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Ever wanted to start your own radio station that you and your friends can enjoy?
you’ve got the option to, with Icecast.
In this article we’ll create a simple online streaming radio.
Andrew Heinzman / How-To Geek
Icecast is an open-sourceHTTP/ standards-based live media streaming server created by theXiph.org Foundation.
To start, all you’ll need is a computer and a connected microphone.
Icecast is available for Linux/Unix and Windows.
ePirat / Xiph.org Foundation
Similar projects exist, such asShoutcast,SnapcastandAzuraCast.
License requirements to run an Internet radio station vary by country.
yo consult the laws in your country for specific requirements.
For more info, check out thethe Wikipedia page on internet radio broadcasing.
Debian distros will run a post-install script which helps you configure things.
The source password authenticates with Icecast to allow you to start a stream.
I recommend a unique password and not the default (which is “hackme”).
Maybe something like:
Relays are useful in larger setups for distributing listener load to multiple servers.
You’ll use this to access Icecast’s web interface admin section.
Change the default to something unique:
Redhat distros simply return to the command prompt after installing.
Now that Icecast is up, let’s get started on our source client.
A source client is what actually plays your music files, or streams live audio to Icecast.
Icecast then distributes that stream to listeners via the HTTP protocol.
We’ll use BUTT to livestream from our microphone to Icecast.
BUTT is available for Linux, macOS and Windows.
you’re free to get it fromthe official download page.
Configuration is pretty straightforward.
A new window pops up to configure your server.
Leave the “Icecast User” as source and “Use legacy Icecast protocol” unchecked.
Click “Add” and then, under the parent window, click “Save”.
From “controls”, smack the “Audio” tab.
When you’re ready, choose the “Play” button, which will start your stream.
If you’ve configured everything correctly, you’ll currently be making your server’s radio stream debut!
Choosing a Listener Client
Listener clients in general require very little configuration.
Thanks toHTML5 audio, you could simply point a web web app to your new stream URL.
Here’s a list ofbrowser supported HTML5 audio encoding formats.
Do you hear your stream?
That’s Icecast at work.
Additional Configuration
Icecast has many advanced features.
Some of them are:
These features and more are very well explained in theofficial Icecast documentation.
it’s possible for you to also useport forwardingto access your stream from outside your local internet.
Promoting Your Station
Promoting really depends on the pop in of station you create.
If it’s just for fun, telling a good friend will suffice!
The result is very rewarding and full of exciting moments that you’ll treasure forever.
ePirat / Xiph.org Foundation
