iHeartRadio
iHeartRadio combines streaming with broadcast radio. As part of iHeartMedia, one of the largest radio broadcasters in the US, iHeartRadio offers unique opportunities to reach both digital and traditional radio audiences.
How your music gets on iHeartRadio
Section titled “How your music gets on iHeartRadio”Your music is automatically delivered to iHeartRadio through LabelGrid. No separate claiming process is required for basic distribution.
Key features
Section titled “Key features”| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Streaming | On-demand music streaming |
| Custom Stations | Algorithm-based radio stations |
| Live Radio | Access to broadcast radio streams |
| Podcasts | Integrated podcast platform |
| Video | Video distribution (2026) |
Why iHeartRadio matters
Section titled “Why iHeartRadio matters”Radio connection
Section titled “Radio connection”iHeartRadio is owned by iHeartMedia, which operates:
- Hundreds of radio stations across the US
- Top stations in major markets
- Multiple formats (pop, rock, country, hip-hop, etc.)
Streaming + radio hybrid
Section titled “Streaming + radio hybrid”- Users can stream on-demand
- Also access live radio stations
- Cross-promotion between digital and broadcast
US market focus
Section titled “US market focus”If the US is important to your strategy, iHeartRadio provides:
- Mainstream radio listener access
- Coast-to-coast coverage
- Format-specific audiences
Getting on iHeartRadio playlists
Section titled “Getting on iHeartRadio playlists”Algorithmic playlists
Section titled “Algorithmic playlists”Your music can appear in:
- Genre-based stations
- Mood-based playlists
- Discovery features
- Artist radio stations
Editorial playlists
Section titled “Editorial playlists”For editorial consideration:
- Work with a radio promoter or PR team
- Submit through industry channels
- Build momentum on other platforms
Radio airplay
Section titled “Radio airplay”Getting on iHeartRadio’s broadcast stations requires traditional radio promotion:
What you need
Section titled “What you need”- Radio promoter or PR team
- Radio-ready track (format appropriate)
- Press materials and story
- Often: label or significant indie support
How radio promotion works
Section titled “How radio promotion works”- Radio promoter pitches to program directors
- Track gets added to station rotation
- Airplay builds momentum
- Can lead to broader playlist additions
Analytics
Section titled “Analytics”iHeartRadio provides:
- Stream counts
- Listener data
- Geographic information
- Performance trends
Access analytics through your LabelGrid dashboard.
Tips for success
Section titled “Tips for success”- Focus on US market - iHeartRadio is primarily US-focused
- Consider radio promotion - For broadcast airplay
- Optimize metadata - Genre tagging affects station placement
- Build on other platforms - Momentum elsewhere helps
Need help?
Section titled “Need help?”Not using LabelGrid yet?
Everything you just read about is available on our platform.
See what LabelGrid can do →