# How to Deploy Instatic on xCloud

> Deploy the beta Instatic visual CMS on xCloud using a compatible Docker and Nginx server, then complete its first-owner setup.

**[Instatic](https://xcloud.host/instatic-hosting/)** is a beta self-hosted visual CMS with an integrated editor, application-level authentication, SQLite storage, and persistent uploads. This guide shows you how to select Instatic from the xCloud application catalog, choose a compatible server, configure a domain, and finish the first-owner setup.

## Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

-   An active [xCloud](https://xcloud.host/) account.
-   Access to create sites on your xCloud team.
-   A server that uses the **Docker + Nginx** stack, or permission to deploy a new compatible server.
-   At least **1 vCPU** and **2 GB of free disk space**. The xCloud catalog recommends **4 GB RAM** for this application.
-   A custom domain with DNS access if you plan to choose **Go Live** instead of an xCloud demo domain.

> **Note:** Instatic is currently marked as beta. Review your backup and recovery requirements before using it for production content.

## Step 1: Select Instatic from the app catalog

From the xCloud dashboard, start the **Add New Site** flow and open the application catalog. Search for **Instatic**, then select the Instatic application card.

![Select the Instatic application from the xCloud app catalog](/_landing/docs/how-to-deploy-instatic-on-xcloud-01-find-instatic.png)

Select Instatic from the xCloud application catalog.

## Step 2: Choose where Instatic will run

Choose one of the available deployment options:

-   **Deploy on a new server:** Provision dedicated resources for Instatic.
-   **Use an existing server:** Select a compatible server running Docker + Nginx.

For an existing server, confirm that the card shows enough available resources. Select the server, then click **Continue**.

![Choose a compatible Docker and Nginx server for Instatic](/_landing/docs/how-to-deploy-instatic-on-xcloud-02-select-server.png)

Choose a compatible server for the Instatic deployment.

## Step 3: Configure the site and domain

Enter a descriptive **Site Title**. You can also add an optional tag to organize the site in xCloud.

Under **Domain Setup**, choose one of the following:

-   **Go Live:** Use your own domain and point its DNS records to the server as instructed by xCloud.
-   **Demo Site:** Use a temporary `x-cloud.app` domain while you configure and review the CMS.

For a demo site, enter the desired subdomain, confirm the complete domain shown in the form, and click **Next**. Review the installation details and start the deployment.

![Configure an xCloud demo domain for the Instatic site](/_landing/docs/how-to-deploy-instatic-on-xcloud-03-configure-domain.png)

Configure a temporary xCloud demo domain.

**Expected result:** xCloud validates the site details and prepares the Instatic installation on the selected server.

## Complete the first-owner setup

After deployment finishes, open:

```
https://your-domain.example/admin
```

Complete the first-owner setup immediately by entering:

-   The site name.
-   The owner email address.
-   A password with at least 12 characters.

> **Important:** Until the first-owner setup is complete, anyone who can reach the setup page may be able to claim the owner account.

## Backup and configuration notes

Instatic stores application data and uploads in persistent volumes. Back up both the application data and uploads together.

Keep the generated `INSTATIC_SECRET_KEY` stable. Changing it makes previously saved provider credentials and TOTP MFA seeds unreadable. If the key must change, re-enter encrypted provider credentials and re-enroll TOTP MFA after redeployment.

Your Instatic CMS is now deployed through xCloud on either a temporary demo domain or your custom domain. You can continue configuration from the `/admin` page, then add content and prepare the site for your intended audience.