iHeartRadio
Market: United States
Overview
iHeartRadio is a US music platform operated by iHeartMedia. It combines on-demand streaming and algorithm-based custom stations with live radio streams and podcasts, and the on-air programming of iHeartMedia’s stations is mirrored on the app’s simulcast.
Market / Platform Focus
iHeartRadio is primarily focused on the United States. Delivery through LabelGrid puts your music on the app’s streaming side; airplay on iHeartMedia’s broadcast stations is a separate programming decision that comes through traditional radio promotion.
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: timing varies by platform, and iHeartRadio publishes no delivery window we can confirm — submit at least 2 weeks ahead.
- 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.
- Royalties: iHeartRadio’s non-interactive digital radio plays pay sound-recording performance royalties through SoundExchange, so register there to collect them.
LABELGRID
LabelGrid Integration
LabelGrid delivers your releases to iHeartRadio with the metadata you enter in your catalog, after LabelGrid’s release review. Once delivered, your music is available for on-demand streaming on iHeartRadio.
Getting Started
To distribute your music to iHeartRadio through LabelGrid, prepare your audio, metadata, and artwork according to our delivery specifications. Select iHeartRadio in your release’s outlets, and LabelGrid reviews the release and delivers it to iHeartRadio.
LabelGrid provides the tools you need beyond distribution: catalog management for your metadata and releases, royalty accounting with automated artist statements from the Basic plan up, and promotion tools including smart links and Spotify pre-saves.
iHeartRadio delivery specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Audio formats accepted | LabelGrid accepts lossless WAV (16-, 24- or 32-bit) or 16-bit FLAC masters at 44.1 kHz or higher, stereo, and handles delivery to iHeartRadio; iHeartRadio publishes no format requirements we can confirm |
| Lossless / Hi-Res support | Verify current iHeartRadio support |
| Spatial audio / Dolby Atmos | Verify current iHeartRadio support |
| Artwork requirements | Cover art you own or have licensed, at least 3000 × 3000 px (JPEG or PNG, sRGB), with no URLs, logos or advertising; LabelGrid converts PNG to JPEG and CMYK to sRGB for delivery |
| Metadata required | ISRC per track, a UPC (12-digit) or EAN (13-digit) barcode, accurate genre tagging, full contributor credits |
| Territory / availability | US-focused |
| Monetization model | On-demand streaming, digital radio and broadcast radio; non-interactive digital radio plays pay sound-recording performance royalties through SoundExchange |
| Artist-profile linking | Verify current iHeartRadio support |
| Pre-add / pre-order | Verify current iHeartRadio support |
| Typical go-live after submission | Timing varies by platform; iHeartRadio documents no delivery window we can confirm — submit at least 2 weeks ahead |
| 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?
iHeartRadio publishes no delivery window we can confirm, so LabelGrid does not quote one. 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
iHeartRadio carries both on-demand streaming and algorithm-based stations, and a release delivered there is available to stream on demand. Airplay on iHeartMedia’s broadcast stations comes through radio promotion, not through distribution.
Key Features
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On-demand music streaming
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Algorithm-based custom stations
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Live broadcast radio streams
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Integrated podcasts
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Primarily focused on the United States
DEEP DIVE
What You Should Know About iHeartRadio
Who Runs iHeartRadio
iHeartRadio is operated by iHeartMedia, which runs a network of FCC-licensed terrestrial radio stations as well as the iHeartRadio app. The app combines live radio, custom stations, on-demand music, and podcast content.
Radio Heritage
The on-air programming of iHeartMedia's stations is mirrored on the app's simulcast, so a song can reach listeners whether they tune in by broadcast radio or stream. Getting a song onto those stations is a programming decision, not something distribution provides.
Events & Promotion
iHeartMedia's On The Verge program is its discovery route for emerging artists: every six to ten weeks, local programmers for each format choose a new song and commit to 150 spins over the following six to ten weeks. Selection is a programming decision and cannot be bought.
US Market Importance
iHeartRadio is primarily focused on the American market. Its non-interactive digital radio plays pay sound-recording performance royalties through SoundExchange, while over-the-air AM/FM broadcasts in the US pay no sound-recording performance royalty, so register with SoundExchange if US radio matters to you.
Tips for Success on iHeartRadio
- Register with SoundExchange to collect digital radio performance royalties
- Make sure your genre metadata is accurate
- For broadcast airplay, work with a radio promoter who pitches program directors
- Submit at least 2 weeks ahead of your release date
- For detailed delivery guidelines, see our iHeartRadio distribution guide
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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