Introduction to Immich

Immich is a high-performance, self-hosted photo and video management solution designed as a powerful alternative to Google Photos, iCloud Photos, and other cloud photo storage services. Built with a focus on privacy, performance, and user control, Immich enables you to easily back up, organize, and manage your entire media library on your own server without sacrificing convenience or functionality.

With 93,000+ GitHub stars, 5,000+ forks, and 1,800+ contributors, Immich has rapidly become one of the most popular open-source photo management solutions in the world. The platform offers mobile apps for both Android and iOS, web access, and a robust API—all designed to work seamlessly with your self-hosted instance.

Key Features

• Automatic Photo & Video Backup: Seamless background backup from mobile devices
• Smart Search: Search by people, location, objects, and metadata
• AI-Powered Organization: Facial recognition and object detection for automatic tagging
• Map View: Visual timeline of photos with geographic locations
• Shared Albums: Share photos with friends and family via secure links
• Live Photos & Videos: Full support for iOS Live Photos and video transcoding
• Timeline View: Beautiful chronological browsing of your media
• Multi-Platform Access: Web, Android, iOS, and desktop clients
• Offline Capable: View and manage media even without internet connection
• Privacy-First Design: All data stays on your own servers

Why Self-Host Immich?

Privacy and Data Control

When you use cloud services like Google Photos or iCloud, you're essentially handing over your personal memories to third-party corporations. These services may:

• Scan your photos for advertising purposes
• Use your data to train AI models
• Share content with law enforcement without explicit consent
• Change privacy policies unilaterally
• Potentially lose or lock your data

Self-hosting Immich gives you complete control over your photos. You decide:

• Who has access to your media
• How your data is stored and secured
• Whether AI features are enabled
• What happens to your data at all times

Cost Savings Over Time

Consider the long-term costs of cloud photo services:

Service	Storage Plan	Annual Cost	5-Year Cost
Google Photos (200GB)	$2.99/mo	$35.88	$179.40
Google Photos (2TB)	$9.99/mo	$119.88	$599.40
iCloud (200GB)	$2.99/mo	$35.88	$179.40
iCloud (2TB)	$9.99/mo	$119.88	$599.40
Immich on netcup VPS	€7.56/mo	€90.72	€453.60

With netcup's affordable pricing, a self-hosted Immich instance can actually save you money compared to premium cloud storage tiers—while giving you unlimited control and no monthly storage limits.

No Vendor Lock-in

Cloud services make it intentionally difficult to migrate your data out. With Immich:

• Your data is yours: Export anytime in standard formats
• Open source: No proprietary lock-in, full code transparency
• Portable database: Use PostgreSQL, easily migrate or backup
• Standard storage: Files stored in regular directories, no special formats

System Requirements

Immich has specific hardware and software requirements to ensure smooth operation, especially during media processing.

Hardware Requirements

Resource	Minimum	Recommended	Notes
RAM	6GB	8GB	4GB possible with ML disabled
CPU	2 cores	4 cores	More cores = faster media processing
Storage	100GB+	500GB+	NVMe SSD recommended
Disk Type	SSD	NVMe SSD	HDD not recommended

Storage Considerations

Important: The generation of thumbnails and transcoded videos can increase your photo library size by 10-20% on average. When planning storage:

• For 100GB of original photos/videos: Plan for 110-120GB total
• For 500GB of original photos/videos: Plan for 550-600GB total
• For 1TB of original photos/videos: Plan for 1.1-1.2TB total

Database Storage: The PostgreSQL database should ideally use local SSD storage (never network shares) for optimal performance. Database files are typically 1-3GB in size.

Software Requirements

• Operating System: Linux or *nix (Ubuntu, Debian recommended)
• Container Runtime: Docker with Docker Compose plugin
• Docker Command: docker compose (not deprecated docker-compose)
• Filesystem: EXT4, ZFS, APFS, BTRFS, or XFS (Unix-compatible with permissions support)

⚠️ Note: Non-Linux OSes (Windows, macOS) provide poor Docker performance and are strongly discouraged. Windows users should use WSL 2 or Docker Desktop at their own risk.

