Live365 has long been a staple in the internet radio broadcasting industry, providing an accessible platform for both amateur and professional broadcasters.
Recently, however, users have faced challenges with service reliability, rising costs, and limited storage. As a result, many are seeking more viable alternatives.
Radio Cult emerges as the best solution, offering lower pricing, enhanced reliability, and more generous storage options. This combination ensures a seamless broadcasting experience that meets the needs of modern radio enthusiasts.
What happened to Live365?
Live365, a pioneer in internet radio since 1999, allowed users to stream and listen to internet-based audio. It grew rapidly, supporting thousands of broadcasters with tools, music licensing, and distribution.
However, changes in U.S. licensing laws led to its closure on January 31, 2016. It relaunched on May 1, 2017, with renewed dedication to small webcasters, offering powerful streaming tools and monetization options. Despite its resurgence, some users still face reliability and cost issues.
Why Look for Live365 Alternatives?
Many broadcasters seek alternatives to Live365 due to ongoing issues with service reliability, increasing costs, and complex licensing requirements. These challenges can disrupt broadcasting, making it difficult for users to manage their stations effectively.
Additionally, some broadcasters find Live365's pricing plans too expensive for their budget, while others face limitations with the platform's storage and tools.
Exploring other options like Radio Cult can provide more reliable, cost-effective solutions, along with enhanced features and better support for internet radio enthusiasts.
Don't let unreliable service hold back your station. Switch to Radio Cult today and experience top-tier broadcasting with our 10-day free trial.
Start now and elevate your broadcasting experience!
Sign up now!Why Radio Cult stands out as an alternative to Live365
Radio Cult offers a superior experience with more affordable pricing (almost half the price for similar plans), generous storage, and advanced broadcasting tools.
The platform's user-friendly automation, robust chat rooms, and comprehensive analytics make it a standout choice. Additionally, Radio Cult's personalized customer support ensures a smooth and tailored broadcasting journey.
| Feature | Radio Cult | Live365 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Plans and Storage | - Lite: $35/month (2GB) - Hobby: $55/month (50GB) - Premium: $70/month (75GB) -Professional: $90/month (100GB) | - Broadcast 1: $59/month (30GB) - Broadcast 2: $99/month (50GB) - Broadcast 3: $199/month (100GB) |
| Broadcasting Tools | Live broadcasting, DJ management, high-quality streaming, playlist management, automation and scheduling. | Live broadcasting, playlist management, limited automation and DJ management. |
| Automation and Scheduling | Advanced scheduling, easy automation, DJ-centric tools. | AutoDJ, playlist management, less intuitive. |
| Chat Rooms | Integrated chat rooms, unlimited users, six months history, GIF support, website embedding. | No chat rooms available. |
| Analytics | Real-time and historical data, listener location mapping, performance tracking. | Real-time and historical data, audience demographics, performance metrics. |
| Customer Support | Email, live chat, knowledge base, personalized onboarding, round-the-clock assistance. | Email, support ticket system, slower response times. |
Ready to experience the difference? Start your free 10-day trial with Radio Cult today and discover why it's the best choice for broadcasters.
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Sign up now!1. Pricing and plans
Radio Cult offers flexible pricing plans to suit different broadcaster needs. The Lite Plan costs $35/month with 2GB storage, the Hobby Plan is $55/month with 50GB storage, and the Premium Plan is $70/month with 75GB storage.
In comparison, Live365's Broadcast 1 Plan starts at $59/month with 30GB storage. The Broadcast 2 Plan costs $99/month with 50GB storage, and the Broadcast 3 Plan is $199/month for 100GB storage.
When comparing the two, Radio Cult offers better value for money with more flexible options and lower starting prices, making it a more cost-effective choice for broadcasters.
2. Storage
Radio Cult offers generous storage options across its plans. The Hobby Plan includes 50GB of storage, the Premium Plan offers 75GB, and the Professional Plan provides 100GB of storage. This range allows broadcasters to manage and store their content efficiently, accommodating different levels of broadcasting needs.
In comparison, Live365's most basic plan provides 30GB of storage, the Broadcast 2 Plan includes 50GB, and the Broadcast 3 plan offers 100GB. Notably, these all come at higher price points than Radio Cult.
Radio Cult's storage options are competitive, offering more flexibility and value, especially for those starting out or needing more scalable storage solutions.
Maximize your storage and minimize your costs with Radio Cult.
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Sign up now!3. Broadcasting tools
Radio Cult offers a robust set of broadcasting tools designed to meet the needs of both independent and community radio stations. Key features include:
- Live Broadcasting: Stream live content directly to your audience with ease.
- DJ Management: Tools for managing multiple DJs, enabling seamless transitions and collaborations.
- Streaming Quality: High-quality audio streaming to ensure your broadcasts sound professional.
- Automation and Scheduling: Schedule mixes, sets, and playlists, with automation options to keep your station running smoothly even when you're offline.
