What matters
- Native macOS app that lives quietly in the menu bar.
- Streams videos, music, and photos over your home network.
- Works with compatible media players without accounts, cloud sync, or a library server to manage.
How to use it
- Install Media Server Pro from the Mac App Store.
- Open the app and add the folders that contain your movies, music, or photos.
- Click Start Server.
- Open your TV, VLC, Kodi, 8Player Pro, Xbox, or PlayStation media player and look for Media Server Pro.
FAQ
What is a DLNA server?
A DLNA server is a local media server that lets compatible TVs, consoles, and media-player apps find and browse videos, music, and photos on your home network. Media Server Pro turns your Mac into that browsable source, using the folders you choose.
Does macOS include a media server for Smart TVs?
macOS includes useful sharing and AirPlay features, but it does not provide a plain built-in media server for most non-Apple TVs and consoles. Media Server Pro is built for that local-network job.
Does it transcode video?
Transcoding is largely a relic from legacy media servers, and is now considered unnecessary. Modern media players natively support all the standard movie and audio formats. Bypassing the transcoding stage also keeps system resource use way down, and improves performance when fast-forwarding or rewinding content.
Can I share more than one folder?
Yes. You can add multiple media directories and the app will preserve them between launches.