iHeartRadio

iHeartRadio: Free Music, Live Radio, and Podcasts

iHeartRadio is a comprehensive digital audio platform providing access to thousands of live radio stations, custom music stations, and a vast on-demand podcast library. Users choose iHeartRadio to consolidate their audio entertainment, enjoying both the curated experience of traditional radio and the personalized control of a streaming service, all within a single, free application. It effectively bridges the gap between scheduled live broadcasts and on-demand listening, making it a versatile choice for music and talk content.

Tuning Into Thousands of Live Radio Stations

Within the iHeartRadio app, users can browse a directory of thousands of live radio stations broadcasted by iHeartMedia and other partners across the United States. The process involves selecting a city or genre to find a specific station or simply browsing the featured and popular options. Upon selecting a station, the audio begins streaming live, complete with real-time host commentary, news breaks, and advertisements, just like a traditional radio. This feature provides a sense of locality and immediacy, connecting users to live events and local programming that on-demand services lack. The iHeartRadio interface displays the currently playing song and artist, allowing for quick interaction.

Creating Personalized Artist-Based Radio Stations

A core function of iHeartRadio is the ability to create custom radio stations seeded by a favorite artist or song. A user starts by searching for a specific musician or track and then selects the option to create a station. iHeartRadio’s algorithm then generates a continuous stream of music that includes the selected artist and other musically similar performers. As the station plays, users can thumbs-up or thumbs-down tracks to further refine the station’s algorithm, tailoring the music mix to their precise taste over time. This creates a personalized listening experience that evolves based on user feedback, similar to other music streaming platforms.

On-Demand Access to a Massive Podcast Library

Beyond music, iHeartRadio serves as a major hub for podcast content. Users can explore a vast catalog of shows across every genre, from true crime and news to comedy and lifestyle. The workflow involves searching for a specific title, browsing by category, or accessing subscriptions. After selecting an episode, users can stream it immediately or download it for offline listening. The app manages subscriptions, sending notifications when new episodes of followed podcasts are released. This seamless integration of podcasts and radio makes iHeartRadio a one-stop application for all forms of spoken-word and music audio content.

Exploring Curated Playlists for Specific Moods and Activities

The iHeartRadio application offers numerous curated playlists designed for specific activities, moods, or genres. Users navigate to the “Browse” section to discover collections like “Workout,” “Chill,” or “Party,” or playlists centered on decades or musical styles. Selecting a playlist initiates a pre-ordered sequence of songs. This feature provides a hands-off listening experience for users who want music tailored to an occasion without the effort of building a station or playlist themselves. It’s an efficient way to quickly find the right soundtrack, curated by the iHeartRadio programming team.

Listening Offline with My Favorites and Downloads

For times without an internet connection, iHeartRadio provides limited offline functionality. Users can save their favorite radio stations, custom-created stations, and podcasts for easy access in the “My Favorites” section. Furthermore, for podcast listeners, individual episodes can be downloaded directly to their device within the iHeartRadio app. This process involves selecting the download icon next to an episode, which stores it locally. This allows for uninterrupted listening during flights, commutes, or in areas with poor cellular service, ensuring content from iHeartRadio remains accessible.