Requirements
what the server needs.
Kinetica renders videos on the same machine that serves the studio, so it needs a real server with CPU, memory and disk you control. Check this list before you rent one.
01Server
| Resource | Minimum | Why |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 2 cores | One render at a time. Each extra parallel render needs about 1 more core (docs/guide/install.md). |
| Memory | 4 GB | One render at a time. Each extra parallel render needs about 600 MB more. |
| Disk | 20 GB free to start | Rendered videos and uploads grow over time. Each workspace may upload up to 2 GB (src/server/routes/workspace.ts). |
| Operating system | Linux. The guide uses Ubuntu 22.04 or 24.04 | Chrome and ffmpeg packages; systemd for the service |
| Access | Root or sudo over SSH | To install packages, the service and the https proxy |
How many renders run at the same time is your choice in the console, Settings, Rendering, "Renders at the same time" (1 to 8). Size the server for that number.
Kinetica is a long-running Node.js process that starts Chrome and ffmpeg. Shared hosting, cPanel-only plans and "serverless" platforms cannot run it. Use a VPS (any provider) or your own machine.
02Software
| Software | Version | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Node.js | 22.12 or newer | "engines": {"node": ">=22.12"} in package.json. Inside the Docker image already. |
| Google Chrome or Chromium | A current stable release | Renders the video frames. Inside the Docker image already (Debian chromium). |
| ffmpeg (with ffprobe) | From your distribution | Encodes video and mixes audio. Inside the Docker image already. |
| Noto Color Emoji font | fonts-noto-color-emoji | So emoji in videos render. Inside the Docker image already. |
| Build tools | python3 make g++ | Only when no prebuilt database driver (better-sqlite3) fits your system |
| Docker (option A) | Docker Engine | Not needed for option B |
| Caddy or nginx | Any current version | https in front of the server |
03Domain and https
You need a domain or subdomain pointing at the server, and https in front of Kinetica. Invite links, share links, review links and Stripe's return addresses all use the public https address. The console's status check "Public URL is https" is a blocker until it is set (src/server/admin/manifest.ts). Caddy gets a certificate by itself (Deployment).
04Accounts you may need
All optional. Each one switches on features (Keys). You open these accounts yourself and pay their providers directly.
- Anthropic: AI storyboards and edits.
- ElevenLabs: voiceover.
- Stripe: selling plans and credit packs.
- Resend: e-mail, with a sending domain you verify there.
- Pexels: free stock photos.
05Your own computer
Any modern browser opens the studio and the console. For the MCP server (optional), the computer that runs Claude Desktop or Claude Code needs Node.js 22 or newer (MCP server).