Introduction

Welcome to the CastHost Dashboard, your comprehensive platform for managing internet radio streaming services. This user-friendly interface empowers you to configure your station, manage your media, monitor your audience, and even monetize your content effectively. This manual is designed for both administrators and DJs, providing step-by-step guidance tailored to their roles. Whether you’re running a small online station or a large-scale broadcast, this manual will guide you through every aspect of the dashboard.

Table of Contents

1. Dashboard
   1.1 Station Information
   1.2 Station Details
   1.3 Recent Tracks

2. Statistics
   2.1 Live Statistics
   2.2 Listener Statistics
   2.3 Track Statistics
   2.4 Downloads

3. DJ Management
   3.1 Playlists Tab
   3.2 Scheduling Tool Tab
   3.3 Jingles Tab
   3.4 Users Tab

4. Widgets
   4.1 Stream Status Summary
   4.2 Stream Details
   4.3 Recent Tracks
   4.4 Song Requests
   4.5 Tune-In Links
   4.6 Web Players
   4.7 Custom Web Player
   4.8 Chat Box

5. Settings
   5.1 Profile
   5.2 Change Password
   5.3 Shoutcast Premium (Shoutcast Servers Only)
   5.4 Relaying
   5.5 Mount Points
   5.6 Advanced
   5.7 Logs

6. Website Management
   6.1 Site Settings
   6.2 Page Builder
   -6.2.1 Custom Pages Overview
   -6.2.2 Adding a New Page
   -6.2.3 Editing an Existing Page
   -6.2.4 Copy Widgets Code
   6.3 Products
   6.4 Orders

7. Monetization
   7.1 Affiliate Program
   7.2 Payout

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
   8.1 How do I create and manage playlists?
   8.2 How do I schedule playlists using the Scheduling Tool?
   8.3 How do I set up and schedule jingles?
   8.4 How do I add and manage DJ accounts?
   8.5 How do I analyze listener statistics?

1. Dashboard

Overview

The Dashboard is the central hub of your CastHost platform. It provides an overview of the station's current status, including active playlists, connection details, and recently played tracks. This section also serves as a quick-access point to critical broadcasting information, such as tune-in links and encoder details.

Dashboard Features in Detail

1.1. Station Information

This section is located at the top of the dashboard and displays:

• Local Time: The current time at the station's location.
• Now Playing: The track currently being broadcast.
• From Playlist: The name of the playlist currently active in rotation.

Purpose:

Provides real-time updates on the station’s broadcast status.

1.2. Station Details

This section provides essential configuration details for tuning in or setting up a broadcast.

Key Components:

1. Tune-In Links: A list of links for listeners to access the stream using different players:
• Winamp, iTunes: A .pls file link.
• Windows Media Player: A .asx file link.
• Real Player: A .ram file link.
• QuickTime: A .qtl file link.
• HTTPS Stream Proxy: A secure stream URL for browsers or embedded players.

How to Use:

• Share the appropriate link with your audience based on their preferred player.
• Use the HTTPS Stream Proxy link for embedding in websites or apps.

1. Encoder Info: Details for connecting broadcasting software to the server.
• Protocol: Specifies the protocol (e.g., Icecast v1 or ShoutCast v1).
• Server Hostname: The URL for the broadcasting server.
• Port: The port number for the server connection.
• Password: The source password for authentication.
• Note: Explains requirements for separate sourcing when AutoDJ is inactive.

How to Use:

• Enter these details into your broadcasting software (e.g., Mixxx, Butt) to connect and begin streaming live.

1.3. Recent Tracks

This section lists the most recently played tracks, including:

• Track Title
• Artist
• Album (optional, when metadata is available)
• Actionable Links: Options like "Buy this album" may be included for monetization.

Purpose:

Allows users to verify recent broadcasts and ensures accurate playlist updates.

Steps to Navigate the Dashboard

1. Log in to the CastHost Dashboard.
2. Click Dashboard in the left navigation menu.
3. Review the following:
• Station Information: Real-time broadcast status, including current playlist and track details.
• Station Details: Tune-in links, encoder information, and broadcast setup details.
• Recent Tracks: Recently played songs with metadata.

2. Statistics

The Statistics section provides in-depth insights into your station’s performance. It includes real-time and historical data about your listeners, tracks, and downloads, enabling you to evaluate and optimize your broadcast strategy.

2.1 Live Statistics

The Live Statistics subsection displays real-time listener data with detailed insights into your audience.

Key Features

1. Listeners Tuned Now
   A table displaying active listener data, including:

   • S. No: Serial number for each listener entry.
   • Location: Country or region of the listener.
   • IP Address: Listener’s IP address.
   • User Agent: Browser or device information used to connect.
   • Listen Time: Duration of time the listener has been connected.

