Icecast or Shoutcast: which radio server to choose
Both are used to broadcast online, but they're not the same. We explain which one suits you and why.
By Equipo de GadeSonic · Updated on
What they are
Icecast and Shoutcast are streaming servers: they receive your radio's audio and deliver it to all listeners at once. They do the same thing, but with important differences.
Main differences
| Icecast | Shoutcast | |
|---|---|---|
| Licence | Free software (GPL), no cost | Proprietary, with free and paid versions |
| Formats | MP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, Opus and more | Mainly MP3 and AAC |
| Multiple streams | Several mount points on one server | Depends on version and licence |
| Directory | Icecast directory (optional) | Shoutcast directory, with lots of traffic |
| Compatibility | Browsers, VLC, apps and broadcasting software | Browsers, VLC, apps and broadcasting software |
Which one to choose?
- Icecast if you want an open standard, with no licences, several formats and that you can move to any server.
- Shoutcast if you're particularly interested in its directory and accept its licence terms.
For listening it makes no difference to your audience: any modern browser or player opens both.
Build it yourself or use a platform
Installing Icecast is fairly easy; the hard part is everything around it: the AutoDJ, scheduling, DJ logins, the website, security, updates and keeping it up. GadeSonic Radio System uses Icecast and gives you all of that done: AutoDJ, live with temporary logins and website with your brand.