Internet Radio Streaming and Traffic Consumption

For Listeners:

When listening to internet radio, it feels like an “endless” file download because the streaming audio is played almost in real-time while gradually being “downloaded” to the listener’s device. At the same time:

• Over Wi-Fi — data usage is usually not charged.
• Over a Mobile network — data may be charged according to your mobile operator’s plan.

Approximate data usage depends on the stream quality:

• 128 kbps (MP3) — about 1 MB per minute or 60 MB per hour.
• 256 kbps (MP3) — about 2 MB per minute or 120 MB per hour.
• Mobile-optimized formats (AAC++, HE-AAC 32 kbps) — only 15 MB per hour while maintaining good sound quality. Our streaming platform supports these formats.

For Radio Station Owners

Streaming Options:

• Auto-DJ (automated streaming from the server) — all traffic is handled by the server; the owner doesn’t generate any traffic on their side.
• Live Broadcasting (streaming from your computer to the server) — your traffic usage equals that of one listener. For example, streaming at 128 kbps (MP3) will consume about 60 MB per hour on your side.

Server Traffic and Bandwidth Requirements:

Server traffic is typically not charged by hosting providers, but the bandwidth capacity is crucial. Common bandwidth allocations are:

• 100 Mbps
• 1 Gbps

For streaming at 128 kbps (MP3), a server with:

• 100 Mbps bandwidth can support up to 700 concurrent listeners, generating around 4 GB of traffic per hour.
• 1 Gbps bandwidth can support up to 7000 concurrent listeners, generating around 40 GB of traffic per hour.

Important:

When you order internet radio hosting from us, traffic is not metered and does not affect the cost of the service.

Internet-radio Trafic Calculator: