How To Start An Internet Radio Station?

If you ever thought that only professionals could only build an online radio station, then you would be wrong. By going through this blog on how to start a radio station, you would broadcast on your radio station.

What is an Internet Radio Station?

Internet radio station refers to digital audio streaming service transmitted over the internet. The main advantage of internet radio stations is it gives more global reach when compared to the traditional radio stations via AM or FM. Anyone from any location can get connected to the radio station with the help of Computer or mobile connected to an internet connection.

Advantage of broadcasting audio online

• Many listeners have started using online radio as a source for music and news.
• The Biggest advantage being anyone can access an online radio channel from anywhere connected to the internet.
• Publishing live audio content can easily be shared across different social media platforms.
• Flexible audio formats
• With online radio channels, broadcasters can easily target audiences, so that they can gain an audience who can stay with the radio channel for a longer period.

Working Of Online Radio Station?

Audio Source - This can be audio from the microphone or pre-recorded audio content like music

Encoding - It is the process of converting and compressing audio content into a different format for the delivery of audio content across the internet.

Server- Encoded audio stream is then transcoded at different bitrates at the server to stream audio content by users at different internet speeds across multiple devices.

Content Delivery Network(CDN) - CDN is essentially required if online audio content has to be streamed to all people worldwide. CDN With global connection helps reach the audion content faster to all the people with internet-connected mobile devices.

Equipment Required For Online Radio Station

To set up an online radio station, you need some essential equipment

Computer: Any computer works fine, and it's essential to have USB ports and a headphone jack.

Microphone: It is the most essential equipment required for good sound quality. If you are doing a live broadcast, reporting news, and discussing live events, a microphone is definitely needed.

Headphone: You need a good set of headphones to ensure that transition between audio sources is seamless, and the audio level is well balanced. It's better to choose headphones with noise cancellation features.

Mixer: Audio mixer is a device that mixes, combines audio from various sources and outputs audio signals in a consistent way you control. This helps in producing audio, according to the broadcaster.

Boom Arm: Connecting the mic to the boom arm gives you the flexibility to broadcast audio at your own comfortable position, whether be it either standing or sitting on a chair.

Pop filter: It is a flat-screen attached in front of the mic to prevent harsh sound and reduce sharp air hitting the mic, ensuring the audio sounds best.

Audio Processor: Audio processor improves the streaming quality by avoiding noise and enhancing the audio signals.

Encoders: It is used for compressing the audio content into different formats. Is better to consider Software encoders as they are cheaper than hardware encoders.

Audio streaming Software: Broadcasting radio online requires online radio software to host and deliver audio content to people worldwide. There are many Audio streaming platforms providers in the market that build audio streaming platforms for online broadcasters. It enables the broadcaster to run an online radio channel by broadcasting live audio content or scheduling pre-recorded audio content.

Building Online Radio Station with Audio Streaming platform provider

Due to more internet consumption using mobiles has led to the rise of online radio stations. Statistics states that demand for online radio stations will continue to grow. Ad revenue on online radio stations has increased on a significant level. If you are starting an online radio station, it is better to approach audio streaming platform providers to build one where you can host and deliver audio content to listeners.

It's better to build an online radio station with specific features like

Creating playlist and Scheduling audio content

An option like creating a playlist where audio content is clearly segregated, and pre-recorded content is stored in the playlist. Scheduling audio streams at different times based on different locations through scheduling options.

Lag-free audio streaming

It is better to choose an Audio streaming platform provider that connects hands with multiple CDN networks that ensure faster delivery of audio content to end-users giving users a buffer-free audio experience.

Live radio capability and embedding radio channel on the website

With live streaming capability, you can broadcast your live audio content. It can be live singing, reporting news or talking about current events. Another option of embedding radio on other websites gives the flexibility to users to stream radio channels from websites.

Different monetization options

The most important option is to make money using radio channels in three different ways: based on advertisements, one-time payment fees for accessing particular audio streams and finally, through subscription fees where users can access the entire audio content for infinite time for a particular time period.

Conclusion

Once an online radio station is set up it is better to check every time that all the equipment are working fine and ready to go. Considering all the equipment mentioned above and approaching an audio streaming platform provider to build an online radio station will always be the best move.