2. Current Top Countries
   A summary table showing:

   • Top countries where listeners are tuning in.
   • Number of listeners from each country.

3. Current Top User Agents
   A summary table listing:

   • Most common user agents (e.g., browsers, streaming clients).
   • Number of listeners using each user agent.

Steps to Access Live Statistics

1. Navigate to Statistics > Live from the left-hand menu.
2. Review the data in the following sections:
   • Listeners Tuned Now: Analyze active listener details.
   • Current Top Countries: Identify geographical distribution of listeners.
   • Current Top User Agents: Assess the devices and platforms used to access the stream.

Purpose: The Live Statistics feature provides a comprehensive view of real-time listener engagement. It enables broadcasters to:

• Monitor geographical reach: Understand where your listeners are tuning in from.
• Identify peak listening times: Adjust programming to match high-traffic periods.
• Optimize for popular platforms: Tailor your streams for commonly used devices or software.

Troubleshooting

If no data appears, check the following:

1. Encoder connection: Ensure your encoder is connected to the server.
2. Server status: Verify the server is live and streaming.
3. Time zone settings: Confirm the correct time zone in Settings > Profile.

2.2. Listener Statistics

The Listeners subsection provides detailed historical data on listener activity, session lengths, data usage, and geographical distribution. It allows you to analyze audience engagement over a specific time period.

Overview of the Listener Statistics Page

Key Features:

1. Date Filters:
• 7 Days, 14 Days, 30 Days: Quickly view data from predefined time ranges.
• Custom Range: Use the From Date and To Date fields (activated by the "Custom" button) to select a specific time period.
2. Summary Metrics:
• Total Listener Minutes: Total time listeners have spent on your stream.
• Total Listening Hours (TLH): Aggregated listener time in hours.
• Total Sessions: Number of unique listener sessions.
• Unique Countries: Count of different countries where listeners are located.
• Total Data Transfer: Total bandwidth used for streaming.
• Average Data Transfer: Average bandwidth per listener session.
• Unique Listeners: Number of distinct users.
• Average Session Length: Average duration of a listener session.
3. Sessions by Average Length:
• A visual breakdown of listener session lengths, presented in intervals (e.g., "0–30 sec," "2–5 min").
• Helps identify patterns in audience engagement duration.
4. Top Listeners:
   • IP Address: The IP address of the listener.
   • Data Transfer: Amount of bandwidth consumed by the listener.
   • Session Count: Total number of sessions per listener.
• By Sessions: List of listeners with the most sessions.
• By Minutes: List of listeners with the longest cumulative listening times.
• Includes data such as:
5. Peak Listeners:
• Graph showing the highest number of listeners at specific times.
• Includes a Period From and Period To range for precise analysis.
6. Listener Minutes:
• Graph tracking the total listener minutes over time.
• Includes hourly averages and a 24-hour average for deeper insights.
7. Data Transfer:
• Bandwidth usage visualized over time, allowing you to evaluate streaming efficiency.
8. Top Agents:
   • Agent: Type of software or device (e.g., Mozilla, Winamp, iTunes).
   • Data Transfer: Bandwidth consumed.
   • Sessions or Minutes: Total sessions or listening minutes by the agent.
• Shows the software or device types used by listeners.
• Metrics include:

Steps to Use Listener Statistics

Viewing Metrics for a Specific Time Period:

1. Go to Statistics > Listeners in the left navigation panel.
2. Select a time range:
• Click one of the predefined buttons: 7 Days, 14 Days, or 30 Days.
• Or, click Custom and use the From Date and To Date fields to set a specific range.
3. Click Search to load the data.

Interpreting Summary Metrics:

1. Review the Summary Metrics table at the top of the page for an overview of listener engagement.
2. Use the data to assess key performance indicators such as:
• Total audience time (minutes and hours).
• Bandwidth usage (total and average).
• Audience diversity (unique listeners and countries).

Understanding Session Lengths:

1. Scroll to the Sessions by Average Length section.
2. Examine the pie chart for a breakdown of session durations.
3. Use the accompanying table to review exact numbers and percentages for each session length category.

Analyzing Top Listener Data:

1. Find the Top Listeners section.
2. Switch between By Sessions and By Minutes tabs to view:
• Listener IPs.
• Data transfer details.
• Session counts or minutes.

Viewing Engagement Trends:

1. Scroll to the Peak Listeners graph to identify times with the highest audience activity.
2. Use the Listener Minutes graph to see total engagement trends over time.

Monitoring Bandwidth Usage:

1. Examine the Data Transfer graph to track how much data has been streamed over the selected period.
2. Use the Hourly Average and 24-Hour Average metrics for additional insights.

Reviewing Device/Software Usage:

1. Check the Top Agents section.
2. Identify the most commonly used platforms for accessing your stream (e.g., mobile browsers, Winamp).
3. Use this data to optimize your broadcast for popular devices or software.