- Playlist Management: Create and manage playlists effortlessly, filling gaps in your schedule with pre-selected content.
Live365 also provides a range of broadcasting tools but with some limitations compared to Radio Cult. While Live365 supports live broadcasting and playlist management, its automation features and DJ management tools are less intuitive and more costly.
Clearly Radio Cult stands out with its comprehensive and user-friendly broadcasting tools, making it a superior choice for both new and experienced broadcasters.
4. Automation and scheduling
Radio Cult excels in automation and scheduling, offering tools designed for efficiency and ease of use. Users can automate playlists and schedule shows with just a few clicks. The platform supports DJ-centric stations, making it simple to upload and organize mixes. With advanced scheduling features, users can plan their programming weeks in advance, ensuring a seamless broadcast experience.
In comparison, Live365 provides similar features but can be less intuitive. While it offers AutoDJ and playlist management, users often find Radio Cult's interface more user-friendly and suited to their needs.
Conclusively, Radio Cult's focus on ease of use and advanced scheduling capabilities makes it a superior choice for broadcasters looking for efficient automation tools.
5. Chat rooms
Radio Cult enhances listener engagement and community building through its integrated chat room feature. Broadcasters can interact directly with their audience, fostering a sense of community. The chat rooms support unlimited users, ensuring all fans can join simultaneously. They also offer six months of chat history, full GIF support, and can be embedded on your website or accessed via the Radio Cult mobile app. Messages from broadcasters are tagged as station-verified, distinguishing them from listener messages.
Unlike Live365, which lacks chat room functionality, Radio Cult's chat rooms provide a robust platform for real-time listener interaction and community engagement.
6. Analytics
Radio Cult's detailed and easy-to-use analytics make it a superior choice for broadcasters looking to optimize their station's performance.
We provide comprehensive analytics, enabling broadcasters to track listener engagement in real-time and historical data. Key features include listener location mapping, and performance tracking for shows and playlists.
Our analytics are also extremely privacy-focussed. We strip all idenfitying listener information to keep your information safe and protect the privacy of your listeners.
Live365 also offers analytics with real-time and historical data, audience demographics, and performance metrics. However, Radio Cult's analytics are more user-friendly and offer deeper insights.
7. Customer support
Radio Cult's dedicated and responsive customer support makes it a superior choice, especially for broadcasters needing quick and tailored assistance.
We're dedicated to providing exceptional customer support, offering personalized onboarding and round-the-clock assistance. Their support channels include email, live chat, and an extensive knowledge base. Users frequently praise Radio Cult for its responsiveness and helpfulness, often citing the smaller team's ability to offer more personalized and attentive service.
In contrast, Live365 provides customer support through email and a support ticket system, but user feedback suggests slower response times and less personalized service.
Upgrade your broadcasting tools and streamline your station with Radio Cult.
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Sign up now!How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Needs
When selecting an internet radio platform, consider your budget, specific needs, and desired features. Evaluate pricing plans, storage options, broadcasting tools, and customer support.
Radio Cult offers competitive pricing, robust tools, and exceptional support, making it a versatile choice for broadcasters at any level.
Not Convinced? Try Radio Cult for Free and Discover the Difference
Experience Radio Cult firsthand with a 10-day free trial, compared to Live365's 7-day trial. Enjoy comprehensive features and see why Radio Cult is the preferred choice for many broadcasters.
Sign up today and discover why so many broadcasters are making the switch.
Sign up now!FAQs
Is Live365 still operating?
Yes, Live365 is currently operating and continues to support internet radio broadcasters. However, some users report issues with reliability and service disruptions.
How hard is it to migrate from Live365 to Radio Cult?
Migrating from Live365 to Radio Cult is straightforward, with easy-to-use tools and comprehensive support. The process involves exporting your content from Live365 and importing it into Radio Cult, which provides step-by-step guidance. If you need a hand migrating, then reach out. We are more than happy to help.
What are some other alternative options to Live365?
Aside from Radio Cult, other alternatives to Live365 include Radio.co, Airtime Pro, Radio King, RadioJar, Azuracast, Mixlr. Each platform has unique features catering to different broadcasting needs.
Can I monetize my radio station on Radio Cult?
Yes, Radio Cult provides several monetization options, such as inserting advertisements into your playlists and schedule and accepting listener donations via your donation platform of choice.
Is there a mobile app available for Radio Cult?
Yes, Radio Cult offers a mobile app for both iOS and Android, allowing broadcasters to manage their stations and listeners to tune in on the go.
Does Radio Cult offer analytics for my radio station?
Yes, Radio Cult includes comprehensive analytics tools that provide insights into listener demographics, peak listening times, and overall station performance.
Can I broadcast live events using Radio Cult?
Absolutely, Radio Cult supports live event broadcasting, enabling you to stream concerts, interviews, and other live content directly to your audience.
Please note: If Live365 gets an update and this article becomes outdated, please email us and we will update it.