Finetic: A Modern Jellyfin Client Powered by Next.js – Your Ultimate Media Experience

If you’re someone who loves managing and enjoying your media collection—whether it’s movies, TV shows, or episodes—you’ve probably heard of Jellyfin. It’s a popular open-source media server that lets you organize and stream your content across devices. But what if there was a client for Jellyfin that took your experience to the next level? Enter Finetic—a sleek, modern client built with cutting-edge web technologies to make your media journey smoother, smarter, and more enjoyable.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into everything Finetic has to offer. From its key features and technical foundations to step-by-step setup instructions and tips for getting the most out of its powerful tools, we’ll cover it all. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just someone looking for a better way to enjoy your media, this guide will help you understand why Finetic is worth trying.

What Is Finetic?

Finetic is a modern client for Jellyfin, designed to enhance how you interact with your media library. Built with Next.js—a leading framework for building fast, responsive web applications—Finetic combines sleek design with powerful functionality. It’s not just a simple media player; it’s a complete solution for browsing, organizing, and enjoying your movies, TV shows, and more, all while leveraging artificial intelligence to make navigation and discovery easier than ever.

One look at Finetic, and you’ll notice its attention to detail. It comes with both light and dark mode themes, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience whether you’re using it during the day or night. The interface is clean, intuitive, and designed to put your media front and center.

A Sneak Peek: What Finetic Looks Like

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and that’s certainly true for Finetic. Let’s take a quick look at its design to get a sense of what to expect:

Light Theme Dark Theme
Light Theme Screenshot Dark Theme Screenshot

As you can see, both themes prioritize clarity and ease of use. The light theme is bright and airy, perfect for daytime use, while the dark theme reduces eye strain during evening sessions—ideal for marathon TV show binges!

Key Features: What Makes Finetic Stand Out

Finetic isn’t just another media client. It’s packed with features that set it apart, making it a top choice for Jellyfin users. Let’s break down its most notable capabilities:

1. The Navigator: Your AI-Powered Media Guide

Imagine having a personal assistant that helps you find and play your favorite content with just a few words. That’s exactly what Finetic’s Navigator offers. Powered by Google Gemini 2.0 Flash (a state-of-the-art AI model), this interactive chat feature lets you control your media experience using natural language.

Forgot the name of that movie you want to watch? Just ask. Want to jump to a specific scene in a TV show? The AI can help. It’s like having a knowledgeable friend who knows your media library inside out.

2. A Feature-Rich Media Player

At the heart of any media client is the player, and Finetic’s doesn’t disappoint. It’s designed to handle all your playback needs, whether you’re watching a high-definition movie or a TV episode:

  • Flexible Playback: Choose between direct play (streaming files directly when your browser supports them) or transcoding (automatically converting files to a compatible format for smoother streaming, perfect for slower networks or older devices). The player even picks the best method for you based on your device and network!
  • Subtitle Support: Never miss a line of dialogue with full subtitle integration.
  • Chapter Navigation: Easily jump to different parts of a movie or episode.
  • Skip Intro: Tired of sitting through the same TV show intro every time? Finetic detects intros automatically and gives you a skip button, so you can get straight to the action.

3. Library Management Made Easy

Organizing your media shouldn’t be a hassle, and with Finetic, it isn’t. The client lets you browse and manage your movies, TV shows, and episodes with ease. Whether you want to check out recent additions, find something from your “continue watching” list, or explore your watchlist, everything is just a few clicks away.

4. Theme Support for Every Preference

We all have different preferences when it comes to screen brightness. Finetic caters to everyone with light and dark mode themes, so you can enjoy your media in a setting that’s comfortable for your eyes. Plus, you can even set it to follow your system’s theme automatically!