Practical Uses

• Audience Insights: Understand how long listeners are staying and when engagement peaks.
• Bandwidth Management: Identify periods of high data usage to plan upgrades or cost management.
• Geographical Analysis: Tailor content to high-engagement regions.
• Optimization: Ensure compatibility with popular software or devices.

2.3. Track Statistics

The Tracks subsection provides insights into the performance of individual tracks on your station. It includes key metrics, such as total tracks played, most-played tracks, and airtime data, helping you analyze listener preferences and optimize your playlists.

Overview of the Track Statistics Page

Key Features:

1. Date Filters:
• 7 Days, 14 Days, 30 Days: Quickly view track statistics for predefined time periods.
• Custom Range: Use the From Date and To Date fields (enabled by the "Custom" button) to select a specific range.
2. Summary Metrics:
• Total Tracks: Total number of tracks played during the selected time frame.
• Unique Tracks: Number of distinct tracks that were broadcast.
• Average Per Hour: Average number of tracks played per hour.
• Average Length: Average duration of tracks.
• Peak Listeners: Highest number of listeners for a single track.
• Peak Track: The most popular track by listener count.
• Peak Time: The time at which the peak track was played.
3. Top Tracks by Playbacks:
• A ranked list of the tracks with the highest number of playbacks.
• Includes the Track Title and the number of Playbacks.
4. Top Tracks by Airtime:
• A ranked list of tracks based on the total airtime they received.
• Includes the Track Title and the total Airtime in hours, minutes, and seconds.

Steps to Use Track Statistics

Viewing Track Data for a Specific Time Period:

1. Go to Statistics > Tracks in the left navigation panel.
2. Choose a time range:
• Click a predefined filter (7 Days, 14 Days, or 30 Days).
• Or, click Custom to set a specific date range using the From Date and To Date fields.
3. Click Search to load the data.

Interpreting Summary Metrics:

• Total Tracks: Shows the total number of track plays during the selected period.
• Unique Tracks: Indicates the diversity of your playlist during the time frame.
• Average Per Hour: Helps you evaluate playlist pacing.
• Average Length: Useful for identifying the typical duration of tracks being played.
• Peak Listeners, Track, and Time: Identifies your top-performing track and when it achieved peak engagement.

Reviewing Top Tracks by Playbacks:

1. Scroll down to the Top Tracks by Playbacks section.
2. View the ranked list of tracks by the number of playbacks.
3. Use this data to:
• Identify tracks with high replay value.
• Optimize your playlist to include popular tracks more frequently.

Analyzing Top Tracks by Airtime:

1. Scroll further to the Top Tracks by Airtime section.
2. View the ranked list of tracks by the total time they were on-air.
3. Use this data to:
• Determine tracks with extended airtime that may resonate well with listeners.
• Balance playlist airtime to include more diverse tracks.

Practical Uses

• Playlist Optimization: Use playback and airtime data to refine your playlist and schedule high-performing tracks during peak hours.
• Audience Engagement: Identify which tracks resonate most with your audience to improve engagement.
• Trend Analysis: Understand listener preferences over time to tailor your programming.

2.4. Downloads

The Downloads subsection provides access to downloadable reports, including playlists and performance summaries, for specific months. This section helps you analyze your station’s activity and generate reports for historical data.

Overview of the Downloads Page

Key Features:

1. Monthly Reports:
• Playlist: A downloadable file containing the list of tracks played during the selected month.
• Performance: A report summarizing the station's performance metrics, such as listener engagement and data usage.
2. Download Options:
• Each row contains a Download button for both Playlist and Performance reports.
3. Organized by Month:
• Reports are listed chronologically, with the most recent month at the top.

Steps to Use the Downloads Section

Accessing Reports:

1. Navigate to Statistics > Downloads in the left navigation panel.
2. Browse the list of available months.

Downloading a Report:

1. Locate the desired month from the list.
2. Click the Download button in the Playlist column to download the track list for that month.
3. Click the Download button in the Performance column to download the performance metrics report.

Managing Downloaded Reports:

• Save downloaded files for offline analysis.
• Use reports to track historical trends, compile data for presentations, or share with stakeholders.

Practical Uses

• Playlist Analysis: Review which tracks were played during a specific time period.
• Performance Evaluation: Analyze station performance for reporting to management or advertisers.
• Trend Identification: Compare reports over time to identify patterns in listener engagement and playlist composition.

3. DJ Management

The DJ Management section provides tools and features for managing DJs, including:

• Creating accounts.
• Managing playlists.
• Scheduling playlists.
• Configuring jingles.

3.1 Playlists Tab

The Playlists Tab allows you to:

• Manage your station’s playlists.
• Upload new tracks.
• Adjust playback order.
• Configure playback schedules.

