Hey you!
You're one busy creator. Running your radio station, working a job, taking care of your family...
Ever felt like there is too much to do? And not enough time in the day.
Here is the secret of staying on top of things. Increase your efficiency with modern tools.
Today, we'll share a full list of tools for internet radio broadcasters & podcasters. Find tools to:
- Collaborate & communicate;
- Broadcast;
- Record;
- Encode;
- Dj;
- And more.
Let's get started:
1. Radio Automation Programs
Which radio broadcasting software are you currently using?
Tired of your current setup and want to see what other automation programs offer?
We got you covered. 😀
Here is a comprehensive list of radio broadcasting software. You need these programs for creating playlists, scheduling, audio mixing, music playout, and more.
Mac
Windows
- ProppFrexx ONAIR
- SAM Broadcaster Pro
- RadioDJ
- RadioBOSS
- PlayIt Live
- PlayoutONE
- mAirList
- StationPlaylist Studio Pro
- NextKast Pro
- OtsAV Radio
- Zara
- BCXDJ
- AerOn Studio
- Omiplayer
- Simian
2. Collaboration Tools
No radio is an island. Even if you're a one-person show, you might think of adding more team members to your radio.
They don't have to be paid staff. You can have volunteer DJs or hosts from any city or country in the world.
All they need is access to the internet. And you may collabo, exchange messages, share docs, voice or video call —using the following tools:
- Google docs - Word processor
- Discord - Community communications
- Slack - Collaboration
- Flock - Collaboration
- Asana - Project management
- Trello - Project management
- Zoom - Videoconferencing
- Skype - VoIP
3. Freelancer Sites
You might need to hire a freelancer for certain tasks, for instance:
Want a killer site but don't have the skills? Just find a web developer.
Need a cool cover art before you upload your radio show to MixCloud? Spend just $5 on a graphic designer on Fiverr. Get a nice custom cover.
So, quickly here are more places to hire freelancers:
- Voices - Voice artists
- 99designs - Designers
- Fiverr - General marketplace
- Upwork - General marketplace
- Freelancer - General marketplace
- People per hour - General marketplace
4. DJ Programs
Are you a bedroom Dj? Which Dj programs have you used in the past?
Well, we can thank DJ programs for making djing possible without any need for mixing decks.
In fact, a Dj program can be used to create an entire music radio program. You can even record and save your live mixes.
Some Dj programs like Mixxx and Virtual Dj have inbuilt encoders allowing you to stream audio straight to your radio broadcasting server.
So, here are your choices:
- UltraMixer - Mac & Windows
- Zulu DJ - Windows
- DJ PRO DECKS - Windows
- YOU.DJ - Cloud-based
- MAGIX Digital DJ - Mac & Windows
- Deckadvance 2 - Windows
- Djay Pro 2 - Mac
- Albeton Live - Mac & Windows
- Mixxx - Windows, Mac & Linux
- Virtual DJ PRO - Windows & Mac
- Traktor Pro - Windows & Mac
- Serato DJ - Windows & Mac
- Cross DJ - Windows & Mac
5. Encoder Programs
The encoder is a program that captures sound from your computer sound inputs.
It then converts the sound into a streamable format, for instance, MP3, AAC, etc. The encoder also sets the stream's bitrate.
Two popular stream formats used many online radios are AAC 64 Kbps and MP3 128 Kbps.
You might be lucky if your Djing or radio automation program has an inbuilt encoder.
If not, here are some standalone encoder software for streaming audio:
- Playout ONE LiveStream - Windows
- StationPlaylist Streamer - Windows
- BUTT - Windows, Linux, Mac
- AltaCast - Windows
- LadioCast - Mac
- Audio Hijack - Mac
- Rocket Broadcaster - Windows
- RadioCaster - Windows
6. Audio Editing & Recording Software
Do you have a show that you want to produce?
It's very probable that you'll need an audio recording program. The programs come with a number of tools that all you to edit your recording to suit different purposes.
For instance, you may want to record a radio show jingle with lots of sound effects.
Got a minute? Check out the audio programs we reviewed here.
And here is the list of popular recording options:
- Audacity - Windows & Mac (Top Free)
- Adobe Audition CC - Windows & Mac
- Hindenburg Journalist - Win & Mac
- Reaper - Win, Mac, & Linux
- Sound Forge Audio Studio - Windows
- GarageBand - Pre-installed on Mac
- Wavepad - Win & Mac
- Wavosaur - Windows, small & free
- Ocenaudio - Windows & Mac - Best Audacity alternative.
- Audio Hijack - Mac
7. Virtual Audio Device & Audio Mixer Tool
You may need an audio mixer application, especially when working with a standalone encoder.
*Some of the radio automation programs have features you'd find in a standalone virtual audio mixer like routing.
So why would you need a virtual audio mixer? For instance, you can capture and mix sound coming from specific applications such as Skype.
You may even mix sound from inputs such as USB microphones, internet streams, external sound mixers, and more.
Check out these popular virtual I/O audio mixing tools:
- VOICEMEETER - Windows Donationware
- Loopback - Mac
- VB-CABLE - Mac & Windows
- Virtual Audio Cable - Windows
- Sound Flower - Mac
8. Remote Interview Software
Do you run a podcast or radio show and want to host remote interviews? Forget the funny dog for a second.
Now, many people may use Skype, or at least consider it.
But it's not the industry favorite. There are other alternatives that even allow you to co-host a show remotely.
Many of these programs are offered on a subscription basis. And work as web-based apps.
Let's see the alternatives you have:
- SquadCast.fm
- Ringr
- Skype
- Cleanfeed - Specially built for live radio.
- Zencastr
- Zoom
- Clearcast.io
9. Free Website Builders
Want to create awesome websites without paying a dime?.
Well, you don't need any coding knowledge to build a great website. Creating a site nowadays is a matter of dragging and dropping basic website building blocks.
You then add your unique content. Now, some free tools you may use to create a radio or podcast website include:
10. Social Media Management
Keeping fans updated and engaged on social media is a crucial task for any radio broadcaster.
With multiple social media platforms, it becomes harder to manage everything.
That's why you need a dedicated social media management platform.
There are many social management tools to use. On some, you start out with a free account and upgrade to paid features.
- Hootsuite (With 30-day free trial )
- Sprout Social (With 30-day trial)
- Zoho Social
- Post Planner
- TwitterDeck - Free for Twitter
- Friends Plus Me
- Followerswonk
Do you use any tools that we have not included?
You can share some of the tools in the comments section.
Do you have a platform to host your radio station?
We have everything needed to broadcast online: Modern HTML5 player, listener statistics, and more.
Start your internet radio with us
We offer an excellent hosting option with a fully customizable price. Get started easily.