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Internet radio stations: how to listen?

Tired of the same old playlists and looking to discover new music or shows? Internet radio stations might be exactly what you need! With thousands of stations streaming everything from indie hits and throwback jams to talk shows and niche genres, there’s always something fresh to listen to. The best part? You can tune in from anywhere – whether you’re chilling at home, commuting, or even working out.

1/ What are internet radio stations?
2/ Can I listen for free?
3/ How to listen to internet radio stations?
4/ Frequently asked questions

What are internet radio stations?

As their name suggests, internet radios are stations that broadcast over the internet. Unlike traditional radio stations that use AM, FM, or satellite frequencies, internet radios stream content (such as music, talk shows, or podcasts) via an online connection. They are also referred to as online radio stations, or web radio stations. Listeners can tune in through various devices that are connected to the internet.

Some key features of internet radio stations include:

Global access: Anyone with an internet connection can listen, regardless of geographic location.
Wide variety: Many of these stations are focused on specific genres, niches, or topics.
On-demand options: Many online radios allow listeners to stream live or access previous recordings on demand.

Can I listen to internet radio stations for free?

Yes, many internet radio stations are free to listen to! A large number of platforms and individual stations offer free streaming services, allowing you to access live music, talk shows, news, and other content without paying a subscription fee.

The best ways to listen to internet radio stations

Now let’s look at the various options when it comes to listening to your favourite online radio!

1/ Internet radio directories

The first option is to tune in via an online radio directory. These directories reference thousands of radios, often classified by genre, in order to grant listeners easy access. You can browse through the platform, apply filters for a more specific search, and many directories also offer recommendations!

Take a look at RadioKing’s online directory: We love radio to discover a wide range of internet radio stations! Or discover our full selection of radio directories.

2/ Internet radio station apps

Many stations have their own radio mobile app to offer easy access to their listeners on the go! Simply download the app on your smartphone to start listening with the simple click of a button. Many radio apps have additional features, for example with RadioKing you can create an app with:

Radio player: allows your audience to listen to your radio, share the track, and even purchase it on Apple Music
Track votes: allows listeners to put a up or down for the current song
Alarm clock: users can wake up to the sound of the radio by setting an alarm
RSS feeds: add an RSS feed (blog, podcasts, etc…) that automatically updates itself in real time
Website: create tabs that link directly to a website
Social media: create tabs that link directly to social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc…)
Audio shout-outs: allows listeners to leave a vocal message of up to 30 seconds that can then be broadcast on the radio
HTML tab: create custom content thanks to the HTML tab

Some of your favourite radio apps may also be available to download on additional devices such as: Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Android TV, Apple TV and Apple Watch.

3/ Internet radio websites

Most online radio stations have their own websites that allow you to tune in too. In addition to listening to the radio, they often have:

Catch up content: a podcast format of past radio shows
Articles: news related to their station, the world of radio, or linked to the theme of their station
Photos: behind the scenes access to the station, their team, or events in which they have participated
Programming schedule: take a look at a past or upcoming schedule

4/ Smart speakers

Did you know that you could listen to a radio station without even having to press a button? Thanks to smart speakers, it’s now possible to launch a radio with a simple voice command! How? Through Alexa Skills and Google Actions. These are essentially vocal apps for connected speakers that have access to Amazon and Google’s virtual assistants.

For example, with an Alexa Skill, your audience can ask the vocal assistant to play the station and even ask the title and artist of the music that’s playing. See for yourself:

Frequently asked questions

How do internet radio stations work?

Internet radio stations work a bit like traditional radio, but instead of broadcasting over the airwaves, they use the internet to stream audio. The station has its content (either pre-recorded or live), instead of sending that content through an FM or AM transmitter like old-school radio, the station sends it to a streaming server. This server acts as the middleman, taking the audio and converting it into data that can be streamed over the internet. When you tune in, whether through a website, app, or smart speaker, you’re essentially connecting to that streaming server. The server sends the audio data directly to your device.

How can I start an internet radio station?

To start your own online radio station, all you need is: a computer, and internet connection and a radio hosting provider (like RadioKing!) If you want to broadcast live on air, you’ll need to use a live broadcasting software, and you may also want to invest in some equipment such as a microphone and headphones.

How much does it cost to start an internet radio?

With RadioKing, launching an online radio can cost as little as $14/month! You can take a closer look at our pricing here.

What equipment do I need to start an internet radio station?

If you want to speak live on air, you’ll need to invest in some equipment such as a microphone, headphones, and even a mixing desk (depending on your needs). You may find this article helpful!

Anais

International Content Manager - Gryffindor