Start Your Radio Station Today
No technical experience needed. We'll guide you through every step.
Talk to a Broadcast Engineer
Not sure which services you need? 30-minute call to understand your requirements and recommend the right setup.
How Internet Radio Actually Works
It's simpler than you think
Your Studio
Where you create content (laptop, mic, or automation software)
Stream Server
The engine that delivers your audio to thousands (that's us - Hippynet)
Listeners Worldwide
Your audience tunes in via web, apps, or smart speakers
Think of us as your broadcast tower. You create the content, we make sure it reaches your listeners reliably 24/7.
What You Actually Need
The essential components of your radio station
Audio Source
Where your audio comes from
Live Broadcasting
- • Microphone + Computer
- • Free software (BUTT, Mixxx)
- • Talk shows, live DJs
Automated (AutoDJ)
- • MediaCP with AutoDJ
- • Upload music library
- • Station runs 24/7
Hybrid (Best)
- • AutoDJ for automation
- • Go live anytime
- • Broadcast-grade setup
Our Recommendation: Start with AutoDJ, add live shows when you're ready.
Stream Server (Icecast/SHOUTcast)
The technology that clones your audio for every listener
Icecast
RECOMMENDED- ✓ Modern standard (95% of stations use this)
- ✓ Better audio quality (MP3, AAC, Opus)
- ✓ Works with TuneIn, Alexa, apps
- ✓ Multiple streams supported
SHOUTcast
- • Classic radio streaming
- • Yellow Pages directory
- • Good for legacy compatibility
- • Older technology
Plain English: Icecast is like Netflix for audio - it's the modern standard everyone uses.
Listener Limits & Audio Quality
Understanding bitrates and concurrent listeners
Audio Quality (Bitrate)
Listener Slots
Listener slots = how many people can listen simultaneously
MediaCP - Your Station Dashboard
Everything you need in one place
- Upload and organize music library
- Create playlists and schedules
- Built-in AutoDJ (plays automatically)
- Go live instantly anytime
- View listener statistics
- Manage DJs and schedules
No technical commands, just click and go. Everything has a visual interface.
Common Questions
Do I need a license to broadcast?
No FCC/Ofcom license needed! Internet radio doesn't require traditional broadcast licenses. You DO need music licensing (PRS/PPL in UK, ASCAP/BMI in US) if playing copyrighted music. We can point you to royalty-free music sources to start.
What if I don't have any equipment?
You can start with just a laptop! Use MediaCP AutoDJ (no equipment needed). Add live shows later with a USB microphone (from £30). Everything else is software-based.
What if I get stuck?
We've got you covered:
- 📧 Email support (reply within 4 hours)
- 💬 Live chat (working hours)
- 📚 Knowledge base (step-by-step guides)
- 📞 Phone support (premium plans)
Real humans with 15+ years experience who actually care about your success.
Common Concerns
Honest answers to questions we hear every day
"How much does it REALLY cost?"
Stream hosting starts at £12.99/month. That's it. No setup fees, no contracts, cancel anytime.
Free software + £12.99/month = You're broadcasting. Everything else is optional.
"What if I mess up?"
You can't break anything! Worst case: your stream goes quiet and you reconnect. No data loss, no permanent damage.
Our engineers have seen every mistake possible. We'll help you fix it.
"Can I try before committing?"
Yes! Most packages have free trials. Test everything before you're charged.
We verify your payment card but don't charge during the trial period.
"What if I need help at 2am?"
Submit a ticket anytime. Our engineers work UK hours but respond within 24 hours, usually much faster.
For urgent issues, our monitoring can alert you if your stream goes down.
Start Broadcasting Today
Choose your stream hosting package
Your First 48 Hours
From order to on-air in 5 simple steps
Order Stream Hosting (5 minutes)
Choose a package from our pricing page. Start with the smallest—you can upgrade anytime.
View Pricing & Add to CartReceive Login Details (Usually within 30 minutes)
Our automated provisioning system configures your server and emails you connection details instantly in most cases.
Download Free Software (10 minutes)
Get BUTT (Broadcast Using This Tool) or Mixxx—both are free and easy to use.
Connect to Server (15 minutes with our guide)
Copy your server details from the email into your broadcasting software. Our setup guide walks you through every click.
You're Broadcasting!
Hit "Start Streaming" in your software. Your station is now live and accessible worldwide.
You could be broadcasting in 30 minutes! Our automated provisioning means most customers go from order to on-air in under an hour.
Start Simple, Add More Later
You don't need everything on day one. Get your stream running, then add advanced features as you grow.
Start With These
-
Stream HostingThe essential service to get you broadcasting
-
Your Audio SourceLaptop + free software (we'll help you set it up)
Add These Anytime
-
Silence DetectionAlerts if your stream goes quiet
-
TranscodersMultiple bitrate streams for better compatibility
-
Backup StreamAutomatic failover if your main source drops
-
AutoPodAutomatic podcast generation from your shows
Start with just stream hosting. Add silence detection, transcoders, backup feeds, and podcasting later. Build your infrastructure as you grow—no pressure to buy everything upfront.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Talk to a real person. Book a free consultation with our broadcast engineers.