Performance Considerations

• PostgreSQL Database: Critical to smooth experience; requires good disk I/O and stable connection
• Machine Learning: Facial recognition and object detection require additional resources
• Media Processing: Video transcoding is CPU-intensive
• Concurrent Uploads: Multiple users uploading simultaneously benefits from more CPU cores

Storage Recommendations by Library Size

Based on average photo/video sizes, here's guidance for different use cases:

Small Library (1-5,000 photos)

• Originals: 50-100GB
• With Thumbnails: 55-120GB
• Server Choice: VPS 1000 (256GB NVMe)
• Annual Cost: €90.72

Medium Library (5-20,000 photos)

• Originals: 250GB-1TB
• With Thumbnails: 275GB-1.2TB
• Server Choice: VPS 2000 (512GB NVMe) or RS 2000 (512GB NVMe)
• Annual Cost: €151.32 - €174.96

Large Library (20-100,000+ photos)

• Originals: 1TB-5TB+
• With Thumbnails: 1.1TB-6TB+
• Server Choice: VPS 4000 (1TB NVMe) + additional storage or RS 4000 (2TB NVMe)
• Annual Cost: €272.04 - €324.96

Note: For very large libraries, consider netcup's Root Servers (RS series) with more storage capacity, or use external storage attached to VPS.

Recommended netcup Server Offers

netcup offers several server configurations well-suited for hosting Immich. Below are the best options with exclusive coupon codes.

Option 1: VPS 1000 G12 - Best for Small Libraries

Perfect for: Personal use, small to medium photo libraries (1-10,000 photos)

Specifications:

• vCPU: 4 cores
• RAM: 8GB (meets Immich's recommended requirement)
• Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD
• Monthly Price: €7.56 (excl. VAT)

Coupon Codes (1 Month Free): 5799nc17718015263 5799nc17718015262 5799nc17718015261

Why This Server:

• 8GB RAM is perfect for Immich's recommended requirements
• 4 vCPU cores handle media processing well
• 256GB NVMe storage accommodates ~10,000-15,000 photos with thumbnails
• Affordable monthly cost makes it cheaper than Google Photos 200GB plan
• First month free gives you time to set up and test

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Option 2: VPS 2000 G12 - Best for Medium Libraries

Perfect for: Families, medium libraries (10-50,000 photos)

Specifications:

• vCPU: 8 cores
• RAM: 16GB (excellent for concurrent users and ML)
• Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
• Monthly Price: €12.61 (excl. VAT)

Coupon Codes (1 Month Free): 5800nc17718015232 5800nc17718015231 5800nc17718015230

Why This Server:

• 16GB RAM allows for heavy ML processing and multiple concurrent users
• 8 vCPU cores significantly speed up video transcoding
• 512GB NVMe storage supports ~50,000-60,000 photos with thumbnails
• Handles multiple family members uploading simultaneously
• First month free offsets initial setup time

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Option 3: RS 2000 G12 Root Server - Best Performance/Storage Balance

Perfect for: Power users, large libraries (50,000+ photos), need dedicated resources

Specifications:

• CPU: 8 dedicated cores (better than VPS vCPU)
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
• Monthly Price: €14.58 (excl. VAT)

Coupon Codes (2 Months Free!): 5160nc17718015411 5160nc17718015410 5160nc17718015415

Why This Server:

• Dedicated CPU cores provide consistent performance (no noisy neighbor issues)
• 16GB RAM with dedicated cores handles everything smoothly
• 2 months free = €29.16 savings on annual cost
• Better I/O performance than VPS for database operations
• Ideal for families with multiple heavy users

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Option 4: VPS 4000 G12 - Best for Large Libraries & AI Features

Perfect for: Professional photographers, very large libraries (100,000+ photos), extensive ML use

Specifications:

• vCPU: 12 cores
• RAM: 32GB
• Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
• Monthly Price: €22.67 (excl. VAT)

Coupon Codes (1 Month Free): 5801nc17718015214 5801nc17718015213 5801nc17718015212

Why This Server:

• 32GB RAM enables aggressive AI/ML features without impact
• 12 vCPU cores make video transcoding extremely fast
• 1TB NVMe storage supports ~100,000-150,000 photos with thumbnails
• Excellent for multiple concurrent users with large uploads
• First month free for setup and testing

General Discount Coupons

Use any of these codes for €5-€6 off ANY netcup order (works with all server types):

36nc17718015541 36nc17718015540 36nc17718015549

Valid for new customers (no domains included).

