> Source: https://meetrix.io/store/strapi/
> Markdown copy of that page. Cite the URL above, not this file.

[Store](https://meetrix.io/store/)  Strapi

Open-source headless CMS

# Self-hosted Strapi headless CMS on AWS

Run Strapi, the MIT-licensed headless CMS, from a pre-configured AMI in your own AWS account. Model your content, get REST and GraphQL APIs for any front end, and keep your data on your infrastructure.

 [Launch on AWS](https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace/pp/prodview-orixghaunrwci)

-   Ready in 5-10 minutes
-   MIT licensed
-   Database backups to S3

![Strapi headless CMS deployed on AWS by Meetrix](https://meetrix.io/assets/store/strapi/strapi.webp)

## What is Strapi?

Strapi is an open-source headless CMS for websites, mobile apps, e-commerce and APIs. You define content models in its admin panel and Strapi generates the API for you, so front-end teams can use any framework without backend or database work.

-   ### Content modelling

    Define content types in the admin panel; Strapi manages the schema.

-   ### REST and GraphQL

    REST out of the box, GraphQL through the official plugin.

-   ### Friendly admin panel

    Editors manage content without touching code.

-   ### Plugin marketplace

    A large, long-running ecosystem of plugins.

-   ### Roles and permissions

    Control who can read and edit each content type.

-   ### JavaScript throughout

    100% JavaScript and TypeScript, easy to customise.

## What's in the Meetrix Strapi AMI

The AMI ships Strapi ready for its first admin account, with SSL and backups set up at launch.

-   Strapi ready for first-time admin setup
-   Database backups to your own S3 bucket
-   Automatic SSL when your domain is hosted on Route 53
-   A certificate script for issuing SSL manually otherwise
-   A CloudFormation template for your own AWS account
-   Email support from Meetrix at aws@meetrix.io

## How to set up a self-hosted Strapi server

1.  ### Launch the stack

    Subscribe on AWS Marketplace and launch the CloudFormation stack with your domain and backup bucket.

2.  ### Point your domain at it

    After 5-10 minutes, create a DNS record with the PublicIp from the stack outputs.

3.  ### Create the admin account

    Open the DashboardUrl, enter your details with a strong password and click Let's start.

4.  ### Model your content

    Create content types, add entries and call the generated API from your front end.

## Deploy on AWS

### Strapi on AWS

An AMI on AWS Marketplace, launched into your own AWS account with a CloudFormation stack.

Deploys with

CloudFormation

Recommended size

t3.small or larger

Backups

Database backups to S3

#### Setup guides

-   [**Developer guide** Launch, DNS, admin, SSL](https://meetrix.io/blogs/strapi-developer-guide/)
-   [**Install Strapi on AWS** Features, comparison and best practices](https://meetrix.io/blogs/how-to-install-strapi/)
-   [**Video walkthrough** Watch the deployment on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUgIb8kG4WM)

 [Launch on AWS](https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace/pp/prodview-orixghaunrwci)

## Strapi vs Directus

|  | Strapi | Directus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Licence | MIT (Community Edition) | MSCL-1.0-GPL |
| Free self-hosting | Any company size | Under $5M revenue and 50 employees |
| Architecture | Code-first, Strapi owns the schema | Database-first, wraps your schema |
| GraphQL | Official plugin | In core |
| Plugin ecosystem | Larger, longer-running | Smaller, growing |

Pick Strapi for new content models; Directus if you already have a SQL database. [Read Strapi vs Directus →](https://meetrix.io/blogs/strapi-vs-directus/)

## Video: deploy Strapi on AWS

## Strapi FAQ

What is Strapi?

An open-source headless CMS that separates content management from presentation, so developers can use any front-end framework with its generated APIs.

Is Strapi free?

The Community Edition is MIT licensed with no revenue or company-size limit. Paid tiers add features such as SSO and audit logs. On AWS you pay for the instance and any Meetrix software fee shown on the listing.

Does Strapi support GraphQL?

Yes, through the official GraphQL plugin on top of its REST API.

How do I create the admin account?

Open the DashboardUrl from the stack outputs and complete the setup form. Other accounts are then created from the admin panel.

Strapi or Directus?

Strapi for new projects with content models you define. Directus if you want an API and admin app on an existing database, within its licence terms.

What should I do about a 502 Bad Gateway error?

Wait about 5 minutes for Strapi to start, then refresh.

Which instance size should I choose?

t3.small or larger.

How do I upgrade?

Back up your server data, remove the old stack and launch the new version from AWS Marketplace.

## Strapi guides and articles

### [Strapi vs Directus: Which Headless CMS Should You Self-Host?](https://meetrix.io/blogs/strapi-vs-directus/)

Code-first vs database-first, and the licensing detail most reviews skip.

### [Strapi vs Directus: Which Open-Source Headless CMS in 2026?](https://meetrix.io/blogs/best-open-source-headless-cms-api/)

GraphQL, real-time and permissions, compared as APIs.

### [How to Install Strapi on AWS via AMI](https://meetrix.io/blogs/how-to-install-strapi/)

Setup, monitoring, scaling and security best practices.

## Need a hand with Strapi?

We build and run self-hosted content platforms every day, from content modelling to custom plugins. Tell us what you need.

[Contact us](https://meetrix.io/contact-us/)