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EmbyTok includes a special Folder Server mode that lets you stream videos from local filesystem folders on your network—no Emby server required. This is perfect for LAN environments, home networks, or quickly sharing video collections.

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What is Folder Server Mode?

Folder Server mode runs a lightweight video streaming service that:
  • Serves videos directly from filesystem directories
  • Provides the same TikTok-style browsing experience
  • Works on local networks (LAN)
  • Supports multiple video folder services simultaneously
  • Requires no Emby or Plex installation
This mode is ideal for home networks, temporary setups, or situations where you want quick video streaming without a full media server.

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Setting Up Folder Server

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Initial Connection

  1. Start the EmbyTok folder server on your network (see server documentation)
  2. Open EmbyTok in your browser
  3. When prompted, enter:
    • Server URL: The IP address or hostname of your folder server (e.g., http://192.168.1.100:3000)
    • Username: Any display name (e.g., “Family Videos”)
    • Password: Leave blank or enter a service ID if you have multiple services configured
  4. Tap Connect
EmbyTok will connect and load available video services.

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Configuring Video Services

A “service” is a configured folder path on the server that EmbyTok can stream from. Accessing Admin Panel:
  1. Tap the Menu icon (top left)
  2. Tap Settings
  3. Scroll to Connection Info
  4. Tap “Admin Panel”
  5. Enter the admin password (default: admin)
In the Admin Panel:
1

View Existing Services

The left side shows all configured video services. The currently active service is highlighted in green.
2

Browse Folders

The right side shows a file browser. Click folders to navigate the server’s filesystem and find your video directory.
3

Create New Service

  1. Navigate to the folder containing your videos
  2. Click the folder to auto-fill the path
  3. Enter a Service Name (e.g., “Vacation Videos 2024”)
  4. The Folder Path is automatically filled from your selection
  5. Click “Save and Set as Current”
4

Switch Active Service

To change which folder you’re browsing:
  1. Find the service in the list
  2. Click “Set as Current”
  3. The feed will reload with videos from that folder
Deleting a service only removes it from EmbyTok’s configuration—it doesn’t delete any video files from your server.

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Using Folder Server

Once configured, folder server mode works just like Emby mode:
  • Feed Modes: Latest, Random, and Favorites all work
  • Orientation Filtering: Filter vertical/horizontal videos
  • Favorites: Stored locally in your browser
  • Libraries: Each service acts as a separate library

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Differences from Emby Mode

No Metadata

Videos won’t have posters, descriptions, or metadata—just filenames

Local Favorites

Favorites are saved in browser storage, not synced across devices

Folder-Based

Organization is based on filesystem folders, not media libraries

Auto-Detect

Video orientation is detected from file metadata automatically

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Network Considerations

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LAN Streaming

Folder server is designed for local network use:
  • Server and client should be on the same network
  • Use local IP addresses (192.168.x.x) for best performance
  • Ensure firewall allows connections to the server port

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Performance Tips

  • Use H.264/H.265 encoded videos for better browser compatibility
  • Place videos on fast storage (SSD) for quicker loading
  • Keep individual video files under 2GB for mobile devices
  • Use wired Ethernet for the server when possible
EmbyTok folder server supports common video formats that browsers can play:
  • MP4 (H.264, H.265)
  • WebM (VP8, VP9)
  • OGG/Theora
Check browser compatibility for specific codecs.

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Security Notes

The admin panel is protected with a simple password. For production use:
  • Change the default admin password
  • Use folder server only on trusted networks
  • Don’t expose the server to the public internet without additional security

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Switching Between Servers

You can switch from folder server mode back to Emby:
  1. Open Settings from the menu
  2. Tap “Disconnect” at the bottom
  3. You’ll return to the login screen where you can connect to an Emby server instead
Your folder server configuration is saved and can be accessed again by reconnecting.

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