Shoutcast, originally known as SHOUTcast, is a pioneering technology in the world of online radio streaming. Created in 1998 by Nullsoft, the creators of the popular Winamp media player, Shoutcast revolutionized how audio content is broadcast over the internet. The name "Shoutcast" comes from the ICY protocol it uses, which stands for "I Can Yell," reflecting its roots in internet audio transmission.
In 1999, Nullsoft was acquired by AOL, bringing Shoutcast under the umbrella of a major internet company. This acquisition helped popularize Shoutcast as a go-to solution for internet radio broadcasting. Over the years, Shoutcast evolved from its initial version to more advanced iterations, including Shoutcast v2, which offered improved features and better audio quality.
In 2014, AOL sold Nullsoft to Belgian online radio aggregator Radionomy Group. Under new ownership, Shoutcast continued to innovate, rebranding from SHOUTcast to Shoutcast in 2018. By 2020, Radionomy had fully migrated its own streaming service to the Shoutcast platform, solidifying its position as a leading streaming technology.
Today, Shoutcast powers thousands of online radio stations worldwide, with over 85,000 stations streaming using the technology as of recent counts. Its client-server model, using HTTP as a transport protocol, allows for seamless audio streaming in MP3 and HE-AAC formats, making it a cornerstone of internet radio infrastructure.
Shoutcast is a cross-platform proprietary software service for streaming media over the internet. It allows users to create and listen to internet audio broadcasts, primarily in MP3 or HE-AAC format, using a client-server model.
A Shoutcast server streams audio content from a source (like an auto DJ) to listeners via the internet. It uses HTTP as a transport protocol and intermingles audio data with metadata such as song titles and station names. Clients connect to the server to receive the stream in real-time.
Shoutcast servers offer reliable streaming, support for metadata, directory listing for discoverability, and compatibility with popular media players. They enable professional-quality online radio broadcasting with features like listener statistics and cross-platform support.
To set up a Shoutcast server, you'll need hosting that supports Shoutcast, an auto DJ system to feed audio, and configuration of the server software. Many providers offer pre-configured Shoutcast hosting packages that handle the technical setup for you.
Shoutcast v1 is the original version from the 1990s, while v2 is an updated version with improved features, better audio quality support, and enhanced metadata handling. V2 offers more robust streaming capabilities and is recommended for new installations.
While primarily designed for audio, Shoutcast does support video streaming in some configurations. However, it's more commonly used for audio-only broadcasts, with alternatives like Icecast often preferred for video content.
Shoutcast is supported by many popular media players including Winamp, VLC, iTunes, foobar2000, and various mobile apps. If a player doesn't natively support Shoutcast, it can still play streams without metadata.
Shoutcast is extremely popular, powering over 85,000 streaming stations worldwide. During peak hours, it can serve up to 900,000 concurrent listeners, making it one of the most widely used streaming technologies for internet radio.
The Shoutcast directory (formerly Yellow Pages) is a public listing of streaming stations maintained by Shoutcast. Stations can optionally publish their information, allowing listeners to discover and tune into new radio stations easily.
Shoutcast hosting is available from various providers worldwide. Look for services that offer Shoutcast v2 support, auto DJ integration, and reliable uptime. Professional hosting ensures your online radio station runs smoothly 24/7.