Q&A for How to Create an Internet Radio Station

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How do I start a successful internet radio station?

Isabelle Garson
Social Media Expert
Isabelle Garson is a Social Media Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With 10 years of experience, she works in social media strategy and content production. She specializes in music and cannabis marketing and has worked with international touring artists. Isabelle studied graphic design at the Academy of Art University. Additionally, she holds a certification from Sprinklr Research Analyst Pro.

Isabelle Garson

Social Media Expert

Expert Answer

Get your programming dialed in! Realistically look at how many hours a day you can commit to having live talent on your station versus public domain or licensed music. It's also important to have some sort of niche or direction for what your internet radio station offers (so you seem unique from other radio stations).

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Where do I find legal information on broadcasting music that isn't my own?

Community Answer

Your best bet is to look up DMCA law. There are basic licenses available for $500 per year through Sound Exchange. This will allow you to play music without having to individually license songs. If you do not want to pay Sound Exchange, you can collect waivers from independent artists and use exclusively independent and creative commons music.

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Question

I have started an online station that plays gospel music and music with inspirational/motivational messages. How do I get sponsors to keep it on the air?

Community Answer

Try emailing companies and asking, especially companies you know would be sympathetic to a religious message. You could also make announcements during your programming explaining that you are looking for sponsors to help keep the station going.

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Question

I am a pastor with a passion for radio broadcast, which option is best for me?

Community Answer

The ICE/Winamp/Shoutcast solution would probably be the best package in your case. Most streaming audio services will allow you to scale your service for the amount of listeners you expect. You can also go with a couple of stand alone solutions that will provide support and scale to your needs. One such solution is called "backbone," they're local to Rhode Island and run by a pretty great group of folks. The other solution is called "airtime," they offer monthly plans and support, and all setup is internal.

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Question

Do I pay to start my own online station?

Community Answer

Not necessarily. But equipment might cost you a bit.

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Question

What should I do if I want to create a talk radio station?

Community Answer

Follow the basic steps outlined in the article, but put 'Talk' as your category. Then you'll have to focus on finding an angle or topic for your show and finding guests to come on.

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Question

Is it possible to use a smartphone?

Community Answer

Yes, but only if you develop an app yourself. There are a couple already out there, but they are just bare-bones applications.

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Question

If I follow these directions, will I have my own online radio station without having to pay anything?

Community Answer

You will need to pay for copyrighted music. If you use your own music, you will not pay anything.

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Question

Can I create a mobile app for online radio?

Community Answer

Yes, but the result will not be as favorable as broadcasting from a computer. Also, there aren't many applications for smartphones with useful features you can find in an application built for computers. You can, however, use Twitch on your mobile, but you will have to add visualizations, art, etc. which requires more work and faster internet.

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Question

Can people listen to podcasts using their phones?

Community Answer

Yes. Most podcasts are available through iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and similar platforms. Soundcloud and Buzzsprout (two of the major podcast-hosting services) have their own mobile apps for download.

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Question

How much do I pay for copyright licenses for my internet radio station?

Community Answer

It varies based on record label or artists requirements. There are some sources like SoundExchange that provide music for a set fee.

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Question

Can I play music from Apple Music when creating an internet radio station?

Community Answer

You can, though if you do not own the license to the music for broadcast, you will be violating the law.

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Question

If I create a free station, do I have to pay for songs?

Community Answer

Yes. You could do it for free, buy you would have to contact the song creators and ask them if you can.

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