iHeartRadio
Market: United States
Overview
iHeartRadio is a major internet radio and streaming platform that combines live radio broadcasting with customizable streaming stations and on-demand content. Operated by iHeartMedia, it provides access to thousands of live AM/FM stations, curated playlists, and a vast catalog of podcasts. The platform is available on web, mobile, smart speakers, connected cars, and a wide range of smart devices.
Market / Platform Focus
While available internationally, iHeartRadio’s strongest presence is in the United States, where it is one of the most widely recognized digital audio brands. The platform appeals to a broad audience by offering a mix of mainstream music, talk radio, local stations, and exclusive shows, making it a valuable outlet for reaching U.S. listeners.
Yes — LabelGrid delivers your releases to iHeartRadio. Distribution is included on every distribution plan, for record labels, distributors, and independent artists alike.
IHEARTRADIO AT A GLANCE
- Typical go-live: 2–5 business days from submission; confirm current timing with iHeartRadio.
- Delivery: your music is delivered to iHeartRadio automatically through LabelGrid — no separate claiming process for basic distribution.
- What it is: a US music platform (part of iHeartMedia) combining on-demand streaming with broadcast radio.
- Territory: US-focused.
- Discovery: genre and artist stations, custom algorithmic stations, and discovery features; analytics available in your LabelGrid dashboard.
- Royalties: tracked in LabelGrid’s royalty accounting with automated splits.
LABELGRID
LabelGrid Integration
LabelGrid enables smooth delivery of your releases to iHeartRadio’s streaming catalog. Our integration ensures that your music is properly tagged, meets the platform’s technical standards, and is positioned for potential inclusion in custom stations or curated playlists.
Getting Started
To distribute your music to iHeartRadio through LabelGrid, prepare your audio, metadata, and artwork according to our delivery specifications. Select iHeartRadio as a distribution partner when scheduling your release, and our system will handle ingestion and compliance checks.
LabelGrid provides the tools you need beyond distribution: catalog management for your metadata and releases, royalty accounting with automated artist statements, and promotion tools including smart links and pre-saves.
iHeartRadio delivery specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Audio formats accepted | Verify current iHeartRadio support — LabelGrid delivers your mastered audio; confirm exact accepted formats with iHeartRadio |
| Lossless / Hi-Res support | Verify current iHeartRadio support |
| Spatial audio / Dolby Atmos | Verify current iHeartRadio support |
| Artwork requirements | 3000×3000 px recommended, original cover art, no promotional text or misleading imagery; verify current iHeartRadio-specific requirements |
| Metadata required | ISRC per track, 12-digit UPC, accurate genre tagging (genre affects station placement), full contributor credits |
| Territory / availability | US-focused |
| Monetization model | Subscription and/or ad-supported streaming plus broadcast radio; royalties tracked in LabelGrid accounting with automated splits |
| Artist-profile linking | Verify current iHeartRadio support |
| Pre-add / pre-order | Verify current iHeartRadio support |
| Typical go-live after submission | 2–5 business days; confirm current timing with iHeartRadio |
| Delivery method | Delivered to iHeartRadio automatically by LabelGrid — no separate claiming process for basic distribution |
Requirements can change — confirm current details with iHeartRadio.
How long until my release is live on iHeartRadio?
Most releases are live on iHeartRadio within 2–5 business days of submission. LabelGrid processes and reviews your release and delivers it to iHeartRadio automatically — no separate claiming process is required for basic distribution. Planning a specific release date? Submit at least 2 weeks ahead, and confirm current timing with iHeartRadio.
Related: music distribution · royalty accounting · automated royalty splits · pricing · compare distributors · LabelGrid for labels · iHeartRadio help article
WHY IHEARTRADIO
Artist Benefits
Distributing to iHeartRadio expands your reach across both traditional radio listeners and modern streaming audiences. The platform’s hybrid model allows artists to gain exposure via live radio streams as well as algorithm-driven personalized stations, increasing the potential for new fan discovery.
Key Features
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Access to thousands of live AM/FM radio stations
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Customizable artist and genre-based streaming stations
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Large U.S. listener base with international availability
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Integration with smart speakers, connected cars, and mobile devices
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Opportunities for playlist placement and live radio exposure
DEEP DIVE
What You Should Know About iHeartRadio
Platform Scale & Reach
iHeartRadio is operated by iHeartMedia, the largest radio company in the United States, reaching over 250 million monthly listeners across its live radio stations, digital platforms, and podcasts. The iHeartRadio app combines live radio, custom stations, on-demand music, and podcast content.
Radio Heritage
iHeartRadio's strength lies in its connection to traditional broadcast radio. With over 850 live radio stations across the US, getting your music on iHeartRadio means potential exposure through both digital streaming and terrestrial radio — a combination that few other platforms offer.
Events & Promotion
iHeart produces major music events including the iHeartRadio Music Festival, Jingle Ball, and iHeartRadio Music Awards. While these are primarily for established artists, having your music available on the platform increases your visibility within the broader iHeart ecosystem.
US Market Importance
For artists targeting the American market, iHeartRadio is particularly valuable. It reaches demographics that may not use other streaming platforms, particularly older listeners who transitioned from traditional radio to the iHeartRadio app.
Tips for Success on iHeartRadio
- iHeartRadio is essential for US market exposure — include it in your distribution
- The platform's radio roots mean radio-friendly tracks perform well
- iHeartRadio's custom station algorithm can introduce your music to listeners of similar artists
- Ensure your genre metadata is accurate for proper radio station categorization
- For detailed delivery guidelines, see our Iheartradio distribution guide
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Try LabelGrid?
Distribute your music to iHeartRadio and all major platforms through LabelGrid. 7-day free trial. No credit card required.