How to Install Audiobookshelf on Ubuntu 24.04
Audiobookshelf is a self-hosted audiobook and podcast server with a clean web interface and multiple playback options. Unlike cloud services, a native installation gives you full control over your media library while keeping your data private.
This guide walks you through installing Audiobookshelf natively on Ubuntu 24.04.
Step 1 – Update Your System
First, update the APT package index to ensure your system has the latest repository information:
sudo apt update
Step 2 – Install Required Packages
Audiobookshelf needs a few dependencies, including FFmpeg for audio processing:
sudo apt install -y gnupg curl ffmpeg
Step 3 – Add the Audiobookshelf Repository
Audiobookshelf provides its own PPA (Personal Package Archive). Add the GPG key and repository to your system.
Add the GPG key:
wget -O- https://advplyr.github.io/audiobookshelf-ppa/KEY.gpg | \
gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/adb-archive-keyring.gpgAdd the repository:
sudo curl -s -o /etc/apt/sources.list.d/audiobookshelf.list \
https://advplyr.github.io/audiobookshelf-ppa/audiobookshelf.list
Update repositories and install Docker:
sudo apt update
Step 4 – Install Audiobookshelf
With the repository added, install Audiobookshelf using:
sudo apt install -y audiobookshelf
This command downloads and installs the latest stable release along with its system service.
Step 5 – Configure Audiobookshelf
Create a configuration file to specify important paths and runtime settings such as the port and time zone.
Open the configuration file:
sudo nano /etc/default/audiobookshelf
Add the following content (adjust paths or settings as needed):
METADATA_PATH=/usr/share/audiobookshelf/metadata
CONFIG_PATH=/usr/share/audiobookshelf/config
FFMPEG_PATH=/usr/lib/audiobookshelf-ffmpeg/ffmpeg
FFPROBE_PATH=/usr/lib/audiobookshelf-ffmpeg/ffprobe
TONE_PATH=/usr/lib/audiobookshelf-ffmpeg/tone
PORT=13378
TZ=America/Toronto
Step 6 – Enable and Start the Service
Enable the Audiobookshelf service so it starts automatically and launch it now:
sudo systemctl enable --now audiobookshelf
Check the service status to confirm it’s running:
systemctl status audiobookshelf
Step 7 – Open the Firewall Port
If UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) is enabled, allow access to the Audiobookshelf web interface (port 13378 by default):
sudo ufw allow 13378/tcp
Step 8 – Access the Web Interface
Audiobookshelf should now be accessible from a web browser.
Replace <server-ip> with the IP address of your Ubuntu server:
http://<server-ip>:13378
Conclusion
You have successfully installed Audiobookshelf on Ubuntu 24.04.
You can now upload your audiobook or podcast library, customize your settings, and enjoy a private, self-hosted listening experience accessible from any browser or supported app.