Seedr's web interface is great for managing files and streaming video. But sometimes you need direct file access — playing files in VLC, browsing in your file manager, or using files with applications that don't understand cloud storage.

WebDAV solves this. It's a standard protocol that makes remote storage appear as a local network drive. Connect your Seedr storage via WebDAV, and it shows up in Windows Explorer, Mac Finder, or Linux file managers just like any other drive. Open files with any application. Drag and drop between your local drives and Seedr. It just works.

This is especially powerful for media server software like Plex and Jellyfin. Add your Seedr WebDAV mount as a library source, and your cloud files become part of your media library — complete with automatic metadata, artwork, and organization.

What Is WebDAV?

WebDAV (Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning) is a file access protocol built on HTTP. It's been around since 1996 and is supported by every major operating system natively. No additional software required.

Think of it like a bridge between cloud storage and your local computer. Your operating system sees a network drive. Behind the scenes, WebDAV translates file operations into web requests. The result: seamless access to remote files as if they were local.

Why WebDAV (vs. Other Protocols)

• Native OS support — Windows, macOS, and Linux support WebDAV without installing anything.
• Works through firewalls — Uses HTTP/HTTPS, which is allowed on virtually every network.
• Encrypted — HTTPS connections are encrypted end-to-end.
• No special ports — Uses standard web ports (443 for HTTPS).
• Wide application support — Any app that can open files from a network drive works with WebDAV.

Setting Up WebDAV

Windows

1. Open File Explorer
2. Right-click "This PC" → "Add a network location" or "Map network drive"
3. Enter your Seedr WebDAV URL (provided in your account settings)
4. Enter your Seedr username and password
5. Done — Seedr appears as a network drive

Windows tip: For best performance, use a WebDAV client like NetDrive or Mountain Duck instead of the built-in Windows WebDAV. The native client works but can be slow with large files.

macOS

1. In Finder, press Cmd+K (or Go → Connect to Server)
2. Enter your Seedr WebDAV URL
3. Enter credentials when prompted
4. Seedr mounts in Finder and appears in the sidebar

macOS handles WebDAV natively and performs well. For persistent mounts that reconnect after reboot, add the connection to your Login Items.

Linux

Multiple options depending on your distribution and preferences:

• GNOME Files (Nautilus): Press Ctrl+L, enter davs://your-webdav-url
• KDE Dolphin: Enter the WebDAV URL in the address bar
• Command line (davfs2): sudo mount -t davfs https://webdav-url /mnt/seedr
• Persistent mount: Add to /etc/fstab with davfs2

Mobile Devices

iOS and Android don't have native WebDAV support, but many apps do:

• iOS: Files app with WebDAV-enabled file managers, Infuse, VLC, nPlayer
• Android: Solid Explorer, X-plore File Manager, VLC

Use Cases

Media Server Integration

The most popular use case. Mount Seedr via WebDAV and add it as a library source in:

• Plex — Your Seedr files get automatic metadata, poster art, and are served to any Plex client. Setup guide →
• Jellyfin — Open-source alternative with the same integration. Setup guide →
• Emby — Another media server option that supports network locations.

Direct Playback in Media Players

Open files directly from the mounted drive:

• VLC — Navigate to the mounted drive and open any video
• Infuse (Apple TV/iOS) — Add Seedr as a share and browse your library
• Kodi — Add WebDAV as a source in file manager, or use our native Seedr addon
• MPV, MPC-HC, PotPlayer — Any player that can open files

File Management

Use your preferred file manager instead of a web browser:

• Drag and drop files between local storage and Seedr
• Rename, move, and organize with familiar tools
• Use command-line tools for batch operations
• Integrate with backup software

Application Access

Any application that can open files can now access your Seedr storage:

• Photo viewers for image libraries
• Document editors for cloud-stored files
• Development tools for project files
• Any software that uses File → Open

WebDAV vs. FTP

Seedr also offers FTP access. Here's how they compare:

Bottom line: WebDAV is more convenient for everyday use and media server integration. FTP is great for bulk transfers and when you prefer dedicated FTP clients. See our FTP setup guide with FileZilla →

Performance Tips

Streaming Video

For smooth video playback, your internet connection needs to be fast enough to stream the file. A 1080p video at typical bitrates needs roughly 10-20 Mbps. 4K needs 40+ Mbps. If playback stutters, the file may need to buffer — or use Seedr's built-in player which handles adaptive bitrate streaming.

Large File Transfers

WebDAV works well for transferring individual large files. For many small files, consider using FTP or the web interface's bulk download feature.

Caching

Your OS may cache file listings and metadata. If you add files via the web interface, the mounted drive might take a moment to reflect changes. Refresh the folder view if needed.

Persistent Connections

For always-available access, configure your mount to reconnect automatically after reboot. The exact method varies by OS (Login Items on Mac, Task Scheduler on Windows, /etc/fstab on Linux).

Common Questions

What Seedr plan do I need for WebDAV?

WebDAV requires a Master plan. Pro plans have FTP access but not WebDAV. Free and Basic plans use the web interface and built-in streaming.

Is the connection secure?

Yes. WebDAV connections use HTTPS, which encrypts all data in transit. Your credentials and files are protected.

Can I write files to Seedr via WebDAV?

Yes. WebDAV supports both read and write operations. Upload files by dragging them to the mounted drive, or save directly from applications.

Why is Windows WebDAV slow?

Windows' built-in WebDAV client has known performance issues with large files. Use a third-party WebDAV client like NetDrive, Mountain Duck, or Cyberduck for better performance.

Does it work with Plex?

Yes. Mount Seedr via WebDAV, then add the mount point as a library location in Plex. Plex scans your Seedr files and serves them like any local media. See our Plex integration guide →

Can I use WebDAV on multiple computers?

Yes. Connect from as many devices as you want. They all access the same Seedr storage.

What's the WebDAV URL?

You'll find your personal WebDAV URL in your Seedr account settings under "WebDAV Access" (Master plan required).

Is there a bandwidth limit?

No artificial limits. Transfer as much as your internet connection allows. WebDAV performance depends on your local network speed and Seedr's server capacity (which is substantial).