Stores & marketplaces

Docker Hub

Publish an image with a clear README to reach people who run software themselves.

Visit hub.docker.com
Cost
Free

Free tier available. Check current limits for private repositories.

Verdict
slow burn

Slow burn: people who self-host look for images.

Difficulty
Easy

Mostly self-serve. Sign up and post, with light checks.

Effort
Low

About 2 to 4 hours a month.

First result
1 day to publish

A rough range for one person working on it part-time.

Payoff
Compounds

keeps growing while you keep at it.

Best for

Self-hosted server software.

Not for

Client-side apps.

Pros

  • Self-hosters look for images
  • Free tier

Cons

  • Discovery is weak
  • Only for server software

The full guide

Last verified 2026-10-30

Links checked 2026-10-30 · All links answer

01What it is and who is there

Docker Hub is the main registry for container images. People who run software on their own servers search it for images to install. For self-hostable server software, a well-documented image is the fastest way for someone to try it. Discovery inside Docker Hub is limited, so most traffic comes from your README and docs linking to it.

02Cost and what you actually pay for

Public images are free on a free account. Docker sets limits and paid plans for private repositories and some features; check current pricing.

03Is it right for you?

It fits self-hostable server software: databases, dashboards, APIs and open-source apps. It fits poorly for client-side apps and SaaS with no self-host option.

04Before you start

  • A Docker Hub account.
  • A Dockerfile that builds a small, secure image.
  • A Docker Hub description with a run command and configuration options.

05Step-by-step: how to distribute here

  1. Build a minimal image and test it.
  2. Push it with clear version tags.
  3. Write the description: what it is, one run command, environment variables, volumes.
  4. Link the image from your README and docs.
  5. Rebuild for security updates and new releases.

06What to post or submit

Description:

[Project]: [what it does]. 

Run: `docker run -p [port]:[port] [image]`

Config: [env vars]. Docs: [link].

07Common mistakes and do-nots

  • Do not ship images with secrets inside.
  • Do not use only the "latest" tag.
  • Do not leave known vulnerabilities unpatched.

08How to measure it

  • Track pulls on Docker Hub.
  • Track installs reported by users or telemetry you disclose.
  • A realistic test: compare pulls before and after improving docs.

09Time budget

  • Before: 2 to 6 hours.
  • Ongoing: 1 to 2 hours per release.

10Pair it with

11Sources

Sources