How to Add My Own Video Files to Plex
Integrating your personal video collection into the Plex media server is a great way to organize and access your movies, TV shows, and other video content from a single, centralized location. Whether you have a vast library of home movies or a collection of downloaded films, adding your own video files to Plex is a straightforward process. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to add your own video files to Plex, ensuring that your collection is easily accessible and beautifully organized.
First and foremost, you need to ensure that you have the Plex media server installed on your computer or NAS device. If you haven’t already, you can download and install the Plex server from the official Plex website. Once the server is up and running, follow these steps to add your video files:
1. Locate Your Video Files
Start by finding the location on your computer where your video files are stored. This could be a specific folder, an external hard drive, or a network-attached storage (NAS) device.
2. Open the Plex Media Server
Open the Plex Media Server application on your computer. If you’re using a NAS device, access the Plex server through a web browser by entering the device’s IP address.
3. Go to the Library
In the Plex Media Server interface, click on the “Library” tab. This is where you will manage and add your media files.
4. Select the Type of Media
Click on the “+” button located next to the “Add” option. From the dropdown menu, select the type of media you want to add, such as “Movies,” “TV Shows,” “Music,” or “Photos.”
5. Browse for Your Media Files
Click on “Add Library” and then “Add Folder.” Navigate to the folder containing your video files and select it. Plex will automatically scan the folder for supported video formats.
6. Configure Media Settings
Once the folder is added, you may need to configure some settings to ensure that your videos are correctly recognized and displayed. Click on the “Edit” button next to the library and adjust the settings as needed, such as setting the correct video resolution, aspect ratio, and audio track.
7. Wait for Scanning to Complete
Plex will now scan your video files and add them to the library. This process may take some time, depending on the size and number of files you’re adding.
8. Access Your Media on Plex
After the scanning process is complete, you can access your personal video collection through the Plex app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Simply sign in to your Plex account and browse your library to enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows.
By following these steps, you can easily add your own video files to Plex and enjoy a seamless and organized media experience. With Plex, you can also stream your content to various devices, share your library with friends and family, and even sync your media across multiple devices for on-the-go access. Happy streaming!