The Tech Behind Finetic: Built for Performance and Reliability

Finetic isn’t just about looks—it’s built on a solid foundation of modern web technologies, ensuring it’s fast, reliable, and easy to maintain. Here’s a breakdown of the key tools and frameworks that power Finetic:

  • Frontend: Next.js 15, React 19, and TypeScript. Next.js is known for its speed and ability to create responsive web apps, while React 19 provides a smooth user interface. TypeScript adds an extra layer of reliability by catching errors early during development.
  • Styling: Tailwind v4, shadcn/ui, and Framer Motion. Tailwind makes it easy to design consistent, beautiful interfaces, shadcn/ui provides ready-to-use components, and Framer Motion adds subtle animations that make the app feel more polished.
  • AI: Google Gemini 2.0 Flash with the AI SDK. This is what powers the intelligent Navigator feature, allowing for natural language interactions.
  • State Management: Jotai. This tool helps keep track of the app’s state (like user preferences or currently playing media) efficiently, ensuring a smooth experience.

By using these cutting-edge technologies, Finetic delivers a fast, responsive, and user-friendly experience that feels modern and intuitive.

Getting Started with Finetic: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to try Finetic for yourself? Let’s walk through how to set it up on your device. Don’t worry—you don’t need to be a tech expert to follow these steps!

Prerequisites: What You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

  • Node.js 18 or higher: This is a tool that lets your computer run JavaScript outside of a web browser. It’s required to run Finetic.
  • A running Jellyfin server: Finetic connects to your existing Jellyfin server, so you’ll need one set up. If you don’t have a Jellyfin server yet, you can find guides online to help you install it.
  • Google AI API key: This is needed to use the AI-powered Navigator feature. You can get one by signing up for Google’s AI services (don’t worry—there are free tiers available for testing).

Installation: Let’s Get Finetic Up and Running

Once you have the prerequisites, follow these steps to install Finetic:

1. Clone the Repository

First, you’ll need to download the Finetic code from its GitHub repository. Think of this as copying the app’s files to your computer.

Open a terminal (on Windows, this is Command Prompt or PowerShell; on Mac, it’s Terminal) and run these commands:

git clone https://github.com/AyaanZaveri/finetic
cd finetic

The first command downloads the code, and the second moves you into the Finetic folder on your computer.

2. Install Dependencies

Next, you’ll need to install the “dependencies”—extra pieces of code that Finetic needs to work. These are like the ingredients in a recipe; without them, the app won’t run.

In the same terminal, run one of these commands (choose the one that matches the tool you use):

npm install
# or
yarn install
# or
bun install
  • npm is the default tool that comes with Node.js.
  • yarn and bun are alternative tools that some people prefer. They do the same job—installing dependencies.

This might take a minute or two, depending on your internet speed.

3. Configure Environment Variables

Finetic needs a little information to work with the AI features—the Google AI API key we mentioned earlier. To provide this, you’ll create a special file called .env.local.

Here’s how:

  • In the Finetic folder (the one you navigated to with cd finetic), create a new file and name it .env.local.
  • Open this file in a text editor (like Notepad on Windows or TextEdit on Mac) and add the following line:
GOOGLE_GENERATIVE_AI_API_KEY=your_google_ai_api_key
  • Replace your_google_ai_api_key with your actual API key from Google. Save the file when you’re done.

This file keeps your API key private, so it won’t be shared with anyone else.

Running Finetic: Development and Production Modes

Now that Finetic is installed, you can run it in two modes: development (for testing and making changes) and production (for regular use).

Development Mode: Testing the App

Development mode is great if you want to try Finetic out or make small changes to the code. It starts a server that updates automatically when you make changes, so you can see your updates right away.

To start development mode, run one of these commands in the terminal:

npm run dev
# or
yarn dev
# or
bun dev

Once the server starts, open your web browser and go to http://localhost:3000. You should see the Finetic app!

Production Mode: Using Finetic Normally

When you’re ready to use Finetic regularly, you’ll want to build it for production. This makes the app faster and more efficient by optimizing the code.

To build and run in production mode:

  1. First, build the app:
npm run build
  1. Then, start the production server:
npm run start

Now you can access Finetic through your browser just like in development mode, but it will run more smoothly.

