listen2myradio.com
Regardless of where you are from, you have to admit that it doesn't get any better than receiving free service. Listen2MyRadio offers a unique radio platform compared to every multi-channel radio platform that we have reviewed so far.
Over the years, we've seen numerous radio streaming services offering quality radio stations, genres and content. But who helped them build this platform? Who helped establish themselves as an independent radio station on the internet?
In my initial days of radio streaming reviews, I frequently thought about it. This question might circles around your head too, so don't worry. With the help of this review, we will learn about a hosting service that has helped thousands of internet radio enthusiasts to start their own radio channel.
What is Listen2MyRadio?
Listen2MyRadio is a website that offers internet radio and video hosting services. If you are a streamer and want to host your own radio show or start streaming, Listen2MyRadio provides you a free platform to begin with. It caters to a large number of customers with quality services including helping amateur broadcasters to stream for as many as 1,000 concurrent listeners. Not only that, it also helps its customers to set up their website and provide customer support if they are finding it difficult.
Why should you opt for Listen2MyRadio hosting service?
Listen2MyRadio is an established name in the world of reliable streaming hosting service provider. They have servers in Germany, Canada, the UK, and the USA. Thus, they offer hosting services to most of North America and Europe. What makes the service special is that even though it is not present in South America or Asia, it still offers an excellent connection to those areas. With a minimum of quad-core servers you don't have to compromise on quality at any moment.
Premium services for free
The Listen2MyRadio website is highly revered by the internet radio streaming community for its exciting features. It offers premium options for free, which allows independent broadcasters to take their art on a professional level. It 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 makes it the perfect tool for anyone wanting to start streaming online radio.
Excellent customer support
As specified earlier, Listen2MyRadio truly believes in serving its customers. Thatâs why the support offered by the company is top-notch. And as a customer, you have certain expectations with all of the hosting service providers who operate online. Whatâs 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.
Independent App creation
Listen2MyRadio is providing its customers with the app creation service which makes it easy for them to boost their online presence using their own Android, iOS or Windows apps.
Premium is worth it
I do not usually acclaim premium services except for their content. But with Listen2MyRadio, their services caught my eye more than the standard features. While the free version is packed with premium features, the premium version is loaded to a whole new dimension. With a premium plan, you get 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, along with multiple payment method options.
History
Listen2MyRadio, originally founded in 2006 as an internet radio, video streaming, and website hosting platform, crossed one million sign-ups in 2012. Independent and established names in the world of radio streaming use this platform for reliable hosting. With its majority of its audience being DJs, broadcasters, and hobbyists, there is no lack of raw talent that finds its way to the top.
Design
The website has a clean interface with 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. The grey header section is especially reminiscent of iTunes's design. Nevertheless, the website has a unique feel, though not cutting-edge, still makes browsing effortless.
Header
The header section of the website has eight main categories - Home, Radio streaming, Video streaming, Hosting, Support, Company, Live Chat, and log in. Most 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?", "Flash Player?", and "Build Radio App?". 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 appreciate the hero section on this website because it makes the intent clear right away. The message, "Always dreamed of broadcasting?" specifies the objective of the website. Initially, I thought that this was some multi-service radio service with channels from across the globe. However, as soon as I stepped on the homepage and saw the hero section, I understood the platform right away. Some other elements that caught my eye in the hero section were the small video player on the right and two buttons - a Free Account CTA and a Premium Package CTA on the left.
Body
As you scroll further down the page, you will find different menus - Free and Premium. The free services offer three sections - Radio, Video, and Website (in blue) and similar is the case with premium services (in yellow). On the left, you can find different language options in which to view the website and, on the right, there is a small vertical section pointing out USPs of the network. As you scroll further down the page, four horizontal banners will appear which point towards the platform's offering - Free Flash Player, Radio Mobile App, Streaming Program and Radio Tool Box. Each of these banners has a specific CTA which you can click to get started.
Footer
Under video streaming, youâll find an extensive selection of categories like Movies and TV Shows. There is a sense of community in the Support category where you can find contact information for the company, how to submit content, and user feedback.
Under the heading Radio and Streaming, you will find five options: Free Account, Premium Account, Compare and Flash Player, Hosting Streaming, and Support. There are three options under Video Streaming: Movies and TV Shows. Under Community there are User Feedback and Contact Information.
Under Hosting, you will find Linux Hosting, Windows Hosting, and Virtual Servers. As 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 is not a content provider; it is a service provider that offers free and premium plans to people who want to start their own broadcast on the network.
Desktop/Mobile experience
I accessed the Listen2MyRadio website from my Google Pixel 3a and found it to be responsive. I even created a free account on the website to explore the different services on the website. After using it for a few 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 already discussed the free plan. However, I would like to highlight the premium plan. At just $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 can cost up to $125/month. You can also choose quality which can affect the price range as there are three options - 32kbps, 64kbps, and 128kbps. The increase in price is directly related to the number of concurrent listeners your station is attracting.
Suggestions I have for Listen2MyRadio
I don't feel that the website's statement about catering to 5000 listeners through a free account is accurate. In my opinion, this seems like either there is an error on the part of the developers, or they are sharing misleading information in order to lure people into signing up for a free account. As such, I request that they clarify their stance on this matter.
Conclusion
If you are a beginner or amateur radio operator who just wants to try out your skills, I would suggest you sign up for the free plan offered by Listen2MyRadio. However, if you are serious about establishing a long-term radio brand, I would suggest you 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.