How to Start a Radio Station
Got an idea for a radio station but not sure how to get started? Here's your quick guide on everything you need to know to start a radio station.
Got an idea for your own online radio station but not sure how to get started? Here's your quick guide on everything you need to know to start a radio station.
Where Should I Start?
Starting anything new can be challenging when you don't know where to begin. But starting your own online radio station needn't be complicated! Unlike traditional FM/AM radio, online radio offers you the option to get on-air in a matter of minutes. And you don't need to know advanced terminology or own high-end equipment.
The best place to start is to try it for yourself to get to grips with the basics. Like uploading music, broadcasting live, and sharing your station with your listeners online. Once you know the essentials you can expand your skills. And discover all the tricks to broadcasting professional radio.
Do I Need Equipment?
The short answer: no. It's a common misunderstanding that you need an expensive microphone, mixer, and headphones, but this isn't true.
The only thing you do need is a computer (or laptop or smartphone) and internet access. These mean you can upload your music or shows to your radio station, schedule when they're broadcast, and share them on social media.
If you want to broadcast live shows with speech, then you do need a microphone. But you can use the built in one in your laptop or smartphone. Or buy an affordable USB mic like the Fifine 669 which is $30 / ÂŁ30.
We cover a range of different equipment from basic to professional you can use with your station here.
What About a License?
Needing a license to start a radio station entirely depends on what you intend to broadcast, how long, where from, and who to.
If you're planning on broadcasting commercial mainstream hits then you need to pay royalties. But if you’re broadcasting your own content or royalty-free music then you don’t necessarily need a license.
As always it's important to consult with qualified professionals or relevant authorities for your country regarding copyright and licensing laws. We offer advice on music, licensing, and royalties here.
How Do I Broadcast Online Radio?
There are 2 ways you can broadcast online:
- Upload & Schedule Tracks
- Broadcast Live from Your Computer
The first option is to upload music or shows to your radio station, then order them in playlists, and finally schedule your shows to broadcast at a time and day.
The second option is to broadcast live from you computer either via a microphone or with the tracks on your machine, but to do this you need broadcasting software. Software like BUTT and Winamp encode your audio locally, then transmit it to your radio station online.
We recommend the following broadcasting software:
- BUTT: Free for Mac, Windows, and Linux.
- RadioDJ: Free for Windows.
- Nicecast: Paid for Mac with free trial.
For more broadcasting software guides then head here.
How Do Listeners Tune In?
It goes without saying that radio stations need listeners. And you can't grow your listener base if people can't access your station. Make it easy for people to access your station by following all 3 of these methods.
Web Players
Brand web players to your radio station by changing the theme, colour, and sizing. Embed players onto yours or others websites to grow your listeners.
Build your own custom players using the DIY player kit to adjust the look and feel - Learn more here.
Mobile Apps
Build your own custom branded iOS and Android apps with Radio.co. You just need to submit basic details on how you want it to look and what features to include. Then we'll take over and create it for you.
Apps then get submitted to The App Store and Google Play through your account. This way you can manage and get notified of listeners downloading and reviewing your radio station's app.
Purchase your mobile apps in your Radio.co Dashboard -> Add Ons. If you’re not with Radio.co then add the apps on checkout over at the pricing page (Station plan offers both apps for free as part of the package).
Radio Directories
Submit your radio station to third-party online radio directories that have millions of active listeners like Streamitter and Streema.
Do You Provide Apps?
Yes, Radio.co offers both iPhone and Android apps. Billions of smartphones are now active worldwide, so nows an ideal time to get your station in both stores.
It's simple to create apps with Radio.co's app builder wizard. Match the look and feel of your radio station and link your social media accounts so listeners can share tracks or shows in real-time.
Design your apps today by following this guide.
What About a Website?
Yes, you can easily build your own website without having to know a single line of code. Just drag and drop the things you need on your pages.
The website builder is the ideal solution for you to create an awesome website without having to know how to program. Everything runs from the cloud, so you can access and edit your site from any computer.
There are dozens of themes and templates to choose from if you just want that "out of the box" approach to get your site up and running as quickly as possible. Get started with your website today in your Radio.co Dashboard -> Add Ons area.
How Can I Get More Listeners?
A massive hurdle to start a radio station broadcasters face is getting those initial listener numbers, but have no fear as your list of the best online radio directories is included below, starting with the top 5.
5. Radio Garden
Radio Garden lists thousands of radio stations for visitors to explore through the fun, interactive map of the globe.
4. DeliCast
Listing over 7,000 stations, both internet radio and TV, DeliCast is a simple directory listing by country, genre, popularity, and more.
3. Streamitter
Streamitter.com is a modern online radio directory listing thousands of radio stations from all around the world and every type of genre.
2. Dirble
Dirble is an open directory consisting of thousands of radio stations that allow you to get found for desktop and mobile listeners.
1. Streema
Streema is a free online radio directory to discover, share, and listen to radio stations from all over the world. There are more than 70,000 radio stations like BBC Radio 1, Absolute Radio, and more that anyone can tune into online.
A full list of online radio directories you can submit your station to can be found here.
What if I Get Stuck & Need Help?
Even the best of us need a helping hand every once in a while. That's why we have a dedicated support team ready to help. They are on hand at help@radio.co.
As well as providing handy how-to videos and guides for every aspect of broadcasting. From what microphone to buy to how to write a radio script we have you covered.
Start a Radio Station
Ready to start a radio station? Talk to us first about your radio station and a Radio.co expert will give you free advice on where you should begin. Book a demo and talk to us today by clicking the button below.
