How to choose an internet radio host: 10 questions to ask

1. Does the station keep playing when you are not live?

An AutoDJ plays your playlists around the clock on the host's servers. Without one, your station goes silent the moment you stop broadcasting from your own computer. Check that it is included in the plan you are looking at, not only in the top tier.

2. Will your listeners hear ads you did not choose?

Some hosts insert audio ads into your stream, before it starts or between tracks, sometimes even on paid plans. Others put ads on your public page. Read the plan details: an ad you did not choose is heard by every listener, and you rarely earn from it.

3. How are listeners counted?

Hosts limit audience in two ways: simultaneous listeners (how many people at the same moment) or listening hours per month (the total time everyone listened). A cap of 150 listening hours a month is five people listening for an hour a day. Estimate your audience in both units before you compare prices, and check what happens when you go over.

4. Which formats and bitrates?

AAC and MP3 are the formats every player supports. 128 kbps is a good standard for music; higher bitrates sound better but use more of your listeners' data. Check the maximum bitrate on your plan, and whether you can offer more than one stream.

5. Can you go live easily?

Check that you can broadcast live with common free software such as BUTT or Mixxx, and that the AutoDJ takes over again on its own when you disconnect. A station that falls silent after every live show loses its listeners.

6. How much music can you upload?

At 128 kbps, one gigabyte holds roughly 250 tracks, about 17 hours of music. A station that wants to avoid repeating itself needs several gigabytes. Bulk upload over SFTP is a real time saver for a large library.

7. What do the statistics show?

At the very least: how many people listen, when, and from which countries. History over weeks and months tells you which shows work. Check how far back the statistics go on your plan.

8. Are music licences included?

Usually not. Most hosts provide the broadcasting and leave the licences to you. A few include some licences for specific countries only. Know which case you are in before you choose.

9. What happens if you stop paying?

Look for how long your files and settings are kept after a subscription ends, and whether you get your station back at the same address. A short or unstated grace period can cost you your library.

10. Where is the host, and who answers?

Where your data is stored matters if you are in Europe. Check the support channel, its languages, and whether a public status page tells you when something goes wrong.

How Volticast answers these questions

• AutoDJ 24/7 on every plan, and no advertising in your stream or on your page, ever.
• Unlimited listeners and unlimited listening hours on every plan.
• AAC and MP3, up to 128, 192 or 320 kbps depending on the plan.
• Live shows from BUTT, Mixxx and similar, with the AutoDJ resuming on its own.
• 5 to 30 GB of storage, with bulk upload over SFTP.
• Statistics on audience over time, countries and most-played tracks.
• No music licences included: they stay your responsibility, as with most hosts.
• After a cancellation, nothing is deleted for 30 days.
• Servers in Germany and files stored in France; support by email in English and French, and a public status page.