How to Deploy Jitsi Meet Using Docker for Secure Video Calls

Looking for a simple, secure, and fast way to host your own video conferencing solution? In this guide, you’ll learn how to deploy Jitsi Meet using Docker — a flexible method that makes setup and scaling super easy, even for beginners.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a developer, or a business owner wanting more control over your meetings, Docker makes it easy to self-host Jitsi Meet. Let’s walk through everything step-by-step.

What is Jitsi Meet?

Jitsi Meet is a free and open-source video conferencing platform that lets you host secure, encrypted video meetings right from your browser—no account needed.

Unlike popular services like Zoom or Google Meet, Jitsi gives you full privacy and control. You can self-host it, tweak features, or even integrate it into your own app.

Why Use Docker to Deploy Jitsi Meet?

Docker helps you bundle software in “containers.” These containers run everywhere the same way — whether on your laptop, a VPS, or cloud.

Here’s why using Docker for Jitsi is a smart choice:

• Easy setup: No manual package installation needed.

• Secure: Containers isolate services and help manage secrets.

• Scalable: Add more servers when your team grows.

• Portable: Move your setup anywhere — fast.

Prerequisites Before You Start

Before jumping in, make sure you have:

• A VPS or cloud server (Ubuntu 20.04/22.04 works best)

• Root or sudo access

• A domain name (e.g., meet.example.com)

• Docker and Docker Compose installed

• Basic understanding of the terminal

Let’s get started with the deployment!

Step-by-Step: Deploy Jitsi Meet Using Docker

Step 1: Clone the Official Docker Project

Jitsi offers an official Docker setup on GitHub. Start by cloning it:

git clone https://github.com/jitsi/docker-jitsi-meet && cd docker-jitsi-meet

Step 2: Configure Your Environment

Jitsi Meet uses an .env file to set environment variables. Create it with:

cp env.example .env

Now open the .env file and edit these key settings:

• HTTP_PORT=80

• HTTPS_PORT=443

• TZ=Your/Timezone (e.g., Asia/Kolkata)

• PUBLIC_URL=https://meet.example.com

• ENABLE_LETSENCRYPT=1

• LETSENCRYPT_DOMAIN=meet.example.com

• LETSENCRYPT_EMAIL=[email protected]

Tip: Keep your .env secure — it contains credentials!

Step 3: Start the Docker Containers

Time to start Jitsi!

docker compose up -d

This command will spin up four main containers:

1. web – The front-end (Nginx + Jitsi UI)

2. prosody – The XMPP server

3. jicofo – Conference manager

4. jvb – Jitsi Video Bridge (media server)

Your instance should be live at https://meet.example.com.

Testing Your Jitsi Meet Server

Open your domain in a browser. You should see the Jitsi Meet interface. Click “Start a meeting” to begin. Test audio, video, screen share, and chat features.

Invite others using the room URL — it’s that easy!

Adding Security: Password-Protect Rooms

By default, anyone can create a meeting. For better control:

1. Enable authentication in .env:

ENABLE_AUTH=1
AUTH_TYPE=internal

2. Rebuild:

docker compose down
docker compose up -d

3. Create user credentials:

docker exec -it docker-jitsi-meet-prosody bash
prosodyctl register youruser meet.jitsi yourpassword

Now only registered users can create meetings.

How to Scale Jitsi Meet with Docker

As your usage grows, you may need to:

• Add multiple Jitsi Video Bridges (JVBs)

• Use load balancing for performance

• Monitor system health with Prometheus & Grafana

Docker makes scaling simple. You can run extra JVBs as separate containers — even on other servers — and connect them to your main Jitsi host.

Securing Your Jitsi Meet Server

Security matters. Here are best practices:

• Use SSL (Let’s Encrypt handles this)

• Keep your Docker images updated

• Use strong passwords and 2FA

• Block unused ports with a firewall

• Limit who can create rooms

Updating Jitsi Meet Docker Setup

To update Jitsi Meet:

docker compose pull
docker compose down
docker compose up -d

This downloads the latest images and restarts the containers.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Blank screen or 502 error

Fix: Check if all containers are running with docker ps

Issue: Audio/Video not working

Fix: Open required ports (10000/UDP) in your firewall

Issue: SSL certificate error

Fix: Double-check your domain and Let’s Encrypt settings in .env

Who Should Use Jitsi Meet with Docker?

• Privacy-conscious users

• Remote teams & freelancers

• Schools & educational platforms

• Developers needing API control

• Anyone avoiding Zoom fatigue

Conclusion

Self-hosting Jitsi Meet gives you full control over your video calls. Using Docker makes the process simple, secure, and scalable — even if you’re not a server expert.

If you’re tired of Zoom limits or data privacy concerns, now’s the time to deploy Jitsi Meet using Docker and take charge of your video conferencing.

Got questions or need help setting up Jitsi? Contact us — we provide expert Jitsi installation, scaling, and customization services.