Internet radio beginner's guide
Learn what you need to broadcast online, choose between live and AutoDJ programming, configure your stream and make your station available to listeners.
The basics
Your studio or AutoDJ sends one audio feed to a streaming server. The server then creates a separate connection for every active listener, so you do not need to upload the stream individually to each person.
Listeners tune in through a secure stream URL, a website player, a radio directory or a compatible mobile application.
Choose your workflow
Both approaches use the same type of streaming server. The difference is where your programming comes from.
Live broadcasting
Use an encoder to send music, microphones or a mixer output from your computer to the streaming server in real time.
Cloud AutoDJ
Upload audio to the cloud, build playlists and schedules, and let AutoDJ keep the station online without leaving your computer running.
From idea to broadcast
You can launch a basic station without specialist hardware. Start with the essentials and expand your setup as your programming grows.
Choose your audience, music or talk format, station name and a realistic programming schedule. A clear identity makes later decisions easier.
Select Live hosting for presenter-led shows or AutoDJ hosting for a larger cloud library and continuous scheduled playback.
A higher bitrate can improve audio quality but uses more listener bandwidth. Choose a listener limit based on the number of people expected to connect at the same time.
For live broadcasting, enter the supplied server details in compatible encoder software. For AutoDJ, upload your files and create playlists in the control panel.
Listen from another device, verify metadata and volume, and confirm that the secure HTTPS stream works before sharing it publicly.
Add a player to your website, submit the station to relevant directories and share a consistent schedule so listeners know when to return.
Technical choices
You do not need the highest specification for every station. Match the platform, audio quality and capacity to the way people will listen.
Both platforms distribute live audio reliably. SHOUTcast is widely recognized in internet radio, while Icecast offers flexible mount-point workflows. RCAST supports both.
64-96 kbps can suit speech or bandwidth-conscious listening, 128-192 kbps balances music quality and efficiency, and 320 kbps targets high-quality music playback.
Listener capacity means simultaneous connections, not the total audience reached over a day or month. Plan for your expected peak, with room to grow.
Use your secure stream URL in an HTML5 website player and compatible apps. A clear “Listen Live” path helps visitors become regular listeners.
Beginner questions
Streaming technology and music licensing are separate. Licensing requirements depend on your country, audience and the content you broadcast. Check with the relevant music licensing organizations or a qualified adviser in your jurisdiction before going on air.
No. A computer, stable internet connection and compatible encoder can be enough for a basic live station. Add a suitable microphone, audio interface or mixer when your format requires them.
Yes. Cloud AutoDJ plays uploaded media and scheduled programming from the server, so the station can continue while your computer is offline.
Yes. AutoDJ can run the regular schedule, and a presenter can connect with a compatible encoder to take over for a live show.
They are listeners connected at the same moment. This is not the number of different people who can listen during a day or month.
Add a responsive HTML5 player connected to your secure stream URL. RCAST provides free and premium player options for compatible SHOUTcast and Icecast streams.
Ready to get started?
Broadcast live from your studio or automate your programming in the cloud.