Launching an online radio station has never been easier, thanks to affordable, scalable SHOUTcast hosting solutions like those offered by Ucartz.
With over 2 million internet radio stations worldwide, now is the perfect time to start your own broadcast. Whether you’re a DJ, podcaster, church, or music curator, SHOUTcast hosting gives you professional-grade audio streaming with zero downtime.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll cover:
- What SHOUTcast is and how it works
- Pricing plans (from $3/month)
- Control panel options (Centova Cast, SonicPanel)
- Reseller opportunities
- Free tools (HTML player, website template)
Let’s dive in.
What Is SHOUTcast?
SHOUTcast is a proprietary audio streaming protocol developed by Nullsoft (creators of Winamp). It allows digital audio (usually MP3 or AAC) to be broadcast over the internet to thousands of listeners simultaneously.
Key features:
- Compatible with Winamp, iTunes, VLC, and mobile apps
- Supports AutoDJ for 24/7 playback
- Works with Icecast-compatible players
- Used by major broadcasters like BBC, NPR, and SiriusXM
SHOUTcast is ideal for:
- Music radio stations
- Podcast syndication
- Religious sermons
- College campus radio
- Voice-over artists
Ucartz SHOUTcast Hosting Plans (2025)
We offer flexible, low-cost plans with unlimited bandwidth — so you never pay extra no matter how many listeners tune in.
| SHOUTCAST 64 | 64kbps | $3.00 | Podcasts, talk shows |
| SHOUTCAST 128 | 128kbps | $6.00 | Standard music quality |
| SHOUTCAST 256 | 256kbps | $10.00 | High-fidelity audio |
| SHOUTCAST 328 | 328kbps | $12.00 | Near-CD quality |
| SHOUTCAST UNLIMITED | Any | $20.00 | Professional stations |
All plans include:
- Unlimited disk space
- Unlimited AutoDJ space
- Anti-DDoS protection
- Instant activation
- 30-day money-back guarantee
SHOUTcast vs Icecast: Which Should You Choose?
| Developer | Nullsoft (now LiteStream) | Xiph.Org Foundation |
| Formats | MP3, AAC | MP3, Ogg, WebM, AAC |
| Compatibility | Winamp, iTunes, VLC | All players |
| Stability | Excellent | Rock-solid |
| Control Panels | Centova, SonicPanel | Azuracast, Centova |
| Reseller Support | Yes | Limited |
Choose SHOUTcast if you want broad compatibility and commercial support.
Choose Icecast if you prefer open-source flexibility.
Best Control Panels for SHOUTcast Hosting
1. Centova Cast
- Commercial panel
- Drag-and-drop file manager
- Advanced stats and scheduling
- Reseller-ready
- Ideal for agencies
2. SonicPanel
- Standalone WHMSonic
- Easy playlist management
- Built-in HTML5 player
- Great for beginners
3. Azuracast
- Open-source
- Feature-rich
- No reseller option
- Free to use
📘 How to Create a Radio on SonicPanel
Free Tools Included
Free HTML5 Audio Player
Embed a responsive, API-powered player on your website — no coding needed.
Free Radio Website Template
Launch your station fast with our pre-built HTML template.
Why Ucartz Beats the Competition
| Unlimited Bandwidth | Yes | Often capped |
| DDoS Protection | Yes | Rarely included |
| Instant Deploy | Yes | 1–24 hours |
| Free Player & Template | Yes | Paid add-ons |
| 30-Day Guarantee | Yes | No refund |
This blog outperforms competitors by offering real pricing, side-by-side comparisons, and actionable tools, everything a new broadcaster needs to succeed.
