Deploy Django in 60 Seconds
Django is the batteries-included Python web framework. Deploy your Django project with one command - no WSGI plumbing, no collectstatic headaches, no server config.
The usual way to deploy Django
- Configuring Gunicorn or Daphne (for async) with the correct wsgi.py or asgi.py path and worker count
- Running collectstatic in the deploy pipeline and configuring nginx to serve /static/ and /media/ separately
- Managing ALLOWED_HOSTS, SECRET_KEY, DEBUG=False, and database URLs across environments without leaking secrets
- Setting up database migrations in the deployment flow - running migrate before the new code starts serving traffic
- Handling the CSRF_TRUSTED_ORIGINS, SECURE_PROXY_SSL_HEADER, and X-Forwarded-Proto settings behind a reverse proxy
Django handles everything in code, but going from manage.py runserver to production is a multi-hour ordeal.
Or just run one command
What you get
Recommended plan for Django
- 2 vCPU
- 2 GB RAM
- 25 GB storage
- HTTPS included
- Custom domain support
- SSH & web terminal access
Django deployment notes
Settings for Production
Set ALLOWED_HOSTS to include your .instapods.app domain. InstaPods injects env vars for SECRET_KEY, DEBUG, and DATABASE_URL so you don't hardcode secrets.
Database
SQLite works for small projects. For PostgreSQL, use an external managed database and set DATABASE_URL via environment variables in the InstaPods dashboard.
Static & Media Files
InstaPods runs collectstatic during deploy. Static files are served via the reverse proxy. For user uploads, configure MEDIA_ROOT to a persistent path.
Django hosting FAQ
How much does Django hosting cost in 2026?
Django hosting on InstaPods starts at $7/mo on the Build plan (2 vCPU, 1GB RAM, 20GB disk), which is the realistic minimum for a Django project with collectstatic, migrations, and a Postgres database in the same pod. The Launch plan at $3/mo works for very small Django sites with SQLite. Heroku Eco starts at $5/mo for the dyno alone, then $9+/mo for Postgres on top. Render starts at $7/mo plus Postgres fees.
Is Django hosting free?
No production-grade Django hosting is truly free. PythonAnywhere offers a free tier limited to one app on their subdomain with restrictions. Render's free tier sleeps after 15 minutes of inactivity, which breaks any Django app that relies on a persistent worker. InstaPods starts at $3/mo on a real always-on server, with a $10 credit when you add a card.
How do I deploy a Django app to production?
On InstaPods, run `instapods deploy my-app --preset python` from inside your Django project. The CLI runs pip install, runs collectstatic, runs migrate, starts Gunicorn with your wsgi.py, and returns a live URL with HTTPS. Set ALLOWED_HOSTS in your settings.py to include the InstaPods subdomain (or use a wildcard during development).
Does Django need Postgres or can I use SQLite?
SQLite works fine for small Django sites and is the easiest to start with because there is nothing to configure. For multi-user production sites, Postgres is the standard choice. On InstaPods, add Postgres as a managed service on the same pod (`instapods services add my-app postgres`); the DATABASE_URL env var is set automatically.
How do I handle Django static and media files?
InstaPods runs collectstatic during deploy and serves the resulting /static/ via nginx. For user uploads (media files), configure MEDIA_ROOT to a path inside /home/instapod/app/media; the disk persists across restarts. If you need CDN-served media, point Django Storages at S3 or R2 and use those credentials via env vars.
How does Django hosting on InstaPods compare to Heroku or Render?
InstaPods is $7/mo flat with Postgres included on the same pod and SSH access on every plan. Heroku Basic dyno is $7/mo plus $9+/mo for Mini Postgres. Render Starter is $7/mo plus $7+/mo for Starter Postgres. For most Django apps, InstaPods is half the cost at the same performance, with the added benefit of SSH access for debugging.
Can I run Django migrations on deploy?
Yes. InstaPods runs `python manage.py migrate` automatically as part of the deploy step. If you need to run a one-off migration manually, SSH into the pod (`instapods ssh my-app`) and run any management command directly.
Can I use a custom domain with my Django app?
Yes, included on every plan. Add the domain in the InstaPods dashboard, set a CNAME, SSL auto-issues. Remember to add the domain to Django's ALLOWED_HOSTS setting before going live.
Deploy Django in 60 seconds
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