How to turn your Mac into a DLNA media server: Expert configuration

To share content to other devices, including smartphones, you first need a DLNA server and a compatible DLNA client (which are often the same thing). But what is a DLNA Mac player? And how do you configure DLNA streaming from a Mac? 

My guide will show you how to set up a DLNA media server efficiently.

Or get Elmedia Player standalone via Marketplace from $4.99/mo — no membership needed.

How to set up DLNA streaming from a Mac

DLNA streaming on Mac is easy once you have the right app. For this, Elmedia Player handles both sides of the equation. It works as a DLNA server and player in one, streams to any DLNA-enabled device over Wi-Fi, and supports every major media format out of the box. 

So, here’s how to turn your Mac into a DLNA media server using Elmedia Player or other popular tools:

1. Download and install Elmedia Player on your Mac.
2. Connect your Mac and all target devices (smart TVs, speakers, smartphones) to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Drag-and-drop any media you want to play.
4. Click the “Stream to” icon in the bottom bar.
5. Select the device you want to play the media on.

Also, many people use Google Chromecast to make TVs smart. The Chromecast then acts as a DLNA client. The process for connecting Elmedia Player to Chromecast is the same: turn on your Chromecast-enabled TV and connect via the “Stream to” icon in Elmedia Player.

How to stream from Mac to TV using JustStream (DLNA)

JustStream is a lightweight and intuitive DLNA client that lets you stream content from your Mac to any device. In addition, you can also simply mirror your Mac’s screen in case you need to show something to a wider group. The app doesn’t occupy any valuable space but remains always accessible through the menu bar. 

Another great JustStream feature is instant transcoding, so you can watch any video format that would play on your Mac, even if the receiving device doesn’t support it.

Here’s how to enable DLNA streaming from a Mac with JustStream: 

1. Turn on your smart TV.
2. Install and launch JustStream.
3. Click the plus icon to add as many videos to a playlist as you like.
4. Select a screen you want to stream to.
5. Start Streaming.

Mirror your Mac screen or stream any video — JustStream handles both. Instant transcoding means your TV plays whatever your Mac can play. Free for 7 days with Setapp. Try JustStream Free. Or get JustStream standalone via Marketplace from $4.99/mo.

How to share your Mac media library

Over the years, I've seen how quickly media libraries can grow with all the photos, videos, and music we collect. You should be able to share all that with other computers on your network, and with a DLNA media server, you can.

First, it’s possible to stream to any Mac at home directly, as described above, using either Elmedia Player or JustStream. 

Second, if you want to give other people more control and just share your actual library, you can do so via Home Sharing:

1. Open System Settings > General > Sharing (in macOS Sonoma and later).
2. Enable Media Sharing and select Home Sharing in the info icon.
3. Enter your Apple Account password.
4. Click Turn On Home Sharing.

Your media library will now be available to all devices on the same network under the specified Library Name, including devices with the same Apple Account.

Here’s more about the Home Sharing feature on Mac.

Not sure whether Elmedia Player or JustStream is right for your TV setup? I tried the Video Editing Software for Mac tool — it asked the right questions and pointed me toward the app that matched my devices.

Before you share your movie and TV show collection

It’s good to make sure the movie and TV show collection is in good shape and correctly indexed. To do that, you need to try Movie Explorer Pro. 

Movie Explorer Pro is the dedicated media organizer. It scans your whole Mac and indexes every movie you’ve downloaded, bought, or burned from a DVD to neatly arrange them all in a single library. You can add metadata, source cover art, and create watchlists. It’s also possible to share your specific movie collections with others via a PDF, HTML, or CSV. 

However, if you need to enrich existing videos or add them to Apple’s TV app, there’s no better tool than iFlicks. 

iFlicks takes any movie or TV show already on your Mac and transforms it so it becomes 100% compatible with the TV app, whatever the original format, and without any loss in video quality. Additionally, you can edit any kind of metadata to make sure your media server always stays up to date. You can even automate these tasks if you notice you’re editing the same fields over and over again.

Apple TV vs. DLNA: What’s the difference?

At some point, you might wonder whether an Apple TV does all the same things as a DLNA server, and whether you need a DLNA media server at all.

Apple TV alone can’t act as a DLNA server, so it won’t stream files stored on your Mac to other gadgets. If you mostly consume content from Apple-supported services right on the box, that limitation may not bother you, in which case, you probably don’t need an extra DLNA client.

However, if you’d like more flexibility in formats and sources for your media, and be able to play it everywhere, a DLNA media server makes it much easier.

Read more:

• The best alternatives to VLC Media Player for Mac
• How to stream HBO Max
• How to convert media files on a Mac

Why stream with DLNA on Mac?

To share content with other devices such as smartphones, TVs, and game consoles, you’ll need a DLNA server and a compatible DLNA client. Sometimes, these are bundled in one app.

Most devices today come with smart functionality, especially TVs. Nearly all TVs support wireless streaming features, making it simple to watch or listen to your entire media collection without dealing with HDMI cables, USB drives, or discs. This is great news if you're a Mac user, since wireless streaming is one of the most common smart features.

What is a DLNA media server?

A DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) media server created by a consortium of consumer electronics companies in 2003 is an app that lets your Mac share movies, music, and photos with other devices on the same network. It “talks” to smart TVs, game consoles, phones, and speakers using the DLNA/UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) standard, so those devices can play your files without cables or manual copying.

Mac DLNA servers: Start streaming right now

As you can see, setting up DLNA streaming from a Mac can be done in just a few minutes. Elmedia Player, for example, has everything you need to get started. Alternatively, you can use JustStream. And when your media library grows, keep it neat and tidy with Movie Explorer Pro and iFlicks. 

Four apps. One subscription. Your whole Mac media library — anywhere in your home. Elmedia Player, JustStream, Movie Explorer Pro, and iFlicks are all included in Setapp. Risk-free 7-day trial. Get 250+ Mac Apps. Already know which app you need? Browse Setapp Marketplace for standalone options.