Yams Media Server May 2026
# View all running containers docker ps cd /yams docker compose restart plex Update all containers manually (if you disabled Watchtower) docker compose pull docker compose up -d See logs for Traefik (useful for SSL debugging) docker logs traefik -f Backup your entire config (run this weekly) tar -czf yams-backup-$(date +%F).tar.gz /yams Conclusion: The New Standard for Homelab Media Servers YAMS is not just another script; it's a reference architecture for how media servers should be built in the Docker era. By forcing best practices (hard links, VPN separation, automated SSL) and removing unnecessary decisions, it democratizes access to high-end media serving.
In 2024–2025, YAMS has become the recommended starting point for r/selfhosted and r/PleX users. It sits in the sweet spot between "too simple" (pre-built NAS apps) and "too complex" (DIY Kubernetes). yams media server
| Service | Purpose | |---------|---------| | | The media player & server frontend (can be swapped with Jellyfin if desired). | | Traefik | Reverse proxy + automatic SSL (Let's Encrypt). | | Radarr | Automated movie downloading & quality management. | | Sonarr | Automated TV show downloading & quality management. | | Prowlarr | Indexer manager (feeds all *arr apps with torrent/usenet indexers). | | Overseerr (or Jellyseerr) | Request system – allows users to request movies/shows that get auto-downloaded. | | qBittorrent (or Transmission) | Torrent client. | | SABnzbd | Usenet downloader. | | Jackett (optional) | Alternate indexer proxy. | | Watchtower | Auto-updates Docker containers. | | Gluetun | VPN kill-switch container (ensures downloads go through VPN). | # View all running containers docker ps cd
When you download a torrent, the file sits in your "downloads" folder. When Sonarr imports it to your "TV" folder, it normally copies it—doubling the disk space until the torrent seeds fully. It sits in the sweet spot between "too
All of these are pre-configured to talk to each other. No manual API key entry, no "add indexer to Sonarr" steps. One of YAMS's most valuable features is its forced use of hard links .