How to create an online radio step by step

1. Define the idea and the audience

Before thinking about shows or equipment, answer three questions: who the radio is for (your neighbourhood, your community, fans of a style, your business's customers), what will play and what makes it different from the rest. A radio with a clear concept ("80s rock", "the school radio", "music to work to") earns loyal listeners much sooner than a radio "with everything".

Also choose a short name that's easy to say and spell, and check that no other station already uses it.

2. Choose how to broadcast

An online radio needs three pieces: a streaming server that delivers the audio to listeners (usually Icecast or Shoutcast), an AutoDJ that plays music when nobody is broadcasting, and a website or app to listen on. You have two options:

• Build it yourself: rent a server, install and maintain Icecast, an AutoDJ and a website. It's flexible, but it takes technical knowledge and time (updates, security, outages).
• Use a managed platform such as GadeSonic Radio System: everything ready in minutes, nothing to install, with AutoDJ, live and website with your brand included.

If you're torn between servers, read Icecast or Shoutcast.

3. Sort out the licences

If you'll broadcast copyrighted music in Spain, you'll need licences from the collecting societies, usually SGAE (authors and publishers) and AGEDI/AIE (producers and performers). If you only play your own or royalty-free music, you may not. We explain it in the licensing guide.

4. Prepare the music and the schedule

• Audio quality: use MP3 files at 192–320 kbps, AAC or FLAC. Make sure the title and artist tags are correct: that's what your listeners will see.
• Enough variety: so songs don't repeat, start with at least 100–150 tracks (about 8–10 hours).
• Playlists by time of day: split your music by style or time slot (morning, afternoon, night) and assign them in the schedule.
• Jingles: record 3 or 4 short idents with the radio's name. They give it identity and sound professional.

5. Organise live shows

To talk or DJ live you need a microphone, headphones and broadcasting software such as BUTT or Mixxx. Start with a fixed weekly show: regularity is what builds an audience. You'll find the details in equipment for online radio and in the BUTT guide.

6. Image and website

Upload a square logo that's readable at small sizes, choose consistent colours and write a one- or two-sentence description saying what plays and for whom. That description is what will appear on Google. Add your social links and create profiles for your DJs.

7. Get listeners

• Share the link on your social media and in your email signature, and the QR code on posters and flyers.
• Embed the player on your website or blog.
• Announce your shows in advance and at the same time every week.
• Ask your guests to share their show.
• Sign up to directories of online radios, starting with ours.

With GadeSonic Radio System you have all of the above from the panel: create your radio, upload your music and you'll be on air in a few minutes.