How to Host n8n on the CLOUD! (Hostinger VPS) - Step by Step Tutorial

Key Concepts

• NN (presumably n8n, a workflow automation platform)
• Private Cloud Server
• Hostinger VPS (Virtual Private Server)
• KVM 2 (Virtualization type and specific Hostinger plan)
• Community Nodes (n8n feature for self-hosted instances)
• Browser Terminal (Access to server command line)
• Ubuntu (Linux distribution)
• Docker containers
• AI Workshop (Discount code)

Hosting NN on Hostinger VPS: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Introduction and Rationale

The video focuses on setting up NN (likely n8n) on a Hostinger VPS. The presenter argues that Hostinger VPS is the "best option" due to its affordability, reliability, and security compared to alternatives like Digital Ocean and Railway. The presenter emphasizes personal experience and long-term reliability as key factors.

2. Selecting a Hostinger VPS Plan

• Navigate to Hostinger via the provided link (in the video description).
• The presenter recommends the "KVM 2" plan due to its specifications (2 vCPUs, 8 GB RAM) and current discount (61% off).
• While KVM 2 is recommended, the presenter advises considering other plans based on individual use case requirements.
• The presenter notes that the chosen plan can be upgraded later if needed.

3. Applying the Discount Code

• Before proceeding with payment, click on "Have a coupon code."
• Enter the code "AI Workshop" to receive an additional 10% discount.
• The presenter highlights the 24-month plan as offering the largest discount, but other plans are available.

4. Completing Registration and Payment

• Leave the server location selection as default to automatically choose the nearest location (e.g., United States for a user in the US).
• Register with an email address and password or use Google login.
• Enter billing information and proceed with payment.

5. Guided Setup and OS Selection

• After payment, click "Get Started" to initiate the guided setup.
• Select your country.
• In the "Search OS" section, search for "nadn" (n8n).
• Select the n8n application, which is built on Ubuntu.
• Choose to install the optional "Monarch malware scanner" (free).

6. Setting the Root Password and Finishing Setup

• Create a strong root password for the VPS. This password will be used to log in to the VPS.
• Leave the VPS hostname as default (can be changed later).
• Click "Finish Setup" to begin the VPS installation process. This may take a few minutes.

7. Accessing the NN Application

• Once the setup is complete, click on "Manage VPS" from the VPS dashboard.
• Skip any initial prompts.
• Click on "Manage App" to access the n8n setup page in a new tab.

8. NN Setup and Configuration

• Enter the required information (only needs to be done once).
• Click "Get Started" and skip any introductory sections.
• NN is now set up and accessible via the provided URL.

9. Verifying the Setup and Accessing Community Nodes

• To verify the setup, go to "Settings" within NN.
• Confirm that "Community Nodes" are accessible. This is a key advantage of self-hosting NN on a private server, as it's not available in cloud versions.
• The presenter emphasizes the ability to install and use Community Nodes.

10. Accessing the Browser Terminal

• To access the server's command line, click on "Browser Terminal."
• This opens a web-based terminal where you can run Docker containers or execute other commands, similar to a local terminal.
• The presenter suggests using the terminal for tasks like downloading local language models through AMA.

11. Scaling and Upgrading

• The presenter advises against touching any other settings initially.
• If additional CPU or storage is needed, the VPS plan can be upgraded later.

12. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The presenter concludes by reiterating the benefits of using Hostinger VPS for hosting NN, citing personal experience and reliability. The presenter mentions switching from Digital Ocean and Railway due to issues with pricing and reliability. The presenter encourages viewers to ask questions in the comments and promises to provide updates if any issues or updates arise.

Key Quotes

• "This is the best option in the market right now because of how affordable it is how reliable it is and how secure it is compared to the other options that are out there in the market."
• "I've tested a bunch different VPS options and you can see in my channel I've done tutorials on digital ocean on Railway and a bunch of other ones as well so that's why I say this is the best option because I use this personally myself."
• "The great thing about uh running NN on your own P private Cloud Server is that you can take advantage of the community noes and take advantage of kind of the self-hosting optionality as well that you have."

Technical Terms and Concepts

• VPS (Virtual Private Server): A virtualized server that emulates a dedicated server within a shared hosting environment.
• KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine): A full virtualization solution for Linux.
• vCPU (Virtual CPU): A virtualized central processing unit assigned to a virtual machine.
• RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatile memory used for storing data that is actively being used.
• Ubuntu: A popular Linux distribution.
• Docker: A platform for developing, shipping, and running applications in containers.
• Community Nodes (in n8n): User-contributed nodes that extend the functionality of n8n.
• Browser Terminal: A web-based interface providing access to the server's command line.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The video provides a practical, step-by-step guide to deploying NN on a Hostinger VPS. It emphasizes the cost-effectiveness, reliability, and security of this approach compared to other hosting options. The guide covers everything from selecting a VPS plan and applying a discount code to configuring the server and accessing key NN features like Community Nodes and the browser terminal. The presenter's personal experience and comparisons to alternative platforms add credibility to the recommendation. The key takeaway is that Hostinger VPS offers a viable and user-friendly solution for self-hosting NN, providing greater control and access to features not available in cloud-based versions.