Setting Up an Internet Radio Station: What You Need to Know
Have you got an idea for setting up an internet radio station? Here's a short list of things you need to know to get up and running.
Fundamentals of Internet Radio
Understanding the basics of setting up an internet radio station and how it works helps you know what to look out for and gives a clearer picture of how your audio travels from point A to point B and gets to your listeners.
How it Works
There are 3 basic stages when it comes to internet broadcasting:
- Source (You): Your computer captures audio, this can be live voice or music, then it converts it into a stream of data packets which are sent to a server.
- Server (Provider): When your stream arrives at the server it’s cleaned up and dispensed to the appropriate channels.
- Listener (Everyone): Wherever your broadcast is online, if there’s a media player or direct streaming link to the server, anyone can connect and hear you.
Quite straightforward, right? Your content is pushed to the internet, managed in the cloud via server providers like Radio.co, and distributed to your audience worldwide.
Now let’s break down what’s on offer with internet radio providers to explain the nitty-gritty details.
Server Costs
Providers use data centres to house radio stations on servers, but it costs money to host them, especially on reliable servers as prices vary depending on specifications like memory, storage, and so on.
Providers offering low-cost services should be looked at sceptically. They need to cover their own costs and make a profit to run their business, so they’ll probably be cheap for a reason.
Bandwidth
The content you're streaming to listeners uses bandwidth, which costs money depending on the quality of the stream and how frequently you’re broadcasting. Use Radio Toolbox to determine roughly how much you will use before setting up an internet radio station.
Listener Caps
Servers have limits, without them, they overload when pushed too far, that’s what listener caps are for, to prevent server loads becoming unmanageable and deteriorating streams.
Media Management
Storage space for your station determines how many tracks you can upload to your media, for instance, 10GB is enough for around 2,500 tracks and 50GB is 12,500 tracks.
Tuning In
There are multiple ways listeners can tune in to your station, either directly on your server and port like https://streaming.radio.co/s5c5da6a36/listen, through internet radio directories, or on an embedded player on your site.
Internet radio providers offer several different methods you can give listeners to access your stream, but the more the better; it might be a player on your website, your own mobile app (iOS and Android), or on as many directories and third-party spaces as you can manage.
Automated Broadcasting 24/7
Running a radio station live throughout the week can be exhausting, especially in the long term. That’s where automation can help.
Our services as Radio.co provide an all in one solution to create round the clock radio shows, not to mention it gives you peace of mind knowing your radio station is running non-stop with no interference.
Birdsong
Birdsong is a radio station built and run by Radio.co.
It’s accessible via DAB worldwide online, and runs a 24/7 stream of relaxing ambiance, so using an automated system is absolutely essential! The station uses playlists to compile calming shows and then broadcasts them using the scheduler throughout the week.
Friends & DJ Takeovers
If automating your station isn’t really your thing then you can invite your friends and DJ’s to take over your broadcasts when you’re not available.
You can set the date, time, and duration of when they can jump on board, you can even repeat slots if you want them to have a regular spot on your station. If they try to jump on air outside of their slot, they won’t be able to access the station, so you can sleep soundly knowing your shows are safe.
You can do a whole bunch of cool things with radio automation, just check out this article which explains absolutely everything!
Live Broadcasting
Radio automation is pretty great, but when it comes to setting up an internet radio station and broadcasting to your listeners then doing it live is still king.
Talk in real-time to your fans about current events, tracks you’re broadcasting, and give shout-outs to listeners; everyone loves hearing their name on the radio!
When it comes to finding something you like in regards to software solutions, the real question is: What broadcasting solution should you choose?
Simple vs Complex Broadcasting Software
Whether you’re a first-time internet radio broadcaster looking for something simple or an experienced professional scouting for a better alternative, there are plenty of choices - ranging from easy “click and broadcast” to complex “oh my god why are there so many buttons” solutions.
Whatever you’re after, it’s best to weigh up the options, that’s why you should educate yourself on the best radio broadcasting solutions you should check out.
Station Branding
Coca-cola, Apple, and McDonald’s all have something very similar in common; they each have very strong and recognisable brands.
If your station can easily be recognised by its logo, slogan, or the type of music you play, then you’re doing something right! Your station should have a strong brand to stand out from the competition and other choices available online.
The “WOW” Factor
Owning an internet radio station that’s broadcasting 24/7 isn’t always enough, you need to stand out and be someone worth following to build your audience, especially early on so you have the essentials in place. Take relax and chill station Buzz Beach Radio.
They have a consistent brand with tracks they play, the artwork they use for content on their site, and how they position themselves online through advertisements and tone.
Your station's branding should be just as memorable and individual so you stick in people's minds.
Setup Your Internet Radio Station
Now it’s your turn. Use this as a launch pad to push you towards launching the internet radio station of your dreams.
You should know some of the essentials of internet radio broadcasting, how automation can help with the sometimes heavy load of running your own station, the different solutions you have access to broadcast live, and how you should brand yourself to stand out from the masses online.
Got questions about setting up an internet radio station? Our team here at Radio.co know just how tricky it is setting up an internet radio station for the first time and the hurdles you’re up against. That’s why we pool our resources together to bring you free content to give you advice, give you access to a team of in-house experts to chat with, and have a support team on standby to lend a helping hand- Not to mention you can try Radio.co for free for 7 days!
