Jellyfin + Stremio with Gelato: Stream Any Catalog Directly in Your Library (2026 Guide)

Jellyfin + Stremio with Gelato: Stream Any Catalog Directly in Your Library (2026)

Jellyfin serves your local files. Stremio streams from online sources via addons. Gelato merges both worlds - it brings Stremio's addon ecosystem directly into your Jellyfin server.

The result: search Stremio catalogs from the Jellyfin UI, auto-import metadata into your library, and stream content without downloading it first.

What Is Gelato?

Gelato is a Jellyfin plugin that:

1. Replaces Jellyfin's search with Stremio-powered results
2. Imports catalogs from Stremio addons as virtual libraries in Jellyfin
3. Streams content via STRM files - no local storage needed
4. Runs scheduled imports to keep catalogs current

It is open source: github.com/lostb1t/Gelato

How It Works (Architecture)

User searches in Jellyfin UI
  → Gelato intercepts the search
  → Queries configured Stremio addons
  → Returns results with metadata + poster
  → User clicks Play
  → Gelato resolves the stream URL via Stremio addon
  → Jellyfin plays the stream (or passes to client)

No files are downloaded to your server. Content streams directly from the source provided by the Stremio addon.

Installation

Add the repository

Dashboard → Plugins → Repositories → Add:

Name: Gelato
URL: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/lostb1t/Gelato/main/manifest.json

Install the plugin

Dashboard → Plugins → Catalog → Gelato → Install → Restart Jellyfin

Configure Stremio addons

Dashboard → Plugins → Gelato → Addon Configuration:

1. Add your Stremio addon URLs (the same URLs you use in the Stremio app)
2. Common addons that work with Gelato:
   • Cinemeta - metadata for movies and TV
   • The Movie Database Addon - TMDB catalogs
   • Trakt lists - trending, popular, watchlist
   • Streaming Catalogs - what's available on Netflix, Disney+, etc.

Configure catalog import (optional)

If you want Stremio catalogs to appear as Jellyfin libraries:

1. Gelato settings → Scheduled Tasks
2. Enable catalog import
3. Set schedule (e.g., daily at 4 AM)
4. Select which catalogs to import

Gelato creates STRM files in a designated folder. Jellyfin scans them as a regular library - complete with posters, descriptions, and ratings.

Use Cases

1. Discovery without downloading

Browse trending content from Stremio catalogs directly in Jellyfin. See what's popular without committing storage.

2. "Try before you download"

Stream a movie via Gelato. If you like it, add it to Radarr for a proper download. If not, no storage wasted.

3. Unified search

Instead of switching between Jellyfin and Stremio apps, search everything from one interface.

4. Streaming catalogs for guests

Give Watch Pass users access to streaming catalogs without giving them Stremio accounts.

Important Considerations

Legal status

Gelato itself is legal - it is just a plugin that connects to Stremio addons. The legality depends entirely on which addons you configure:

• Legal addons: Cinemeta (metadata only), Streaming Catalogs (shows what's on paid services), Trakt lists
• Gray area: Addons that provide direct streams of copyrighted content

Use responsibly. This guide covers the technical setup, not legal advice.

Performance

• Gelato adds ~100ms to search queries (addon API calls)
• Streaming quality depends on the addon source
• No server CPU usage for transcoding (streams pass through)
• STRM files are tiny (~100 bytes each) - negligible storage

Limitations

• Stream quality varies by addon (no guarantee of 4K/HDR)
• No offline support (streams require internet)
• Some addons have rate limits
• Subtitle support depends on the stream source

Gelato vs Running Stremio Separately

FAQ

Does Gelato download files to my server? No. It creates STRM files (text files with a URL). Content streams directly from the source.

Can I use Gelato alongside my local library? Yes. Gelato catalogs appear as separate libraries. Your local content is untouched.

Does this work with JellyWatch? Yes. Gelato streams appear as regular Jellyfin sessions in JellyWatch.

Is Gelato the same as the Jellyfin Stremio addon? No. The "Jellyfin to Stremio" addon does the opposite - it makes your Jellyfin library available IN Stremio. Gelato brings Stremio INTO Jellyfin.

Streaming from Gelato? Monitor every session from your phone. Download JellyWatch on Google Play - real-time session monitoring for all Jellyfin streams.