LightNet is an open-source developer tool that makes it easy to run digital media libraries for ministries. Built on the Astro web framework, it generates fast, static sites that share videos, audio, documents, images, and links — no database, no backend, no tracking, no ads.^1
Created by developers at OM (Operation Mobilisation) and MediaWorks, LightNet was born from a real need: ministries around the world struggle with scattered media — files stuck on personal devices, lost in social media feeds, or fragmented across platforms. LightNet brings everything into one searchable, customizable place that ministries fully control.^2
The tool is designed for developers, not end users. An experienced developer can set up a new media library in about a day using the example template, then customize branding, language, and content to fit any community. LightNet supports any language, any media type, and can be hosted anywhere — even a Raspberry Pi or a free content delivery network.^3
Since its initial release, the LightNet ecosystem has expanded with official integrations including Sveltia CMS for content management and Plausible Analytics for privacy-friendly usage insights, giving ministries more tools to manage and measure their outreach.^4 Real-world deployments include the MediaWorks Digital Library (serving least-reached people groups in 50+ languages), Nadija (providing Christian resources to Ukrainians during wartime), and Food for Thought (connecting Bible truth to everyday topics).^1 The project is actively maintained with 140+ releases and a growing community of contributors.^4
LightNet is featured on EMDC.tools, the Evangelical Missions Development Community's resource directory, as a recommended tool for global missions media distribution.^5 It is free and open source under the MIT License — the only ongoing cost is a domain name (approximately $15/year). The project welcomes contributions of code, ideas, financial support, and testimonies.^3