Step-by-Step Benefits of Self-Hosting Immich

Step 1: Complete Privacy Control

When you self-host Immich on a netcup server:

• Your photos never leave your control - stored on your server in Germany (GDPR compliant)
• No data mining - no AI training on your personal photos without consent
• No targeted advertising - your memories aren't monetized
• Your encryption - implement your own TLS/SSL certificates
• Your backup strategy - set your own backup policies and schedules

Step 2: Cost Predictability

• Fixed monthly cost - no surprise price increases
• No storage tier anxiety - unlimited storage based on your server size
• No per-user fees - unlimited users on your instance
• Upgrade when YOU want - add storage or move to bigger server on your timeline

Step 3: Feature Parity (or Better) with Cloud Services

Immich matches or exceeds features from Google Photos and iCloud:

Feature	Immich	Google Photos	iCloud Photos
Auto Backup	✅	✅	✅
Facial Recognition	✅	✅	✅
Object Detection	✅	✅	✅
Map View	✅	✅	✅
Shared Albums	✅	✅	✅
Video Support	✅	✅	✅
Live Photos	✅	✅	✅
Offline Access	✅	✅	✅
Privacy Control	✅✅	❌	❌
Unlimited Storage	✅	❌	❌
No Monthly Fees After Setup	✅	❌	❌
Open Source	✅	❌	❌

Step 4: Advanced AI Features

Immich includes machine learning capabilities that run locally on your server:

Facial Recognition:

• Automatically detect and group faces
• Search by person
• Assign names to faces
• Privacy-first: all processing happens on your server

Object Detection:

• Automatically detect objects (cars, dogs, landscapes, etc.)
• Smart search by content
• Improve organization with AI tags

Scene Classification:

• Identify photo types (sunset, beach, birthday, etc.)
• Automatic album suggestions
• Enhanced search capabilities

Smart Search:

• Combine metadata, AI tags, and content analysis
• Natural language search queries
• Results ranked by relevance

Step 5: Media Processing Capabilities

Video Transcoding:

• Automatic conversion for web playback
• Adaptive quality based on device
• Multiple format support (MP4, WebM, etc.)

Thumbnail Generation:

• Multiple sizes for efficient loading
• Lazy loading for faster UI
• Cached for quick browsing

EXIF Extraction:

• Read camera metadata
• GPS location extraction
• Date/time organization
• Camera settings preservation

Step 6: Multi-Device Support

Mobile Apps:

• Android: Available on Google Play
• iOS: Available on App Store
• Background backup
• Selective album sync
• Live photo support

Web Interface:

• Modern, responsive design
• Works on desktop and mobile browsers
• Drag-and-drop uploads
• Keyboard shortcuts

Desktop Clients:

• Official desktop applications
• Bulk import from local storage
• Advanced filtering and organization

Comparison with Cloud Photo Services

Privacy

Aspect	Immich	Google Photos	iCloud
Data Ownership	100%	Limited	Limited
Privacy Policy	You control it	Google's policy	Apple's policy
Data Mining	None	Yes	Potential
AI Training	Opt-in only	Automatic	Automatic
Law Enforcement Access	Your rules	Yes	Yes
Surveillance Risk	Self-hosted	High	Medium

Features

Feature	Immich	Google Photos	iCloud
Unlimited Users	✅	❌	Family sharing only
Custom Domains	✅	❌	❌
API Access	✅	Limited	Limited
Self-Hosting	✅	❌	❌
Storage Expansion	✅ (your hardware)	Pay more	Pay more
Source Code	Open Source	Proprietary	Proprietary
Export Freedom	✅	Restricted	Restricted

Cost (5-Year Comparison for 2TB Equivalent Storage)

Service	5-Year Cost	Storage	Users	Control
Google Photos (2TB)	$599.40	2TB	1	Low
iCloud (2TB)	$599.40	2TB	1	Low
Immich (VPS 2000)	€756.05	512GB	Unlimited	Full

Note: Immich cost shown with VPS 2000 at €12.61/mo. For 2TB, you'd need RS 4000 or larger at €27.08/mo = €1,624.80 for 5 years. However, you can add more storage or use external storage with smaller VPS.

Getting Started with Immich on netcup

1. Choose Your Server

Based on your photo library size and requirements:

• Small libraries (under 10K photos): VPS 1000 G12
• Medium libraries (10K-50K photos): VPS 2000 G12
• Large libraries (50K-100K photos): RS 2000 G12 or VPS 4000 G12
• Very large libraries (100K+ photos): RS 4000 G12

2. Apply Coupon Code

1. Visit netcup.com
2. Select your chosen server plan
3. Add to cart
4. Enter one of the coupon codes above at checkout in "Redeem voucher" field

3. Deploy Immich

Immich provides several installation methods:

• Docker Compose (Recommended): One-command deployment
• Install Script (Experimental): Automated setup
• Portainer: GUI-based management
• Kubernetes: For large deployments

The official documentation provides detailed guides for each method.

