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Getting Started with AzuraCast

AzuraCast is an ultra-modern control panel that can be selected for both our Shoutcast and Icecast hosting plans. AzuraCast offers a wide range of different ways to manage your stream, which we'll outline below.

Using Auto-DJ

Recommended

AzuraCasts Auto-DJ is an automated DJ that you control and manage, it will play your playlists at set scheduled times, play advertisements and more. AzuraCast offers extensive playlist configuration options, enabling the creation of sophisticated playlists tailored to your preferences.

Setting up AzuraCast with AutoDJ

Advantages

  • Can play audio 24/7
  • Access to DJ Accounts for Live Broadcasting
  • Ability to use WebDJ to live broadcast
  • Less maintenance required once setup
  • Easier to manage than a live broadcast setup
  • Access to configurable playlists
  • Don't need a fast/decent internet connection to stream audio as Auto-DJ streams the music from the server directly
  • Saves storage space on your computer as all playlists are stored on the server and won't need to be present on your computer
  • Built-in automated Song Requests functionality

Challenges

  • Connecting with a live encoder is a lot more complicated
  • Streams tend to be more predictable than live broadcasts for listeners if the same playlists are looped
  • Can be limited by your streaming plans storage space if on lower plan tiers.

Live Broadcasting using a DJ/Streaming Account with Auto-DJ

If you are live broadcasting occassionally or live broadcasting all the time, its always recommended to use Auto-DJ to live broadcast. This allows your stream to have a fall-back as Auto-DJ will automatically start if you were to disconnect from your live broadcast.

You also get access to be able to add DJ Profile Pictures, Names, Set schedules for DJ's, Record Live Shows, and more!

Live Broadcasting with Auto-DJ in AzuraCast

Advantages

  • Can interact with listeners in real-time and adjust accordingly (Requests, call-ins, react to events in real-time, etc)
  • Record Live Shows Automatically
  • Set schedules for DJ/Streaming accounts to only be able to live broadcast at specific schedules
  • Each DJ has a different set of usernames and passwords, allowing for privacy for multiple DJ setups.
  • Ability to use a microphone for live broadcasts
  • Built-in fall-back to Auto-DJ incase you stop live streaming
  • DJ/Streaming accounts can have assigned names and profile pictures that show up on your stations public page while live broadcasting, allowing your listeners to know whose currently live broadcasting.

Challenges

  • Requires a decent and stable internet connection when live broadcasting
  • Can be much harder to manage than when running from Auto-DJ only
  • Initial setup can be complex

Live Broadcasting to Source (Without Auto-DJ)

AzuraCast allows you to connect directly to your station's source, allowing you to stream without the need of Auto-DJ. This option is only recommended for stations that live-broadcast 24/7 without the need for Auto-DJ at all.

Live Broadcasting to AzuraCast without AutoDJ

Advantages

  • Can interact with listeners in real-time and adjust accordingly (Requests, call-ins, react to events in real-time, etc)
  • Full control over station's broadcast
  • Ability to use a microphone for live broadcasts
  • Playlists are managed locally and thus storage limits are based on your local storage rather than the plans limits

Challenges

  • Requires a decent and stable internet connection
  • Can be much harder to manage than when running from Auto-DJ
  • Can be tricky to setup
  • Requires a lot of local storage for playlists
  • Disconnecting will put your stream offline
  • Its recommended to live broadcast by using Auto-DJ instead