listen2myradio.com
Regardless of your location, you can't deny that it doesn't get much better than getting free service. Listen2MyRadio has proven to be a unique radio platform in comparison to other multi-channel radio services we've reviewed so far.
Over the years, we've seen numerous radio streaming services offering quality stations, genres and content. But who helped them establish themselves as an independent radio station on the internet?
When I started streaming radio reviews, I thought about it a lot. That's probably why you're wondering if I'm still thinking about it. So today, with the help of this review, we'll learn about a hosting service that has helped thousands of internet radio enthusiasts start their own radio channel.
What is Listen2MyRadio?
If you're a streamer and want to start hosting your own radio show or start streaming videos, Listen2MyRadio provides you a free platform to begin with. It caters to a large number of customers, offers quality services which include helping amateur broadcasters to stream for as many as 1,000 concurrent listeners, and helps its customers set up their website and provide customer support if they're finding it difficult.
Why should you opt for Listen2MyRadio hosting service?
Listen2MyRadio is a reliable streaming hosting service provider that has servers in Germany, Canada, the UK, and the USA. This makes it a good choice for anyone who wants to stream their radio shows online. It's not present in South America and Asia, but it offers excellent connections to those areas nonetheless. There are minimum quad-core servers available so you can always have high-quality streaming without having to compromise on performance.
Premium services for free
The Listen2MyRadio website is highly respected by internet radio streaming enthusiasts for its impressive feature set. It offers premium options for free, giving independent broadcasters the opportunity to take their art on a professional level. In addition to providing the infrastructure and support needed to get started, Listen2MyRadio also offers features such as Personal Radio Page, Shoutcast & Incast, Shoutbox, blog and gallery, Flash & Windows Media Player support, ad support, and listener cap. This comprehensive feature set makes Listen2MyRadio an excellent choice for anyone looking to start streaming online radio.
Excellent customer support
As specified earlier, Listen2MyRadio truly believes in serving its customers. That's why the support offered by the company is top-notch. And as a customer, you have certain expectations with all the hosting service providers who operate online. What's positive is that Listen2MyRadio stands true to its promises and delivers quality customer support. One of the many reasons why I would advise potential buyers to look into their services is their unparalleled commitment to customer satisfaction.
Independent App creation
Listen2MyRadio is offering its customers the app creation service. If you want to boost your presence online via your own Android, iOS or Windows app, you can even get that done with the help of the platform.
Premium is worth it
I have to commend Listen2MyRadio for their high-quality content, but their premium services stand out above the standard features. The free version is packed with a lot of great features, but the premium version goes even further with some amazing extras. With a premium plan, you can gain access to a Centova Cast Control Panel, full server control, unlimited bandwidth, playlist scheduler, 5GB Auto DJ storage, port 80 streaming, Flash Player/WMV Player, Start Page & Code Snippets, Detailed Analysis & Statistics and multiple payment options.
History
Listen2MyRadio began its journey back in 2006 as a way to host and share audio and video content online. In 2012, they reached one million sign-ups and continue to provide reliable hosting for independent broadcasters and hobbyists alike. With a majority of its audience being DJs, broadcasters, or hobbyists, there's no shortage of raw talent that finds its way to the top on Listen2MyRadio.
Design
Listen2MyRadio has an interface that is clean and has a contrasting color combination that looks great. Some of the elements on the website remind me of the iconic iTunes store thanks to its color combination. Especially the grey header section. Nonetheless, the website has a unique feel, though not cutting-edge, still makes browsing effortless.
Header
The header section of the website has eight main options - Home, Radio streaming, Video streaming, Hosting, Support, Company, Live Chat, and log in. The majority of these tabs have sub-categories. For instance, if you click on radio streaming, you'll get options such as "Free Account?", "Premium Account?", "Compare?", and "Flash Player?" Similarly, if you click on the video streaming tab, you'll find sub-menu with options such as "Free Account?", "Premium Account?", "Compare?", and ?Flash Player? You can engage in live chat using the button on the right and can even register yourself though the login option.
Hero Section
I like the hero section on this website because it makes the message clear right away. The message says "Always dreamed of broadcasting?" which is the mission of this website. I thought that this was some multi-service radio service with channels from all over the world. However, once I stepped on the homepage and saw the hero section, I understood the platform right away. Some other elements that caught my eye on the homepage were the small video player on the right and two buttons - a Free Account CTA on the left, and a Premium Package CTA on the right.
Body
Finally, at the bottom of the screen, there is a social media bar with icons for Facebook, Twitter and Google+.
Footer
The Video Streaming category contains the following options: Live, On Demand, and Library. The Support category has the following: FAQs, Contact Us, Help Desk, and Knowledge Base. Finally, the Company category has four options: Bio, About Us, Social Media Links, and Blog.
Listen2MyRadio radio is divided into five categories with each category hosting at least three options. The five categories are Radio Streaming, Video Streaming, Hosting, Support, and Company. Under radio and hosting streaming you will find Free Account, Premium Account with Compare & Flash Player included as well as a Knowledge Base. The Video Streaming category contains the following options Live Stream*, On Demand*, and Library* (*available in some countries). The Support category has the following: FAQs*, Contact Us*, Help Desk*, and Knowledge Base*. Finally the Company category has four options Bio* *about us* *social media links* *and blog* (available in some countries).
Under Hosting, you?ll find Linux Hosting, Windows Hosting, and Virtual Servers. For support, you can choose between Radio, Video, and Hosting support and can use open tickets to contact customer care. Last but not the least, the company section has five options - About Us, Affiliate Program, Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Contact Us.
Content
Listen2MyRadio does not produce or provide content, but rather provides a service for people who want to start their own broadcasts. There are both free and premium plans available for users who wish to use the platform in this way.
Desktop/Mobile experience
I accessed the Listen2MyRadio website on my Google Pixel 3a and found it to be responsive. I even created a free account on the website to check out the different services on the website. After using it for a couple of months, I decided to get a premium account. I like how you can select the nearest server manually based upon your location when signing up. You don't have to pay any additional charge for changing the hosting plan's location. The same goes for when you select the user cap, audio streaming quality, and any other interface settings.
Plans & Pricing
I've already talked about the free plan. But, I wanted to highlight the premium plan here. At only $6.25/month, you can broadcast 32kbps to 25 listeners. From there, you can expand the package by using the sliders. So, you can go all the way up to 1000 listeners which costs up to $125/month. You can also choose quality which affects the price range as there are three options - 32kbps, 64kbps, and 128kbps. The increase in price is directly related to how many concurrent listeners your station is attracting.
Suggestions I have for Listen2MyRadio
I don't think the website's claim that it can accommodate up to 5000 listeners via a free account is accurate. I'm not sure if there's an error or the developers are deliberately misleading people about the capabilities of the free account, but I would like them to clarify their position on this matter.
Conclusion
If you are a beginner or amateur radio enthusiast just wanting to test your skill, I would encourage you to start with the free plan offered by Listen2MyRadio. However, if you are serious about establishing a long-term radio brand, I would encourage you to go premium. Mainly because there are Listen2MyRadio?s custom ads between streams which can make your station look unprofessional and can even annoy your listeners.