Frequently Asked Questions
The equipment you need depends on how you want to broadcast your internet radio station:
Option 1: Automated Streaming with AutoDJ (No Live Equipment Needed)
If you want to run a fully automated online radio station, you don’t need any broadcast hardware at all. Simply:
- Upload your MP3s or audio files to our server
- Create playlists and schedules inside the control panel
- Our AutoDJ system will stream your station 24/7 without your computer needing to stay online
This is the easiest and most cost-effective way to start your radio station. An AutoDJ plan is required.
Option 2: Live Broadcasting from Your Computer
If you want to present shows live, you’ll need:
- A computer or laptop
- Streaming encoder software (such as BUTT, Altacast, or any DJ software with built-in stream encoding like VirtualDJ, SAM Broadcaster, or Mixxx)
- An audio source such as a microphone, mixer, or your music player
The encoder software captures your audio (from your soundcard or microphone) and sends it directly to our streaming server in real time.
Option 3: Professional Setup with Hardware Encoders
For more advanced or studio-style broadcasting, you can use a dedicated hardware encoder such as the Barix Instreamer. This device takes a direct audio input (from a mixer, studio console or microphone source), encodes it, and sends a high-quality stream to our server without needing a computer.
AutoDJ is a cloud-based DJ system that keeps your radio station streaming automatically - even when you're not live. Instead of needing your computer to stay connected 24/7, you simply:
1. Upload your MP3s or audio files to the server
2. Create playlists and rotations inside the control panel
3. Schedule when you want shows or music blocks to play
4. The AutoDJ system streams your station continuously from the cloud
This means your radio station stays online 24/7 without needing constant manual control.
You can still go live whenever you want to with an AutoDJ plan.
Yes, absolutely. Most radio stations include some form of advertising or station branding, whether that’s sponsored adverts, promotional messages, or simple station identification and jingle tracks.
Using the Interval playlist feature via AutoDJ, you can automate this process so these items play at regular, predefined intervals throughout your stream. Once set up, the system will automatically insert your adverts or jingles without any manual intervention, ensuring consistent playback and a professional on-air sound.
This approach is ideal for maintaining regular sponsor exposure, reinforcing your station’s identity, and keeping your output structured - whether you’re running a fully automated AutoDJ service, live broadcasts, or a combination of both.
You stay in full control of what plays and how often, while the automation handles the timing for you.
For most stations, Icecast is the recommended streaming solution, offering greater flexibility, transparency, and long-term reliability.
Icecast is open-source software, which means it’s actively developed by a global community and isn’t tied to a single commercial roadmap. This makes it more adaptable, more future-proof, and better aligned with how modern radio stations operate. Many broadcasters prefer Icecast because it gives them greater control over their stream and avoids dependency on proprietary platforms.
It’s particularly well suited to stations running both live broadcasts and AutoDJ. Icecast allows listeners to move seamlessly between live and automated content without disconnecting, ensuring a smooth experience for your audience.
Icecast also supports multiple formats, mount points, and advanced configurations, making it ideal for stations that embed players on websites or apps, run multiple streams, or plan to expand in the future.
SHOUTcast, by contrast, is a commercial, proprietary platform. While it can handle basic streaming needs, it offers less flexibility and is more restrictive in how streams are configured and integrated. For stations looking beyond a simple setup, these limitations can become noticeable over time.
Overall, Icecast is the preferred choice for stations that value openness, scalability, and long-term control.
No - we do not provide any music licensing, royalty coverage, or content usage rights. We supply the streaming technology, but it is your responsibility to secure any required licences based on the type of content you broadcast and the laws in your country.
If your stream contains copyrighted material (such as commercial music), you must have permission or a licence from the copyright holder. This usually means obtaining the correct licence from music rights organisations or directly from the record label, publisher, or artist.
Click here for Stream Licensing Explained: Everything You Need to Know
Yes - if you want to use geo-locking on your stream, please select MediaCP or Everest Panel as your control panel. CentovaCast does not support geo-locking.
Geo-locking allows you to restrict which countries can access your stream, and it may be required depending on your music licensing agreements.
