PinePods

PinePods is an open-source, self-hosted podcast management system written in Rust. It functions as a central server that stores subscriptions, listening history, and settings in a private database, allowing users to sync their podcast data across multiple devices. By hosting the server on their own hardware, users maintain complete ownership of their listening data and library configurations.

The software is deployed as a server, typically via Docker Compose, and provides a built-in web interface for management and playback. To extend the experience beyond the browser, users can connect via native desktop applications for Linux, Windows, and macOS, mobile apps for Android and iOS, or a dedicated command line interface called Firewood. This architecture ensures that a queue or a specific episode position is preserved regardless of which client is used.

Key features

• Support for both audio and video podcasts with variable speed and transcripts
• Multi-user support with individual libraries, stats, and settings
• Search integration with Podcast Index, iTunes, and YouTube
• Built-in gpodder-compatible sync server for use with external apps
• Smart playlists, manual playlists, and local file-system podcast support
• Native mobile integration with CarPlay and Android Auto
• Authentication options including OIDC, SSO, and MFA/TOTP
• OPML import and export for migrating subscriptions
• Custom theme creator and support for 36 languages

The backend architecture supports PostgreSQL and MySQL or MariaDB for persistent data storage and utilizes Valkey for caching. It integrates with the PodPeople DB, a community database that allows users to follow specific podcast hosts across different shows even when feed metadata is missing. The system also supports push notifications via ntfy or webhooks to alert users of new episodes. It is designed for users who require a high degree of privacy and a unified experience across diverse operating systems and hardware, including ARM devices like Raspberry Pi.

PinePods is a comprehensive media server for individuals and households seeking a private, synchronized podcast environment.