Start with the service you need back
A compact server backup and a visually identical recovery are different objectives. Jellyfin introduced built-in backups in 10.11. The choices below describe that feature, not a backup of the original media files. Decide how much recreation work you can accept during recovery.
| Choice | Documented backup scope |
|---|---|
| Database | Always included; server database data |
| Metadata | Optional; metadata directory, potentially including images |
| Subtitles | Optional; extracted and downloaded subtitles |
| Trickplay | Optional; generated data stored away from the media |
Estimate the consequence of omission
For an original training-video archive with hand-curated images and authorised downloaded subtitles, retaining Metadata and Subtitles can reduce recovery work. If the recovery objective requires its generated thumbnail previews immediately, include the applicable Trickplay data too; otherwise document the regeneration work you accept. Use measured sizes where available. The free-space precheck is not a guarantee that a particularly large archive will fit.
Keep media-file protection on a separate line. An administrator who sees a successful server archive should still know where the original videos, music or books are backed up. This distinction prevents a maintenance tick box from becoming an unsupported promise of complete collection recovery.
Record the selection with the archive
Store the server version, chosen categories and recovery objective next to the retained copy. During a rehearsal, compare that objective with the recovered library, including a representative item whose optional assets matter. If something is absent, first check whether it was selected for backup before treating the archive as corrupt.
Questions answered
Is the smallest backup always the wrong choice?
No. Match the selection to the recovery objective and document any material that must be recreated or restored separately.
Does passing the backup space check guarantee enough capacity?
No. Check the expected archive size and available storage for your selected data.
Sources & further reading
Official references for the subjects discussed. Service terms and device software can change.