4. Configure Your Instance

• Set up SSL/TLS certificates
• Configure backup strategy
• Adjust storage locations
• Enable/disable ML features based on your server capacity
• Configure user accounts and permissions

5. Connect Your Devices

1. Install Immich app on Android (Google Play) or iOS (App Store)
2. Enter your server URL
3. Enable auto-backup
4. Upload your library

Technical Advantages of netcup for Immich

German Data Center

• Located in Nürnberg, Germany
• GDPR compliant data handling
• Excellent connectivity to Europe
• Strong privacy protections

High Performance Storage

• All servers use NVMe SSD
• Fast I/O for database operations
• Quick thumbnail generation
• Smooth video transcoding

Competitive Pricing

• One of the best price-to-performance ratios
• Monthly billing with no long-term contracts
• Generous introductory discounts (1-2 months free)
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

Reliable Infrastructure

• 99.9% uptime guarantee
• 24/7 technical support
• DDoS protection included
• Regular security updates

Flexibility

• Easy upgrades to larger servers
• Scale storage independently
• Add additional services (domains, hosting, etc.)
• Cancel anytime (though annual pricing offers best value)

Security and Privacy Features

Server Security (Your Responsibility)

• SSH Key Authentication: Secure server access
• Firewall Configuration: Limit exposed ports
• SSL/TLS Certificates: Encrypt web traffic
• Regular Updates: Keep Immich and OS patched
• Backup Strategy: Regular off-site backups

Immich Security Features

• User Authentication: Secure login system
• OAuth Support: SSO integration possible
• API Key Management: Control app access
• Shared Links with Expiration: Time-limited sharing
• Two-Factor Authentication: Optional additional security

Data Privacy

• Local Processing: AI features run on your server
• No Telemetry: Immich doesn't phone home
• Open Source Auditable: Code review by global community
• Your Encryption: Implement disk encryption if desired

Backup and Disaster Recovery

Recommended Strategy

1. Immich Backups: Regular database dumps and media exports
2. Server Snapshots: netcup offers backup add-ons
3. Off-site Copy: Critical media copied to external storage
4. Recovery Testing: Verify backups work before needed

netcup Backup Options

• Daily Backups: Automated snapshots available
• Remote Storage: Additional backup space available
• Recovery Console: Restore from control panel

Troubleshooting and Optimization

Common Issues

Slow Media Processing:

• Check CPU usage during transcoding
• Consider reducing concurrent uploads
• Upgrade to server with more CPU cores

High Memory Usage:

• Reduce ML features on 4GB servers
• Optimize PostgreSQL settings
• Check for memory leaks

Slow Search:

• Ensure database indexes are created
• Rebuild AI tags if needed
• Check storage I/O performance

Upload Failures:

• Verify PHP upload limits (if using web uploads)
• Check disk space
• Review Immich logs for errors

Performance Optimization Tips

1. Use NVMe Storage: Critical for database performance
2. Enable Redis: If you have RAM to spare
3. Optimize Images: Compress before upload if possible
4. Configure Quality Settings: Balance storage vs. quality
5. Regular Maintenance: Clean old thumbnails, optimize database

Conclusion

Self-hosting Immich on a netcup server offers the perfect combination of privacy, control, performance, and cost-effectiveness. You get:

• Complete ownership of your photo library
• Advanced AI features without privacy compromises
• Significant cost savings compared to cloud services
• Reliable performance from German data centers
• Flexible scaling as your library grows
• No vendor lock-in with open-source software

With netcup's competitive pricing and generous free-month offers, getting started has never been more affordable. The VPS 1000 G12 at €7.56/month provides excellent value for most users, while power users can opt for VPS 2000 G12 or RS series for more storage and performance.

Take control of your memories today. Deploy Immich on a netcup server and experience the freedom of self-hosted photo management with professional-grade features, complete privacy, and predictable costs.

Quick Start Checklist

• [ ] Calculate photo library size and storage needs
• [ ] Choose appropriate netcup server plan
• [ ] Apply coupon code for discount
• [ ] Deploy Immich via Docker Compose
• [ ] Configure SSL/TLS certificate
• [ ] Set up backup strategy
• [ ] Install mobile apps and connect devices
• [ ] Enable desired AI/ML features
• [ ] Test with initial photo upload
• [ ] Configure user accounts for family/friends

Ready to begin? Visit netcup.com with one of our exclusive coupon codes and start your self-hosted Immich journey today!

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Last Updated: February 2026 Article based on Immich v2.5.6 and current netcup pricing