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Audiobookshelf

Audiobookshelf is a self-hosted audiobook and podcast server.

Description

It allows you to organize and stream your audiobook and podcast collection. It features multi-user support, progress syncing across devices, and a robust web interface along with mobile apps.

When to use it

  • When you want a dedicated, high-quality experience for audiobooks that Plex or Jellyfin might not fully support (e.g., proper chapter support, narrator metadata).
  • When you want to host your own private podcast feeds.
  • When you need offline listening with a dedicated mobile application.

When not to use it

  • When you only have a few audiobooks and already use Plex or Jellyfin for everything else.
  • When you strictly use commercial services like Audible and don't own your audio files.

Getting started

Docker

To run Audiobookshelf using Docker:

docker run -d \
  --name audiobookshelf \
  --publish 1337:80 \
  -v /path/to/audiobooks:/audiobooks \
  -v /path/to/podcasts:/podcasts \
  -v /path/to/config:/config \
  -v /path/to/metadata:/metadata \
  --restart unless-stopped \
  ghcr.io/advplyr/audiobookshelf:latest

Access the web interface at http://localhost:1337.

API examples

Audiobookshelf provides a REST API for management and streaming:

# Get all libraries
curl -X GET "http://localhost:1337/api/libraries" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer <YOUR_TOKEN>"

Alternatives

Backlog

  • Integrate with Kavita for ebook/manga support.
  • Explore AI-based transcription for hosted podcasts.

Sources / References

Contribution Metadata

  • Confidence: high
  • Last reviewed: 2026-03-08