Name: how-to-stream-to-vlc-via-sftp

Last reviewed by: Clipper, April 2026

How to stream media files to VLC via SFTP

If you want to stream video files directly to VLC rather than use a Plex client, here is how to do it.

1. Go to your server's account details page and visit the FTP web link.

2. Navigate to the media file you want to stream and copy the link address. For example: ftp://username:[email protected]/media/TV%20Shows/ShowName/Season%202/ShowName.S02E02.EpisodeName.720p.mkv

3. Change ftp to sftp at the beginning of the link.

4. Replace all %20 with actual spaces.

5. Find your home folder path on the right side of your account's dashboard page. For example: /home/hdxx/username

6. Insert this path before /media/ in your link. Your final link should look like: sftp://username:[email protected]/home/hdxx/username/media/TV Shows/ShowName/Season 2/ShowName.S02E02.EpisodeName.720p.mkv

7. Paste this link into VLC's Open Network dialog (File → Open Network) and enjoy your stream.