Caster.fm

Is Caster.fm really free?

Yes. Caster.fm's Free plan gives you an Icecast 2.5 streaming server, 400 listener slots, audio quality up to 96 Kbps, and a built-in radio website — at no cost and no credit card required. The Free plan is genuinely free, supported by page ads on your public radio website. If you outgrow those limits, you can upgrade to Cloud Plus or Pro without losing your station.

How many listeners can my free Caster.fm station have at once?

The Free plan supports up to 400 concurrent listeners at up to 96 Kbps — enough for most hobbyist, community, and non-profit stations. If your audience grows beyond 400 concurrent listeners, the Pro plan starts at $80 per month and supports essentially unlimited listeners slots.

What's the difference between the Free, Cloud Plus, and Pro plans?

Caster.fm offers three tiers. Free is a no-cost starter with a 400-listener Icecast server, 96 Kbps audio, and a radio website CMS. Cloud Plus is an intermediate tier between Free and Pro with higher listener and bitrate limits. Pro (from $80/month) adds Smart AutoDJ, branded iOS and Android apps, an Alexa skill, HLS adaptive streaming, MP3/AAC+/OGG/FLAC multi-format output, a browser-based Web DJ broadcaster, podcasting, and real-time analytics. Full side-by-side comparison on our Compare page.

Does Caster.fm support Shoutcast?

Yes — Caster.fm is fully Shoutcast-compatible. Our servers run the Icecast 2.5 streaming engine, which accepts source connections from any Shoutcast-protocol broadcaster. In practice, if your broadcasting software can connect to a Shoutcast server, it can connect to Caster.fm — with no extra configuration.

What broadcasting software works with Caster.fm?

Any broadcaster that supports the Shoutcast or Icecast protocols works with Caster.fm. That includes the Caster.fm Cloud Broadcaster (our own free software for Windows and macOS), BUTT (Broadcast Using This Tool), Mixxx, SAM Broadcaster, Virtual DJ, Ladiocast (macOS), and RadioDJ. Most of these are free. See our Broadcaster Software page for setup guides.

How do I start my internet radio station on Caster.fm?

Four steps: (1) Sign up for a free Caster.fm account — no credit card required. (2) Log in to the control panel and note your private token from the API Token page (3) Download the Caster.fm Cloud Broadcaster. (4) Enter your private token into the broadcaster authentication dialog, select a microphone or audio source, and press "start broadcasting". Your station is live in under five minutes.

Does the Free plan include AutoDJ?

AutoDJ — the feature that keeps your station streaming 24/7 without your computer on — is available on the Pro plan, not on the Free plan. On Free, your station streams while your broadcasting software is connected and your computer is running. If you need 24/7 automated playback from an uploaded music library, upgrade to the Pro Plan that includes Smart AutoDJ.

Is music licensing included with Caster.fm?

No. Music licensing is the broadcaster's responsibility, not the hosting provider's, and requirements vary by country. In the US, you generally need performance-royalty licenses from ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC (for compositions) plus SoundExchange (for recordings). In the UK, PPL and PRS. In Canada, SOCAN and Re:Sound. Caster.fm provides the streaming infrastructure; you handle the rights. Consult a local rights-management organization or a legal professional for requirements specific to your country and content.