Before getting into internet radio and starting your own station, you likely have some preliminary questions that you need answered first. So, we’ve complied a list of some of the most common questions and answered them to clear up any uncertainty about internet radio and getting started broadcasting.
What’s the difference between internet radio and traditional broadcast radio?
In terms of technology, the difference is that with internet radio, the signal is digitized and routed through the internet to get to each listener. With traditional radio, the signal has to move through a transmitter connected to an antenna that radiates the waves followed by a radio receiver connected to another antenna in order to get to each listener. This ultimately means that with internet radio, you can reach anyone with an internet connection, whereas with traditional radio, you can only reach people within a certain distance from you.
Other differences include choice and variety, advertisement frequency, geography and availability, requirements, and sound quality. To learn more about the differences, see this article.
I’m new to internet radio and not very technical, can I start a station?
Starting an internet radio station is a pretty easy process, meaning you truly don’t need to know much about internet radio or tech to get started.
With Live365, we have made the process of getting up and running as easy as possible and we are always here to help you along the way.
I’m on a budget and don’t have any radio equipment, can I still start a station?
When you think of a radio station, you probably picture big towers and lots of fancy equipment inside a high-tech studio. Fortunately, none of that is required for an internet radio station. For the most part, you likely have most of the equipment you need to get started already.
All you need are a few essential pieces of equipment:
- Computer : A modern computer or laptop that can handle up-to-date software and moderate use is necessary for you to get your station up and running.
- Internet Connection : Having a reliable internet connection is what allows you to upload tracks and stream live.
- Microphone : If you plan on any voice-overs or talk segments, whether pre-recorded or live, you need an external microphone. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just as long as it is compatible with your computer.
- Broadcasting Platform : A broadcasting platform, such as Live365, is your one-stop-shop for internet radio. We provide an easy and intuitive platform for you to create and run your station, and we cover licensing, distribution, and monetization.
Note that your station will improve in quality and functionality with proper investments. So, investments are not necessary, but if you have growth goals, you may want to consider small investments into your station over time.
Do I need a website to start an internet radio station?
There’s absolutely no need for a website in order to get started with your own station. When starting your station with Live365, you will automatically be given a station profile page where listeners can tune in as well as read some info about your station and navigate to your social media.
With that said, we do recommend that you build and manage a website at some point if you have a goal of growing your station. A radio website gives you a big advantage when it comes to growth because of the increased discoverability, added value delivery, monetization, and more. For more information on the benefits of having a radio website, check out this article.
What if I can’t broadcast 24/7?
There’s no need to tend to your station 24/7. Live365 allows you to schedule playlists throughout the week and you can always rely on AutoDJ to stream tracks in your library when you don’t have an event scheduled, so you are streaming 24/7.
How do I get music to put on my station?
You can use any audio material that you own, either physically or digitally. Note that you must have purchased a copy of the audio material that you intend to use, meaning you cannot use bootleg copies or music from streaming services like Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.
For more information about acquiring content, see this article. Check out our article entitled Where Can I Get Content for my Radio Station? for a list of some great places to start to find content for your station.
