Getting Started with Radio.co

🎙️ 1. Getting Started with Radio.co

Create Your Account

1. Go to Radio.co and sign up for a free trial or paid plan.

2. Once you’re in, the dashboard will open — this is your Control Panel, where all station management happens.

Station Dashboard Overview

The main dashboard includes:

• Overview: Displays your current status (online/offline), listener count, and current track.

• Tracks: Manage your uploaded music, jingles, and shows.

• Playlists: Build automated sets of music or shows.

• Scheduler: Organize when playlists or live DJs go on air.

• DJ Management: Add team members or co-hosts.

• Settings: Configure your broadcast, branding, and metadata.

⚙️ 2. Core Station Settings

Station Details

• Station Name: Choose a memorable name that matches your brand.

• Description: A short tagline or description of what your station offers.

• Website URL: Link to your site or streaming page.

• Logo: Upload a square image (recommended size 512×512px) — it will appear on players and apps.

Stream Settings

• Broadcast Format:
  Choose between MP3 (universal) or AAC+ (better quality at lower bitrates).
  Typical settings:

  • Bitrate: 128kbps for standard quality or 192kbps+ for HD audio.

  • Sample Rate: 44.1kHz (standard for music).

• Broadcast URL:
  This is the listen link you’ll share publicly or embed on your website.
  You can also generate a Player Widget under “Embeddable Players.”

Live Broadcasting

If you want to go live:

1. In the dashboard, go to Settings → Broadcasts.

2. Enable Live DJ Input.

3. Use your preferred broadcasting software (e.g., BUTT, Mixxx, or OBS Audio Plugin).

4. Enter your Server URL, Port, and Password (provided by Radio.co).

🎵 3. Uploading Tracks & Managing Tags

Uploading Audio

1. Go to Tracks → Upload and add your MP3 or WAV files.

2. Radio.co automatically scans your files and displays metadata.

Editing Tags

Each track can include:

• Title

• Artist

• Album

• Genre

• Tags — custom labels to organize content (e.g., rock, interview, promo).

💡 Tip: Use tags for smart playlists (e.g., all “chill” songs tagged ambient can auto-fill a late-night playlist).

Track Restrictions

You can also mark songs as:

• Do not repeat within X minutes/hours to prevent overplay.

• Jingles or ads to insert them strategically between songs.

📻 4. Building Playlists

Types of Playlists

1. General Playlists – Standard music or show sets that can be scheduled.

2. Smart Playlists – Auto-fill based on tags, genre, or artist.

3. Rotation Playlists – Used for continuous playback when no live show is running.

Creating a Playlist

1. Go to Playlists → Create New Playlist.

2. Add tracks manually or filter by tags.

3. Choose the order: sequential or shuffle.

4. Set crossfade (e.g., 3–5 seconds) for smooth transitions.

💡 Pro Tip: Create short Top of the Hour playlists with your station ID and intro jingle to keep branding consistent.

🗓️ 5. Scheduling Your Station

The Scheduler is the automation backbone:

1. Open Scheduler → Add Event.

2. Choose Start Time and Duration.

3. Select a Playlist, Live DJ Slot, or Relay Stream.

4. Repeat daily or weekly to automate shows.

You can also set fallback playlists to ensure there’s always music even when live DJs disconnect.

🧑‍💻 6. DJ & Team Management

1. Go to DJs → Add DJ.

2. Enter their name, username, and password.

3. Assign permissions (e.g., live only, access to upload tracks).

4. DJs connect via their broadcast software using credentials from the dashboard.

🎧 When a DJ connects, their stream overrides automation. When they disconnect, the system automatically returns to the scheduled playlist.

🌐 7. Embedding & Sharing Your Station

Player Widgets

1. Go to Website → Players.

2. Choose from several player styles.

3. Copy and paste the HTML code into your website.

Mobile & Directory Listings

You can also:

• List your station on directories like TuneIn or Radio Garden.

• Share the Public Page URL provided by Radio.co (includes a web player).

🔊 8. Quick Start Summary (5-Minute Setup)

1. Upload music and station IDs.

2. Create one playlist (auto-shuffle + crossfade).

3. Schedule the playlist to start immediately and loop daily.

4. Set fallback playlist to prevent silence.

5. Share your listen link or embed player — you’re on air!

🧭 9. Next Steps & Advanced Features

Once you’re comfortable:

• Explore Analytics for listener stats.

• Add Ad breaks or sponsorship messages.

• Integrate Live Call-ins via external software (e.g., Cleanfeed, Discord, or Zoom routed into your mixer).

• Connect social media auto-posting via automation tools.