What is Internet Radio?

What is Internet Radio?January 22nd, 2025

Imagine tuning into your favorite station from anywhere in the world — whether you’re at home, on the go, or halfway across the globe. Internet radio makes that possible. Unlike traditional broadcast options, which rely on towers and frequency ranges, this modern innovation uses the power of the internet.

With countless stations offering music, news, talk shows, and more, internet radio has redefined how we access entertainment and information. It’s a way for people to discover new genres, connect with niche communities, and enjoy a personalized listening experience without the constraints of geography or signal strength.

In this article, we’ll explore what internet radio is and how it differs from more traditional formats. Let’s dive in!

So what is internet radio?

Unlike traditional radio stations that rely on radio towers transmitting AM or FM signals that only service a specific geographical area. Internet radio - as the name suggests - is a broadcast medium that distributes (i.e. streams) audio content using the internet.

This modern format delivers music, talk shows, podcasts, and other programming using internet connections. Because of this digital delivery, listeners can tune in from virtually anywhere with an internet-enabled device.

Here’s what sets internet radio apart:

  • Global Reach: Traditional radio stations are limited by geographic boundaries, but internet radio knows no borders. You can listen to stations from across the globe without interference or signal loss.
  • On-Demand Features: Many platforms provide live streams alongside options to replay shows or access curated playlists, giving listeners more flexibility.
  • Variety and Customization: Internet radio offers access to countless genres, sub-genres, and niche interests that may not be available through terrestrial broadcasting.

This format is powered by streaming technology, which sends audio data in packets across the web. As a result, there’s no need to download large files to listen - just hit play and enjoy real-time content.

AspectInternetTerrestrialDigital
Delivery methodInternetTerrestrial frequencies (AM/FM)Digital signals
Coverage & accessibilityWorldwideLimited (i.e. specific geographical areas)Limited
Content varietyNearly limitlessLimited and location specificLimited and location specific
InteractivityInteractions with both station & other listenersTraditionalTraditional
Device compatibilitySmartphones, computers, smart speakers & other smart devicesDedicated receiverDedicated receiver

Internet versus terrestrial radio

While both internet radio and terrestrial radio exist to broadcast audio, the different technology employed by each medium largely dictates the key differences between the two:

  • Broadcast medium:
    Terrestrial radio uses AM or FM signals transmitted through local towers, limiting its reach to specific geographic areas. This means that as a listener, you can only listen to a terrestrial radio station if you’re physically located close enough to receive its transmissions. In contrast, internet radio streams content online, making it accessible worldwide, provided you have an internet connection.
  • Coverage and accessibility:
    Traditional radio can suffer from interference, static, or poor reception, particularly in remote areas. As it doesn’t use radio waves, internet radio is not subject to these signal issues. However, it does require a constant internet connection to be enjoyed.
  • Content variety:
    Terrestrial radio is often limited to a certain number of stations for a given geographical area. As such, the programming diversity can be restricted by the need to cater to broad, regional audiences by only a handful of stations. Internet radio suffers from no such restrictions. Further, because a listener can potentially choose from any of the world’s internet radio stations, the resulting content variety is nearly unlimited.
  • Interactivity:
    The interactivity a terrestrial radio station can offer its listeners is eclipsed by the interactivity an internet radio station can provide. Both mediums allow stations and their hosts to interact with their listeners. However, only internet radio allows listeners to interact with their fellow listeners through live chat and other means.
  • Listening devices:
    Traditional radio requires a dedicated receiver like a car stereo or handheld device to be enjoyed. However, internet radio can be accessed on common modern devices (which you probably already own!) such as smartphones, computers, smart speakers, or even smart TVs.

Internet versus digital radio

At first glance, internet radio and digital radio may seem similar. In fact, there are some key differences between the two mediums, which again, are mostly driven by the underlying technology employed by each type:

Key Differences

  • Broadcast medium:
    Digital radio, such as DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting), transmits audio using digital signals over terrestrial frequencies. Internet radio, on the other hand, streams content through the web. This means digital radio often requires specialized receivers, whereas internet radio works on any internet-connected device.
  • Coverage and accessibility:
    Digital radio is limited to areas with compatible broadcasting infrastructure, restricting availability. Internet radio can be accessed globally as long as a stable internet connection is available.
  • Content variety:
    Much like terrestrial, digital radio is often limited to a certain number of stations for a given geographical area. Therefore, the content on offer is restricted by the preferences of the specific region and by the limited number of stations within said region. However, as we mentioned earlier, internet radio does not suffer from these geographical limitations. Any listener of internet radio has access to the world’s catalogue of stations, rather than just the ones close to their physical location.
  • Interactivity:
    Internet radio often integrates features like interactive playlists, personalized recommendations, and live listener engagement. Digital radio typically lacks these interactive elements, offering a more traditional listening experience in a digital format.
  • Listening devices:
    While digital radio requires DAB-enabled receivers, internet radio can be enjoyed on a wider range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart speakers, and computers.

Internet radio and Radio Cult

So after being told what internet radio is, you may be curious about starting your own internet radio station. If you are, then there’s no need to look any further!

Here at Radio Cult, it couldn’t be easier to create your own internet radio station and stream to your listeners in a matter of minutes. We offer a comprehensive solution to any prospective or existing internet radio station.

Here’s how we do it:

  1. Proprietary technology: Our broadcasting platform is a proprietary technology designed from the ground up for reliability and ease of use. We aim to streamline running an internet radio station as much as possible.
  2. Exclusive features: We ensure we deliver features that independent and community radio stations need from their internet radio provider. Further, we’re still in active development and are constantly reviewing and ultimately implementing feature requests from our customers.
  3. Interactivity with listeners: All of our plans provide our stations with a chat room to engage with their listeners in real time. These chat rooms can easily be embedded into any website and requires little technical know how to achieve.
  4. Dedicated customer support: We offer personalized, hands-on onboarding and 24/7 customer support, distinguishing ourselves from larger platforms that often rely on automated help systems with quite slow response times.
  5. Reliability and performance: Reliability is a key focus of Radio Cult. We strive to provide a stable and secure streaming platform, so your listeners have the best possible experience - free from downtime or technical glitches.

FAQS

What do I need to listen to internet radio?

To listen to internet radio, you need a device that can connect to the internet. The most common devices include smartphones, computers, tablets, and smart speakers.

What is the difference between internet radio and regular radio?

The key difference between the two is how the audio is broadcast. Regular (or terrestrial) radio broadcasts audio content over radio waves, while internet radio uses the internet to stream audio to listeners.

Create your own online radio station and start streaming today!

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