How to Listen to Internet Radio

It's more 'streaming audio' and less 'radio'

What to Know

  • You need any smart device capable of streaming content over a Wi-Fi network, such as a mobile phone, computer, or tablet.
  • You can listen to a lot of content for free via services like Spotify, Pandora, or iHeart Radio.
  • Many local channels and national networks offer live streaming broadcasts on their websites.

Internet radio is a bit like standard radio in terms of quality and user experience, but the similarities end there. Here’s what you need to know to start listening.

What You Need to Listen to Internet Radio 

First, you'll need the hardware. A few choices include:

  • "Smart" Communication Devices: You can access internet radio content using a computer, smartphone, tablet, smart TV, or an internet- or Wi-Fi-connected device.
  • An Internet Radio: A bit like terrestrial radios, these are designed for the sole purpose of playing streamed content. They typically rely on the local Wi-Fi network or other broadband connection in your home, office, or any other place you'd use a traditional radio.
  • Your Car's Sound System: Many automakers now offer stereo systems in their vehicles with built-in functionality to listen to internet radio in your car. This setup typically requires a data plan or subscription to a satellite radio provider such as Sirius. Additionally, you can connect your cell phone to your sound system through Bluetooth or its auxiliary jack, so that audio received on your phone is played through your car's speakers. If you don't have either of these options, an FM transmitter can do the trick; it transmits audio from your phone to a station on your radio using FM radio technology. Unlike satellite radio, these methods rely on your phone's data plan.

Internet Radio Content

A great deal of internet radio content is offered free of charge. Many local channels and national networks offer live transmissions through links on their websites, which you access using your phone, tablet, or other device.

Rather than seek out individual sources, subscribe to an Internet radio streaming service that offers access to thousands of radio stations locally and around the world through an app or website. A few of these include:

You're typically required to sign up for an account with your name and email address. This login allows you to set your listening preferences with regard to stations, music genres, artists, albums, locations and more. In turn, your data helps providers to tailor advertising to your listening habits. Free accounts with most providers mean occasional commercials, which are no more intrusive than those you hear on terrestrial radio. In addition, most services offer paid accounts, which allow ad-free listening, more choices, and more customization options.

Spotify Home Page
 Spotify

How Internet Radio Works

Internet radio digitizes audio and splits it into small pieces for transmission across the internet. The audio is "streamed" through the internet from a server and reassembled on the listener's end by a software player on an internet-enabled device. Internet radio is not true radio by the conventional definition—it uses bandwidth rather than the airwaves—but the result is an incredible simulation.

FAQ
  • How do I start an internet radio station?

    You can create your own internet radio station with a service like Live365, Shoutcast, Radio.co, or Airtime Pro. You can also use a DIY software package such as PeerCast, Icecast, or Andromeda. Expenses vary depending on your broadcast size and services.

  • How do I listen to the radio on my phone without internet?

    To listen to FM radio on your phone without the internet, use an FM radio app like NextRadio. You must have a phone with a built-in FM radio chip and wired earbuds or headphones to act as the antenna.

  • How many registered users does Pandora internet radio have?

    Pandora reported 250 million registered users total in the second quarter of 2022, but the average number of active users is about 47.6 million each month.

  • How do I use Pandora internet radio in my car?

    To use Pandora in your car, if your car radio doesn't have an integrated Pandora app, connect your phone with an auxiliary jack, USB, or Bluetooth. If your head unit doesn't work with any of those options, use an FM transmitter or FM modulator.

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