This article provides a guide for how to install and run your own image and video sharing platform on Ubuntu VPS.
What is Chevereto?
Chevereto is a self-hosted image hosting script that allows users to create their own image-sharing website. It provides features similar to popular image hosting services like Imgur but with complete control over the platform.
Key Features of Chevereto:
- Self-Hosted: Users can install it on their own server, ensuring full control over data and customization.
- Multi-User Support: Allows multiple users to register and upload images.
- Drag & Drop Uploads: Easy image uploads with drag-and-drop functionality.
- Image Management: Organize images into albums, apply watermarks, and set privacy levels.
- External Storage Support: Can integrate with Amazon S3, Google Cloud, Backblaze, and other external storage providers.
- API & Integrations: Provides an API for developers to integrate image hosting into other applications.
- Custom Themes & Branding: Users can customize the look and feel to match their brand.
- Monetization: Supports advertising and membership models.
Use Cases:
- Personal image hosting
- Community-based image sharing
- Content delivery for blogs and forums
- Private or business image storage solutions
- It could complement your PixelFed instance by offering an independent, self-branded image hosting service.
This guide will walk you through the process of installing Chevereto on an Ubuntu VPS server. Follow these steps carefully to set up Chevereto successfully.
Prerequisites
Before starting the installation, ensure you have:
- An Ubuntu VPS (running Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or later)
- Root or sudo access to the servers
- A domain name pointed to your server’s IP address
- Basic knowledge of the command line
How to Install and Run Your Own Image and Video Sharing Platform on Ubuntu VPS
To install and run your own image and video sharing platform on Ubuntu VPS, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Update Your Server
First, update your package list and upgrade all your packages to the latest versions.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Reboot the VPS to make sure to apply any pending kernel updates:
systemctl reboot
Step 2: Install Prepare.sh
Chevereto requires a web server, a database server, and PHP. We will utilize the prepare.sh script to install the dependencies.
bash <(curl -s https://raw.githubusercontent.com/chevereto/vps/4.1/ubuntu/22.04/prepare.sh)
This message will be shown on success:
[OK] Stack ready for Chevereto!
Secure MariaDB
sudo mysql_secure_installation
You will be prompted to set the root password and make other security-related choices. Follow the prompts to secure your database server.
Step 3. Install Chevereto New.sh
- The scripts at
common/will work under any Unix-like system - Requires
curlandunzip
New
The new.sh (opens new window)script downloads Chevereto and configures Apache HTTP Web server, MySQL, CRON and FFmpeg. Its purpose is to prepare for Chevereto Installation (opens new window).
This is intended to brand new installations and it should run after prepare as it assumes that the system stack is ready.
bash <(curl -s https://raw.githubusercontent.com/chevereto/vps/4.1/common/new.sh)
Step 4: Secure Your Installation
To secure your Chevereto installation:
Install Certbot
sudo apt install certbot python3-certbot-apache -y
Obtain an SSL Certificate
sudo certbot --apache -d your_domain.com
Follow the prompts to obtain and install your SSL certificate. Certbot will automatically configure Apache to use the certificate.
Step 5: Set Up Automatic Renewal for SSL Certificate
sudo systemctl status certbot.timer
Certbot will handle the renewal process, ensuring your site remains secure.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now know how to install and run your own image and video sharing platform on Ubuntu VPS. You have successfully installed Chevereto on your Ubuntu VPS server. You can now start using your own image hosting service.
For further customization and configuration, refer to the Chevereto documentation.
