A format and a schedule
Decide on your music style, your audience and when you want to be live. This decides how much music you need and how many listeners to plan for.
Guide • Internet Radio
How to Start an Internet Radio Station
A practical step-by-step guide: what you need, how streaming works, and how to get your online radio station on air.
From $9.90 per month7-day free trialAutoDJ + live switching
What you need for an online radio station
A streaming server
Radio hosting gives you a Shoutcast or Icecast server that delivers your stream to every listener, plus AutoDJ for the hours you are not live.
An encoder and content
Software such as BUTT or Mixxx sends your live audio to the server. Music, jingles and shows are what keep listeners tuned in.
Internet Radio Station Guide plans
Pick a plan by the number of people listening at the same time. Every plan can be tested free for 7 days first.
Radio Starter 100
$9.90 / month
- 100 concurrent listeners
- 2 GB AutoDJ storage
- 128 kbps, MP3 or AAC+
- SSL secure streaming
- Anti-DDoS protection
- SonicPanel control panel
Radio Gold 250
$14.90 / month
- 250 concurrent listeners
- 3 GB AutoDJ storage
- 128 kbps, MP3 or AAC+
- SSL secure streaming
- Anti-DDoS protection
- SonicPanel control panel
Radio Pro 500
$29.90 / month
- 500 concurrent listeners
- 5 GB AutoDJ storage
- 128 kbps, MP3 or AAC+
- SSL secure streaming
- Anti-DDoS protection
- SonicPanel control panel
Start your internet radio station in 6 steps
- Define your format, target audience and weekly schedule.
- Check music licensing for the countries you broadcast to. In the U.S., stations usually need licenses from performing rights organizations and for digital performance.
- Choose radio hosting by concurrent listeners – start small and upgrade as you grow.
- Upload music and jingles and set up AutoDJ so your station plays 24/7.
- Connect your encoder for live shows and test the stream from another device and network.
- Put your stream on your website player, in apps and in radio directories, and promote it.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start an internet radio station?
Hosting starts at $9.90 per month for 100 concurrent listeners. Add music licensing costs, which depend on your country and audience.
Do I need a license to stream music?
In most countries, yes. Licensing rules depend on where you and your listeners are; check with the rights organizations in your country before you launch.
Shoutcast or Icecast?
Both work well. Choose the one your encoder and workflow support; you can try both in the free 7-day trial.
How many listeners should I plan for?
Plan for the number of people listening at the same time during your busiest shows, not your total daily listeners.
Can my station run when I am offline?
Yes. AutoDJ plays your playlists whenever nobody is broadcasting live.