Available Scripts: Quick Commands for Finetic

Finetic comes with several handy commands (called “scripts”) that make managing the app easier. Here’s what each one does:

  • dev: Starts the development server with Turbopack (a fast tool for building web apps), so you can test changes quickly.
  • build: Creates an optimized version of the app for production.
  • start: Runs the optimized production version of the app.
  • lint: Checks the code for errors and style issues, helping keep the app clean and reliable.

You can run these scripts using npm run [script name], yarn [script name], or bun [script name]—whichever tool you prefer.

First-Time Setup: Getting Finetic Ready to Use

When you open Finetic for the first time, there are a few quick steps to get everything working:

  1. Server Configuration: Finetic will ask for your Jellyfin server URL. This is the web address where your Jellyfin server is running (for example, http://localhost:8096 if it’s on your computer, or something like http://192.168.1.100:8096 if it’s on another device on your network).

  2. Authentication: Next, you’ll log in using your Jellyfin username and password. This connects Finetic to your media library.

  3. AI Features: If you added your Google AI API key (in the .env.local file), the AI assistant (Navigator) will be ready to use right away. If not, you can add it later by updating the .env.local file.

Using Finetic: Making the Most of Its Features

Now that Finetic is set up, let’s explore how to use its most powerful features.

The AI Assistant: Your Media Sidekick

The AI assistant (Navigator) is one of Finetic’s standout features. It lets you control your media using simple, natural language commands. Here’s how to use it:

  • Opening the Assistant: Press ⌘ + K (on Mac) or Ctrl + K (on Windows/Linux) to open the chat window.
  • Asking for Help: Type or speak (if your browser supports it) your request. The AI will understand and act on it.

Example Queries to Try

Here are some common things you can ask the AI assistant:

  • “Play Inception”
  • “Go to Breaking Bad”
  • “Skip to the action scene”
  • “Explain what’s happening right now”
  • “What’s this movie about?”

The AI is smart enough to understand even vague requests, so don’t worry if you can’t remember exact names!

The AI’s Toolkit: What It Can Do

The AI assistant uses a set of “tools” to interact with your media library. These tools let it perform specific tasks, from searching for content to controlling playback. Here’s a breakdown of the key tools:

🔍 Content Discovery & Search

  • searchMedia: Searches for movies, TV shows, or episodes by name or keyword. For example, “Find comedies from the 90s” will use this tool.
  • getPeople: Looks up directors, actors, or other people related to your media. Try “Who directed Interstellar?”
  • getGenres: Shows you all the genres available in your library, like “action,” “comedy,” or “sci-fi.”

📺 Library Browse & Management

  • getMovies: Fetches a list of recent movies in your library. Ask “What’s new in my movies?”
  • getTVShows: Gets recent TV shows. Try “Show me new TV shows.”
  • continueWatching: Shows media you’re in the middle of watching. Perfect for “What was I watching last night?”
  • getWatchlist: Displays your favorites or highly-rated content. Ask “Show my watchlist.”
  • getMediaDetails: Gives detailed info about a specific movie or show. For example, “Tell me about The Matrix.”
  • getSeasons: Lists seasons of a TV show. Try “How many seasons of Friends are there?”
  • getEpisodes: Shows episodes from a specific season. Ask “Show episodes of Season 2 of The Office.”

🎬 Playback & Navigation

  • navigateToMedia: Takes you to the page of a specific movie, show, or episode. For example, “Go to Inception.”
  • playMedia: Starts playing a specific media item right away. Try “Play Season 1, Episode 5 of Breaking Bad.”

🎯 Subtitle Analysis

  • skipToSubtitleContent: Finds the best timestamp in a video based on what you describe, using subtitles. For example, “Skip to when they talk about the plan” will use this tool.
  • explainScene: Uses subtitles around the current time to explain what’s happening. Ask “What’s going on in this scene?”
  • analyzeMedia: Looks at all subtitles to answer questions about the plot, characters, or themes. Try “What’s the main message of this movie?”

🌓 App Controls

  • themeToggle: Changes the app’s theme. Say “Switch to dark mode” or “Use system theme.”

