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Open-Source DevOps · 5rahim

seanime

Seanime is an open-source media server for managing and streaming anime and manga libraries. It offers a web interface and desktop app with features like local file scanning, AniList integration, torrent downloading/streaming, and an extension marketplace for online sources.

Source: GitHub — github.com/5rahim/seanime
3.8k
GitHub stars
280
Forks
Go
Primary language
GPL-3.0
License (OSI-approved)

Key facts

Objective fields from the source. Values we can't verify are shown as “Unknown” rather than guessed.

FieldValue
Repository5rahim/seanime
Owner5rahim
Primary languageGo
LicenseGPL-3.0 — OSI-approved
Stars3.8k
Forks280
Open issues67
Latest releasev3.9.0 (2026-07-04)
Last updated2026-07-07
Sourcehttps://github.com/5rahim/seanime

What seanime is

Built in Go (backend) and React (frontend) with Electron desktop client, Seanime provides self-hosted anime/manga management with library scanning, transcoding/direct play streaming, torrent integration (qBittorrent, Transmission, Torbox, Real-Debrid), and extensible online source support via a plugin system.

Quickstart

Get the seanime source

Clone the repository and explore it locally.

terminalbash
git clone https://github.com/5rahim/seanime.gitcd seanime# follow the project's README for install & configuration

Need it deployed, integrated, or customized instead? DEV.co ships production installs.

Best use cases

Self-Hosted Personal Anime Library

Users with existing local anime/manga collections can use Seanime to organize, search, and stream across devices with AniList tracking, eliminating dependence on centralized services.

Torrent-Integrated Content Discovery & Acquisition

The built-in torrent search, direct torrent streaming (via Bittorrent, Torbox, Real-Debrid), and auto-downloader with custom filters provide a unified workflow for sourcing and managing content legally obtained by the user.

Cross-Platform Media Consumption

Desktop app with libmpv player, web interface, mobile intent support, and external player integration (MPV, VLC, MPC-HC) allow seamless playback across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices from a single self-hosted instance.

Implementation considerations

  • Self-hosted deployment requires Docker or native binary installation; no managed cloud offering. Consider infrastructure (RAM, storage, bandwidth for transcoding) and network access controls.
  • Extension marketplace enables third-party online sources and torrent providers. Evaluate security/availability of extensions independently; Seanime disclaims affiliation with third-party sources.
  • Torrent integration and streaming features assume user has legal rights to content and complies with local laws. Review terms of service for Real-Debrid, Torbox, and qBittorrent integrations.
  • Library scanning requires local file storage; NAS or object storage setup needed for larger collections. No built-in cloud sync or backup mechanism documented.
  • AniList integration is core feature; offline mode available but full functionality (tracking, discovery) requires internet connection and AniList API access.

When to avoid it — and what to weigh

  • Centralized Multi-User Enterprise Setup — Seanime is a one-person project with limited multi-user authentication or role-based access control documented. Not suitable for organizational deployments requiring granular permissions or SLA-backed support.
  • Non-Anime/Manga Media — Purpose-built for anime and manga only. If you need a general-purpose media server (movies, TV shows, music), consider Jellyfin, Plex, or Emby instead.
  • Requires Commercial Support or Warranty — GPL-3.0 licensed open-source project maintained by a single developer. No commercial SLA, guaranteed uptime, or paid support channel documented. Enterprises requiring support contracts should evaluate alternatives.
  • Strict Media Legality Compliance Enforcement — Seanime emphasizes user responsibility for legal content sourcing. If your organization requires built-in DRM, licensing verification, or audit trails for compliance, this is not suitable.

License & commercial use

Licensed under GPL-3.0 (GNU General Public License v3.0). This is a copyleft license requiring that any derivative works or distributions include source code and maintain the same license. Modifications and private use are permitted; commercial distribution requires compliance with copyleft obligations.

GPL-3.0 permits private/personal use without restriction. Commercial or enterprise deployment requires careful review: any modifications must be open-sourced under GPL-3.0, and bundling/resale may trigger copyleft obligations. No commercial support model, warranty, or indemnification provided. Organizations should consult legal counsel before commercial deployment and consider alternative licenses (permissive or proprietary) if copyleft compliance is not feasible.

DEV.co evaluation signals

Editorial assessment — not user reviews. Directional, with an explicit confidence level.

SignalAssessment
MaintenanceActive
DocumentationAdequate
License clarityClear
Deployment complexityModerate
DEV.co fitGood
Assessment confidenceHigh
Security considerations

Self-hosted deployment on private network recommended; no built-in authentication or encryption mentioned. External access requires reverse proxy setup (SSL/TLS responsibility of operator). Extension marketplace accepts third-party code; review extension sources and permissions. Torrent/streaming integrations depend on external services (Torbox, Real-Debrid); evaluate their security/privacy practices. No security audit, CVE tracking, or incident response process documented. User is responsible for protecting server and local content.

Alternatives to consider

Jellyfin

Open-source, GPL-licensed media server supporting general media (movies, TV, music). Better documentation, larger community, multi-user/library support. No built-in torrent integration; anime-focused features less mature.

Plex

Proprietary, managed media server with built-in cloud sync, better multi-user/sharing, and commercial support. Superior transcoding and mobile apps. Requires subscription for advanced features; not open-source.

Emby

Proprietary media server with strong multi-user support, plugins, and optional cloud integration. Better enterprise/commercial support model. Requires license; less anime-focused than Seanime.

Software development agency

Build on seanime with DEV.co software developers

For production deployments, licensing compliance, or custom development, our team can guide infrastructure setup, GPL-3.0 compliance review, and integration with your existing systems. Contact us to discuss your self-hosted media server needs.

Talk to DEV.co

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seanime FAQ

Can I use Seanime commercially or in an enterprise?
Requires careful review. GPL-3.0 permits use but any modifications must be open-sourced and redistributed under GPL-3.0. Commercial support/SLA not available. Consult legal counsel before enterprise deployment.
Does Seanime host or provide media content?
No. Seanime is a media server only. Users are responsible for obtaining media through legal means and complying with local laws. Extensions are third-party and unaffiliated with Seanime.
What happens if the maintainer stops development?
The project is open-source (GPL-3.0), so the codebase remains available for community forks. However, no successor or governance structure is documented. Long-term sustainability depends on community adoption.
Can Seanime work offline?
Partial offline support: you can access your local library without internet. Full features (AniList tracking, discovery, extensions) require internet and AniList API access.

Work with a software development agency

From first prototype to production, DEV.co delivers software development services around tools like seanime. Our software development agency staffs experienced software developers and web developers for custom software development, web development, integrations, and ongoing support across open-source devops and beyond.

Ready to Deploy Seanime or Evaluate Alternatives?

For production deployments, licensing compliance, or custom development, our team can guide infrastructure setup, GPL-3.0 compliance review, and integration with your existing systems. Contact us to discuss your self-hosted media server needs.