Install and Run Your Own Image and Video Sharing Platform on Ubuntu VPS

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:

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

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.

3. Install Chevereto New.sh

   • The scripts at common/ will work under any Unix-like system
   • Requires curl and unzip

   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)
   

4. Secure Your Installation

   To secure your Chevereto installation:

   1. Install Certbot

      sudo apt install certbot python3-certbot-apache -y

   2. 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.

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.