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Deploy Remark42

Before using the one-click template, here is a minimal Docker Compose example for running Remark42 locally or on your own server.

If you're new to Docker Compose, check out our guide on how to self-host a Docker Compose app. You can also browse more examples in our Docker Compose library.

Self-host Remark42 with Docker Compose (minimal)​

services:
  remark42:
    image: ghcr.io/umputun/remark42:latest
    ports:
      - "8080:8080"
    environment:
      SITE: mysite
      REMARK_URL: http://localhost:8080
      SECRET: changeme
    volumes:
      - remark-data:/srv/var

volumes:
  remark-data:

Deploy Remark42 on Hostim.dev (One-Click)

Remark42 is a lightweight, self-hosted comment system and Disqus alternative with OAuth login, spam protection, and a minimalist UI.

💬 Self-host your comments. Privacy-first. Zero tracking.

Try it Yourself

Guest project runs for 1 hour. Log in to save and extend to 5 days.

Why Host Remark42 on Hostim.dev?​

  • One-click Docker deployment
  • Persistent storage included
  • HTTPS and free domain
  • OAuth-ready (GitHub, Google, Facebook, etc.)
  • Live logs and metrics

What's included​

ResourceDetails
Appghcr.io/umputun/remark42:latest
Volume/srv/var
DomainFree *.hostim.dev
SSLAuto-enabled
Port8080
ConfigAnonymous auth enabled by default

How to Deploy​

  1. Go to your Hostim.dev dashboard.
  2. Create Project → Use a Template.
  3. Select Remark42.
  4. Choose a plan.
  5. Deploy.

FAQ​

What is the minimum required configuration?

A SITE ID and REMARK_URL are required for the widget to work.

Where does Remark42 store comments?

All comment data is saved in /srv/var on a persistent volume.

Does Remark42 require a database?

No. It uses a file-based BoltDB backend.

How do I enable OAuth?

Add provider variables like AUTH_GITHUB_CID and AUTH_GITHUB_CSEC .

Why is my widget not loading?

The SITE env variable must match the site_id used on your website.

How do I embed Remark42?

Insert the embed script snippet provided in the Post-Deploy Notes.

How do I back up my instance?

Back up the entire data directory /srv/var.

How do I update Remark42?

Docker: docker compose pull && docker compose up -d. Hostim.dev: redeploy the app.

Additional Notes​

Add SITE Variable​

Add SITE=your-site-id under Environment Variables.

OAuth Setup (Optional)​

Add:

  • AUTH_GITHUB_CID
  • AUTH_GITHUB_CSEC
  • or other provider vars

Website Integration Snippet​

<script>
  var remark_config = {
    host: "https://your-remark42-domain.hostim.dev",
    site_id: "your-site-id",
    components: ["embed"],
    theme: "light",
  };
</script>
<div id="remark42"></div>
<script>
  !(function (e, n) {
    for (var o = 0; o < e.length; o++) {
      var r = n.createElement("script"),
        c = ".js",
        d = n.head || n.body;
      "noModule" in r ? ((r.type = "module"), (c = ".mjs")) : (r.async = !0),
        (r.defer = !0),
        (r.src = remark_config.host + "/web/" + e[o] + c),
        d.appendChild(r);
    }
  })(remark_config.components || ["embed"], document);
</script>

Source + Docs​

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