading. Nevertheless, several audiobook services, notably Amazon’s Audible, impose limitations that restrict how users can access and manage their purchased materials. If you find dealing with DRM (Digital Rights Management) limitations and unreliable streaming applications frustrating, creating your own audiobook collection with **Audiobookshelf** could be the ideal choice.
## **Reasons to Self-Host Audiobooks**
Self-hosting presents numerous benefits compared to depending on online services:
– **Complete Ownership**: You have full control over your audiobook files without the anxiety of platform restrictions or loss of access due to changes in subscriptions.
– **Absence of DRM Restrictions**: Numerous commercial audiobook providers encrypt their files with DRM, which restricts users from easily transferring them between devices.
– **Enhanced Streaming Experience**: In contrast to certain proprietary apps that may experience performance issues, self-hosted options enable smoother playback and greater customization.
## **Introducing Audiobookshelf**
[Audiobookshelf](https://www.audiobookshelf.org/) is an open-source, self-hosted server for audiobooks and podcasts that lets you stream your library to any device. It serves as a strong alternative to cloud services like Audible, ensuring constant access to your audiobooks whenever and wherever you need.
### **Notable Features of Audiobookshelf**
– **Self-hosted streaming**: Operate Audiobookshelf on your own server and stream audiobooks to any device.
– **Multi-user capability**: Share your library with family while maintaining individual listening progress.
– **Metadata management**: Automatically gather book details, including cover images and descriptions.
– **Cross-platform compatibility**: Functions on Windows, Linux, and macOS, alongside mobile applications for Android and iOS.
– **Offline listening**: Save audiobooks on your device for offline access.
## **Setting Up Audiobookshelf**
To begin with Audiobookshelf, you’ll require a computer or server to host it. The installation is simple and accommodates various methods:
### **1. Install Audiobookshelf**
You can set up Audiobookshelf using **Docker** or directly on **Windows** or **Linux**. The Docker installation is the most flexible and is recommended for the majority of users.
#### **Docker Installation**
1. Install Docker and Docker Compose on your machine.
2. Create a `docker-compose.yml` file containing the following code:
“`yaml
version: ‘3’
services:
audiobookshelf:
image: ghcr.io/advplyr/audiobookshelf:latest
container_name: audiobookshelf
ports:
– “13378:80”
volumes:
– /path/to/audiobooks:/audiobooks
– /path/to/config:/config
restart: unless-stopped
“`
3. Execute the following command to launch the container:
“`bash
docker-compose up -d
“`
#### **Windows Installation**
1. Obtain the latest Audiobookshelf version from the [official website](https://www.audiobookshelf.org/).
2. Execute the installer and follow the setup guidelines.
3. Open the application and set up your audiobook library.
#### **Linux Installation**
For Linux users, Audiobookshelf offers a `.deb` package which can be installed using:
“`bash
wget https://github.com/advplyr/audiobookshelf/releases/latest/download/audiobookshelf-linux-amd64.deb
sudo dpkg -i audiobookshelf-linux-amd64.deb
“`
## **Incorporating Your Audiobooks**
After installing Audiobookshelf, you will need to add your audiobook library.
### **1. Organizing Your Files**
To achieve the best outcome, arrange your audiobooks in an organized hierarchy:
“`
/Audiobooks
/Author Name
/Book Title
01 – Chapter 1.mp3
02 – Chapter 2.mp3
“`
### **2. Uploading Audiobooks**
You can upload audiobooks directly through the Audiobookshelf web interface or manually place them in the specified folder.
### **3. Metadata and Cover Art**
Audiobookshelf will automatically retrieve metadata and cover art for your titles. However, you have the option to edit the details manually if required.
## **Listening to Audiobooks**
Audiobookshelf offers various ways to enjoy your audiobooks:
– **Web Interface**: Stream directly via your browser.
– **Mobile Apps**: Use the [Android app](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.audiobookshelf.app) or the iOS beta through [TestFlight](https://testflight.apple.com/join/wiic7QIW).
– **Third-Party Players**: Applications like [Plappa](https://plappa.me/) provide additional playback options.
## **Managing DRM-Protected Audiobooks**
One significant obstacle with self-hosting
