Jellyfin Anime Setup 2026: AniList Sync, Shoko Server, and Best Metadata Plugins

The Complete Jellyfin Anime Setup Guide (2026)

Anime is one of the hardest media types to organize on any server. Inconsistent naming, multiple seasons vs continuous numbering, OVAs, specials, movies - it is a metadata nightmare. Jellyfin handles it well with the right plugins and configuration.

This guide covers the full anime stack.

The Anime Organization Problem

Standard media servers expect:

Show Name/Season 01/Show Name S01E01.mkv

But anime often has:

• Absolute episode numbering (Episode 1-500, no seasons)
• OVAs and specials with no clear season
• Multiple release groups with different naming
• Franchise entries that are movies, not episodes

Option 1: Shoko Server + Shokofin (Best for Large Libraries)

Shoko Server is a dedicated anime cataloging tool that handles the complexity of anime metadata better than any general-purpose solution.

How it works

1. Shoko scans your anime files and identifies them using AniDB hashes
2. Shoko organizes metadata, artwork, and episode info
3. Shokofin (Jellyfin plugin) bridges Shoko data into Jellyfin

Setup

services:
  shoko-server:
    image: shokoanime/server:latest
    volumes:
      - ./shoko/config:/home/shoko/.shoko
      - /path/to/anime:/anime
    ports:
      - 8111:8111
    restart: unless-stopped

Install Shokofin in Jellyfin: Dashboard → Plugins → Add Repository → Shokofin URL → Install

Why Shoko is worth it

• Hash-based identification - no filename guessing, 99%+ accuracy
• AniDB integration - the most comprehensive anime database
• Handles absolute numbering natively
• Groups related entries (seasons, OVAs, movies) automatically

Option 2: AnimeMultiSource Plugin (Lighter Setup)

If you do not want to run Shoko Server, the AnimeMultiSource plugin aggregates metadata from multiple sources directly in Jellyfin:

• AniList
• AniDB
• MyAnimeList (via Jikan)
• TVDB
• Fanart.tv

Install from the plugin catalog. It handles rate limiting and caching for large libraries.

AniList and MAL Sync

jellyfin-ani-sync

Automatically syncs your anime watching progress to AniList and MyAnimeList:

1. Install from plugin catalog
2. Authenticate with your AniList/MAL account
3. Every episode you watch updates your online profile automatically

MyAnimeSync

Alternative plugin focused specifically on MAL synchronization.

File Naming for Anime

If using Shoko

File naming does not matter - Shoko identifies files by hash. Name them however you want.

If NOT using Shoko

Follow TVDB numbering:

/anime/
  Naruto/
    Season 01/
      Naruto - S01E001.mkv
  Naruto Shippuden/
    Season 01/
      Naruto Shippuden - S01E001.mkv

For absolute numbering without seasons:

/anime/
  One Piece/
    Season 01/
      One Piece - S01E001.mkv
      ...
      One Piece - S01E100.mkv
    Season 02/
      One Piece - S02E101.mkv

Use Sonarr with anime categories to automate this naming.

Anime-Specific Artwork

Fanart.tv plugin

Fetches high-quality anime artwork: ClearArt logos, character renders, and HD posters.

AnimeThemes plugin

Downloads opening and ending theme songs/videos from AnimeThemes.moe. Play them as theme music when browsing your library.

Handling OVAs, Specials, and Movies

Shoko handles this automatically. Without Shoko, manual Season 00 placement is the standard approach.

Recommended Anime Stack

FAQ

Is Shoko Server necessary? Not required, but strongly recommended for libraries over 100 series. It eliminates 90% of anime metadata headaches.

Can I use both TVDB and AniDB metadata? Yes. AnimeMultiSource aggregates from multiple providers simultaneously.

How do I handle anime with 500+ episodes? Split into seasons following TVDB numbering, or use Shoko which handles absolute numbering natively.

Does JellyWatch show anime-specific stats? JellyWatch tracks all viewing history including anime - total hours, most-watched series, and per-user breakdowns.

Your anime library is set up - now track your binge sessions. Download JellyWatch on Google Play - viewing statistics, watch history, and server monitoring for Jellyfin on Android.