Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this tutorial, you will learn how to install Directus, a free, open-source Airtable alternative, on a Hostinger VPS using Docker and Claude Code. You'll see how to lock it down behind Tailscale so your content and data stay private, and how to grab a free license through Directus's Open Innovation Grant.
🧠 What You Will Learn
- Directus: a free, self-hosted Airtable alternative
- Docker: install Directus with its own Postgres database
- Claude Code: automate the VPS install end to end
- Tailscale: keep Directus private and never public
- Hostinger VPS: deploy Directus in a Docker container
- Open Innovation Grant: unlock a free unlimited license
- Airtable migration: moving your data into Directus
🔗 Links Mentioned:
🗂️ Directus: directus.io
🔒 Tailscale (my setup guide): youtu.be/3UePiR7_AFg
Tools I Use:
🌐 Mike Murphy AI: mikemurphy.ai
🚀 Hostinger VPS: go.mikemurphy.ai/vps
🎙️ ElevenLabs: go.mikemurphy.ai/elevenlabs
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 Intro: About The Tutorial
00:36 NocoDB
01:06 Option #2: BaseRow
01:23 Option #3: Grist
01:43 Winner: Directus
02:17 What is Directus?
02:43 Prerequistites
03:31 Launch Claude Code
04:19 Connect To VPS SSH
05:15 Directus App + DB Volumes
05:48 VPS Docker Manager
07:08 Environment (.env) Box
07:43 VPS Terminal: Docker & Tailscale Status
08:37 Connect To Directus (TailScale)
09:33 Sign-In & Grant
10:14 Importing AirTable + Data
10:53 Directus vs AirTable Comp
11:12 mikemurphy.ai
11:22 Astro Build
12:14 VPS: Docker Catalog
⭐ Connect with Me
➜ Website: mikemurphy.ai
➜ YouTube: youtube.com/mikemurphyco
➜ Newsletter: mikemurphy.ai/newsletter
➜ X: https://x.com/mikemurphyai
⚖️ Disclosure
Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. I only share tools and services I use, trust, or think are useful for creators, small businesses, and tutorial makers.
In this tutorial, you will learn how to install Directus, a free, open-source Airtable alternative, on a Hostinger VPS using Docker and Claude Code. You'll see how to lock it down behind Tailscale so your content and data stay private, and how to grab a free license through Directus's Open Innovation Grant.
🧠 What You Will Learn
- Directus: a free, self-hosted Airtable alternative
- Docker: install Directus with its own Postgres database
- Claude Code: automate the VPS install end to end
- Tailscale: keep Directus private and never public
- Hostinger VPS: deploy Directus in a Docker container
- Open Innovation Grant: unlock a free unlimited license
- Airtable migration: moving your data into Directus
🔗 Links Mentioned:
🗂️ Directus: directus.io
🔒 Tailscale (my setup guide): youtu.be/3UePiR7_AFg
Tools I Use:
🌐 Mike Murphy AI: mikemurphy.ai
🚀 Hostinger VPS: go.mikemurphy.ai/vps
🎙️ ElevenLabs: go.mikemurphy.ai/elevenlabs
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 Intro: About The Tutorial
00:36 NocoDB
01:06 Option #2: BaseRow
01:23 Option #3: Grist
01:43 Winner: Directus
02:17 What is Directus?
02:43 Prerequistites
03:31 Launch Claude Code
04:19 Connect To VPS SSH
05:15 Directus App + DB Volumes
05:48 VPS Docker Manager
07:08 Environment (.env) Box
07:43 VPS Terminal: Docker & Tailscale Status
08:37 Connect To Directus (TailScale)
09:33 Sign-In & Grant
10:14 Importing AirTable + Data
10:53 Directus vs AirTable Comp
11:12 mikemurphy.ai
11:22 Astro Build
12:14 VPS: Docker Catalog
⭐ Connect with Me
➜ Website: mikemurphy.ai
➜ YouTube: youtube.com/mikemurphyco
➜ Newsletter: mikemurphy.ai/newsletter
➜ X: https://x.com/mikemurphyai
⚖️ Disclosure
Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. I only share tools and services I use, trust, or think are useful for creators, small businesses, and tutorial makers.
