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Basics

Quick Start Guide

Get started with Benefic in under 5 minutes — create an account, install the CLI, and start syncing your content.

1 min read

Get started with Benefic in less than 5 minutes. No port forwarding, no complex networking — just install and sync.

Step 1: Create an Account

Sign up at benefic.com. You’ll receive an email verification to confirm your account.

Step 2: Download Benefic

Select the right version for your platform:

  • Linux amd64 (Debian-based) — fully supported
  • macOS (Intel and ARM) — fully supported
  • Windows — coming soon

Visit the downloads page for direct links.

Step 3: Install ffmpeg

Benefic requires ffmpeg version 6.x.x for media processing.

# Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt install ffmpeg

# macOS
brew install ffmpeg

Verify your installation:

ffmpeg -version

Step 4: Log In via the CLI

benefic login

This authenticates your CLI with your Benefic account.

Step 5: Organize Your Content

Name your files using this format:

Movie Name (YYYY)

For example:

  • Sweet Smell of Success (1957).mp4
  • Blade Runner (1982).mkv

Supported formats: mp4, mkv

Step 6: Start Benefic

benefic run -d ~/Content/

That’s it. Your content is now accessible from any device at benefic.com.