The Fast & Local Plex Photos Alternative
Want to show a folder of photos on your TV without setting up a media server? PictaCast casts local images from your computer to a Google Cast receiver.
Open PictaCast in Chrome or Edge, sign in with Google, select a folder, and cast on your local network. Free for 10 minutes per day.
Try the Web App FreePlex photo libraries
- Set up Plex Media Server and add your photo folders as a library.
- Maintain a media library that can serve supported Plex apps.
- Manage server access and client apps for your viewing setup.
- Basic photo viewing is free; check Plex for current app and feature availability.
The PictaCast Way
- Open Chrome or Edge on your computer and sign in with Google.
- Select a local folder on your hard drive.
- Click "Cast" and see your photos instantly on your TV.
- One-time fee. Get a lifetime license and own it forever.
A 100% Private Local Photo Viewer
Unlike cloud-based alternatives, PictaCast is entirely local. Zero cloud storage. Your memories stay strictly on your secure local network — never on someone else's server.
Built for local photo slideshows
Instant
Select a folder without creating a separate media-server library. Loading time depends on your files, computer, and network.
Private
No separate account to create — just sign in with Google. No cloud syncing. Your photos never leave your local network.
Affordable
One-time lifetime license. No recurring fees, ever. Pay once and own your casting tool forever.
No credit card required. No subscription needed. One-time payment options available.
Try a local TV slideshow alongside Plex
Keep your existing library while you test. PictaCast uses files accessible to your computer; it does not connect to Plex or migrate its albums and metadata.
- Choose a small folder of photos on your laptop or desktop. Keep external drives connected during playback.
- Connect your computer and a video-capable Google Cast receiver to the same local network. Roku and Samsung branding alone does not mean a TV supports Google Cast.
- Open PictaCast in Chrome or Edge, sign in with Google, select the folder, and choose your TV from the Cast menu.
- Try the free 10-minute daily session before buying a pass. Keep the computer awake and the app open while casting.
If the TV is missing or playback stops, follow the Chromecast setup and troubleshooting guide.
When should you keep Plex?
Keep Plex for the library and supported client features you already use. PictaCast is focused on local TV slideshows and does not provide remote photo access or a photo backup service. Local streaming also does not guarantee fully offline setup: the web app, sign-in, and Cast receiver may need internet access.
Plex offers basic photo viewing for free. See Plex's free and paid features and PictaCast pricing to compare the options for your setup.
Common questions
Do I need to move my Plex photo library?
No. PictaCast reads a folder accessible to your computer; it does not import Plex libraries, albums, or metadata. Try a small folder first and keep your existing Plex setup. PictaCast is an option for local TV slideshows, not a replacement for every Plex feature.
Does PictaCast require a server app like Plex Media Server?
No. PictaCast runs entirely in your web browser (Chrome, Edge, or Brave). There are no background server services to install or manage on your PC or Mac.
Can I use PictaCast outside my home network?
No. Unlike Plex which allows remote streaming across the internet, PictaCast is designed strictly for local casting (e.g., casting from your laptop to the TV in the same room on the same Wi-Fi).