Originally Published: April 30, 2021 [UPDATED: March 2026]
EDITOR’S NOTE: Since the launch of our landmark partnership with iHeartRadio in 2021, the landscape of digital distribution has evolved. While iHeartRadio remains a cornerstone of our Premium distribution network, they have moved to a limited-capacity model with stricter requirements for branding and performance. The information below has been updated to reflect the current 2026 standards for eligibility and seat availability.
Live365 is excited to announce that beginning today, select Live365 stations will now be available on iHeartRadio, the free all-in-one live digital radio, streaming music, and podcast listening platform, increasing visibility and discoverability of Live365 stations and the Live365 network overall.
“As we focus on growing the Live365 listening network, we are excited to announce we now have an agreement in place to list select Live365 stations on iHeartRadio’s distribution network,” said Live365 General Manager Jason Stoddard. “Being able to showcase some of our standout stations on iHeart is a testament to the hard work our broadcasters put in to programming quality stations that are not traditionally represented on the radio dial. We will continue to work with world-class distribution companies to help listeners discover the top-notch content available on Live365.”
This agreement is one of the first steps in Live365’s efforts to expand its listening network, as Live365 focuses on ensuring listeners everywhere have the opportunity to discover the ever-growing, diverse content available on Live365.
Listeners can visit iheart.com/apps to download iHeartRadio on their favorite device and tune in anywhere they are. Those interested in potentially getting listed on iHeartRadio through Live365 can reach out to Live365’s Sales team at [email protected].
The Current Landscape: How to Get Listed Today (2026)
As the iHeartRadio platform has grown, they've moved toward a curated, limited-capacity model. This means that while iHeart distribution is included in our Broadcast 4, Broadcast 5, and Non-Copyright 4 packages, listing is no longer automatic. Every station must now meet specific ongoing compliance and performance standards to be eligible for a seat.
1. Branding Standards (Defensible Branding)
iHeart now requires "digital-first" branding. They're currently moving away from including station names that mimic traditional terrestrial radio, unless a station has the official FCC paperwork to back it up. To be eligible for review, stations must avoid:
- Terrestrial Suffixes: Any station name using -FM, -AM, or -DB.
- FCC Call Signs or Frequencies: Using a 4-letter call sign (e.g. WXYZ) or frequency.
2. Performance & Engagement
iHeart’s performance review process focuses on two key areas to ensure stations are reaching their full potential on the platform:
- TLH Baseline: To be considered for inclusion, stations must demonstrate a solid, consistent baseline of Total Listening Hours (TLH) to show an established audience.
- On-Platform Engagement: Once listed, iHeart prioritizes growth and listener activity that happens directly on their own app and website.
3. The Priority Waitlist
Because seats are strictly capped by iHeart, stations that meet all branding and performance requirements are placed on our Priority Waitlist. As seats become available, we submit eligible stations for iHeart’s final review and approval.
Ready to start your journey?
If you are interested in potentially getting listed on iHeartRadio through Live365, the best first step is to ensure your station is compliant with the "defensible branding" standards listed above.
Want to learn more? Reach out to our Support team to see where your station stands. Or, start your station by clicking below to get started with your 7-day free trial.
Discover thousands of free stations from every genre of music and talk at Live365.com. Rather listen on our app? Download the Live365 app on iOS or Android. Keep up with the latest news by following us on Facebook (Live365 (Official) and Live365 Broadcasting) and Twitter (@Live365 and @Broadcast365)! You can also shop Live365 swag and branded merchandise at store.live365.com!
Article Image: Live365 logo above "Listen on iHeartRadio" logo, with standing speakers.
