How TwineLine works

TwineLine server

The TwineLine server is the “brains” of the app. It analyzes photos, creates slideshows, synchronizes playback on multiple devices, and responds to user controls.

Your biggest choice (which you can change at any time) is where the server runs. You can run a local server on a computer in your home for free (Windows, Mac, or Linux). This provides maximum control and privacy.

Alternatively, a cloud server can run for less than $7 per month. This is the easiest option, provides good speed for AI analysis, and allows your friends and family to see your daily slideshow (protected by a password) anywhere in the world. You can try it for free for a month and then move to your own computer if you prefer.

If you’re torn between these options, we suggest trying the cloud server. It can do a lot of AI analysis of your collection during the free month. The results can be copied to your own computer later if you prefer not to pay for the cloud server (and don’t care about web access for your slideshows).

Photos & videos

A local server can create slideshows from photos and videos stored on your computer’s hard drive. Both types of server can access photos on OneDrive as well as public photo collections like Pixabay.

Why OneDrive? Because Microsoft provides operating system independent access to your online photo collection that TwineLine needs. Apple and Google do not. But don’t worry — TwineLine can copy large collections from Google/iCloud Photos to OneDrive if you can wait a day or two for the task to complete.

If you don’t have a OneDrive account, you can get an account with 5 GB of storage for free. That’s only enough for a small photo collection, but an account with 1 TB of storage (1000 GB) costs less than $9 per month paid annually. More details.

Devices

A TwineLine slideshow can be viewed or controlled using any device with a modern browser (Chrome, Safari, and Edge have been tested). To connect to a TwineLine server on a local computer, simply enter the computer’s IP address in the browser’s search bar (the device and the server must be on the same local network).

Focus on flexibility

TwineLine is very flexible about where your photos and videos are stored, what server computer you have or rent, and the kinds of devices that can display your slideshows. It might take a little time to get things perfectly set up for your wishes and your budget.

Where are your files?

Different companies have different policies about how apps like TwineLine can access photos and videos in their collections.

Microsoft OneDrive provides the best policy, allowing TwineLine to directly access the files and location data recorded by phones and modern cameras.

Apple also provides good access, but only if you are running TwineLine on a Mac computer. Apple does not provide a good way to migrate your files to OneDrive, so a Mac is required.

Google Photos closed access in 2025, making things difficult but not impossible. TwineLine provides ways to migrate your Google Photos to OneDrive where everything works smoothly.

Smart TV + your computer

Best if your TV has Google TV or Fire TV built in. No extra hardware needed.

Cost: free. Runs when your computer is on.

Streaming stick + your computer

Best for older TVs without a built-in smart platform.

Cost: ~$30 one-time for the stick. Runs when your computer is on.

All-in-one computer

Best for a dedicated mini PC that stays connected to the TV.

Cost: free (if you have a spare computer) or ~$150 for a mini PC.

Cloud server

Best for always-on operation and access from anywhere.

Cost: ~$7/month (at least one month free with our referral link).

Which setup is right for me?

There is no wrong choice — you can change your setup anytime without losing your photos, face recognition data, or slideshows.

Quick guide