Smart Subtitle Features: Beyond Simple Text

Finetic’s AI doesn’t just read subtitles—it understands them. When you’re watching something, the AI can use subtitles to:

  • Navigate Scenes: You don’t need to know exact timestamps. Just say, “Skip to the part where they argue” or “Take me to the car chase,” and the AI will find the right spot.
  • Explain Context: If you’re confused, ask “What’s happening right now?” The AI will use nearby subtitles to summarize the scene.
  • Analyze Content: Want to know more about the movie or episode? Ask “What’s this story about?” or “Summarize this episode,” and the AI will use all subtitles to give you a clear answer.

The best part? It uses “semantic understanding,” which means it doesn’t just look for exact words—it gets the meaning. So even if you describe a scene loosely, it can still find what you’re looking for.

Search Intelligence: Understanding What You Mean

The AI is great at figuring out what you’re talking about, even if you use abbreviations or vague descriptions. Here are some examples of how it interprets common requests:

  • “b99” → “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
  • “the movie with the blue people” → “Avatar”
  • “the show about meth” → “Breaking Bad”
  • “the wizard movie” → “Harry Potter” (or another wizard-themed movie in your library)

This makes searching for content faster and more natural—no need to remember exact titles!

The Media Player: Controlling Your Viewing Experience

Finetic’s media player is designed to be easy to use, with all the features you need for a great viewing experience.

Playing Media

To start watching, just click on any movie, TV show, or episode in your library. The player will open automatically.

Playback Options

  • Direct Play: When your browser supports the file format, Finetic streams the file directly. This is the fastest and highest-quality option.
  • Transcoding: If your browser or network can’t handle the original file, Finetic automatically converts it to a compatible format. This ensures smooth playback, even on slower connections.

The player chooses the best option for you, so you don’t have to worry about technical settings.

Skip Intro: Save Time on TV Shows

Tired of sitting through the same intro every episode? Finetic detects intros automatically and adds a “Skip Intro” button. Just click it to jump straight to the main content.

Keyboard Shortcuts: Control with Keys

For quick control, use these keyboard shortcuts while the player is open:

  • Space: Play or pause the video.
  • ← (left arrow): Seek backward a few seconds.
  • → (right arrow): Seek forward a few seconds.
  • ↑ (up arrow): Increase volume.
  • ↓ (down arrow): Decrease volume.
  • F: Toggle fullscreen mode (great for immersive viewing).

Contributing to Finetic: How You Can Help

Finetic is an open-source project, which means it’s built and improved by people like you. If you want to help make Finetic better, here are some ways to contribute:

  • Report Bugs: If you find something that isn’t working, let the developers know by creating an issue on the GitHub repository.
  • Suggest Features: Have an idea for a new feature? Share it—good ideas often come from users!
  • Submit Pull Requests: If you know how to code, you can fix bugs or add features yourself and submit your changes for review.
  • Improve Documentation: Help make guides like this one clearer, or add new tutorials for other users.

Every contribution, big or small, helps make Finetic better for everyone.

Supporting the Project

If you love using Finetic and want to support its development, consider buying the developer a coffee! You can do this by visiting ko-fi.com/V7V71J8WRS and making a small donation. It’s a great way to say “thank you” and help keep the project going.

License: What You Can Do with Finetic

Finetic is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 (GPLv3). This means:

  • You can use, copy, and modify the software for free.
  • If you share modified versions of Finetic, you must make the source code available under the same license.
  • The software comes with no warranty, but you’re free to use it as you like.

You can read the full license in the LICENSE file in the Finetic repository.

Final Thoughts: Why Finetic Is Worth Trying

Finetic brings a fresh, modern approach to using Jellyfin. With its AI-powered assistant, user-friendly interface, and powerful media player, it makes managing and enjoying your media library easier and more enjoyable than ever. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a media enthusiast, Finetic has something to offer.

Setting it up is straightforward, even if you’re not a tech expert, and the features—like smart subtitle navigation and automatic theme switching—show that it’s designed with real users in mind.

So why not give it a try? Clone the repository, follow the setup steps, and start exploring your media library in a whole new way. Who knows—you might never go back to your old media client!