Overview of Buttons and Their Functions

1. Upload Files

   • Purpose: Upload new audio files to the station for use in playlists.
   • Steps:
     1. Click the Upload Files button.
     2. A modal will prompt you to select files.
     3. Click Choose Files to browse your computer and upload them.

2. Add Playlist

   • Purpose: Create a new playlist with custom configurations.
   • Steps:
     1. Click the Add Playlist button.
     2. Enter the following details:
        • Title: Playlist name.
        • Type: General Rotation or Scheduled.
        • Playback Order: Sequential or Shuffle.
        • Weight: Priority level.
        • Start Time: Active hours for the playlist (if applicable).
     3. Click Save Changes to create the playlist.

3. All Files

   • Purpose: View all uploaded files in the media library.
   • Steps:
     1. Click the All Files button.
     2. Use the search bar to locate tracks by title or artist.
     3. Delete unwanted files using the Delete button.

Playlist Table Actions

• Manage: Edit playlist settings, such as adding or removing tracks.
• Tracks Order: Rearrange track playback order using drag-and-drop.
• Enable/Disable: Activate or deactivate playlists.
• Delete: Permanently remove playlists.

Steps to Manage Playlists

1. Creating a Playlist

   • Click Add Playlist, fill out the details, and save the playlist.

2. Modifying a Playlist

   • Click Manage, adjust settings or tracks, and save changes.

3. Rearranging Tracks

   • Click Tracks Order, adjust the track order, and save changes.

3.2 Scheduling Tool Tab

The Scheduling Tool Tab provides a visual calendar for:

• Scheduling playlists.
• Updating schedules.
• Removing playlists for specific dates and times.

Overview of the Scheduling Tool

• Calendar View: Displays the current month with navigation tools to switch between months.
• Color-Coded Events: Clearly identifies playlists by color and title.

Steps to Use the Scheduling Tool

1. Adding a Schedule

   • Click on an empty space in the calendar.
   • Enter schedule details, such as Title and Playlist.
   • Click Save Changes.

2. Editing a Schedule

   • Click on an existing event to modify or remove it.

3. Navigating the Calendar

   • Use the < and > buttons to move between months.
   • Click Today to return to the current date.

Practical Uses

• Automated Programming: Schedule playlists to run at specific times.
• Event Planning: Set up special playlists for holidays or promotional events.

3.3 Jingles Tab

The Jingles Tab provides tools for managing and scheduling jingles, such as:

• Station IDs.
• Commercials.
• Promotional content.

Overview of the Jingles Tab

1. Upload: Add new jingle files to the library.
2. Add Jingle: Configure new jingles by defining playback conditions.
3. Jingles Table: Lists existing jingles with details like:
   • Title.
   • Interval.
   • Playback Style.

Steps to Use the Jingles Tab

1. Adding a New Jingle

   • Click Add Jingle and fill out the fields:
     • Name: Jingle name.
     • Play After: Number of songs or minutes before playback.
     • Interval: Time or track count between jingles.
     • Playback Style: Random or Sequential.
   • Click Add Jingle to save.

2. Editing a Jingle

   • Locate the jingle in the table, click Edit, update details, and save changes.

3. Uploading Files

   • Use the Upload button to add new jingles to the library.

Practical Uses

• Station Branding: Schedule jingles for station identification during broadcasts.
• Advertising: Automate the playback of commercials.

3.4 Users Tab

The Users Tab allows administrators to manage DJ accounts, including:

• Adding new accounts.
• Editing user details.
• Assigning permissions.
• Deleting inactive accounts.

Overview of the Users Tab

1. Add User: Create a new DJ account.
2. User Table: Displays a list of existing users with details like:
   • Username.
   • Name.
   • Status.
3. Actions: Options to Edit or Delete user accounts.

Steps to Use the Users Tab

1. Adding a User

   • Click Add User and enter the following details:
     • Real Name: DJ's full name.
     • Username: Unique account identifier.
     • Password: Secure login credentials.
     • Disk Quota (MB): Storage allocation for uploaded files.
   • Assign permissions, such as:
     • Managing playlists.
     • Starting/stopping streams.
   • Configure login restrictions (e.g., specific days/times).
   • Click Save Changes.

2. Editing a User

   • Click Edit, update account details, and save changes.

3. Deleting a User

   • Click Delete to remove inactive accounts.

Practical Uses

• Access Control: Assign roles and permissions based on responsibilities.
• Login Restrictions: Ensure DJs can only log in during scheduled shifts.
• User Management: Keep accounts organized by removing inactive users.

4. Widgets

The Widgets Section provides tools to generate and manage embeddable widgets for your station. These widgets enhance listener engagement and interactivity by enabling features like live song updates, recent track lists, embedded players, and more. Each widget comes with integration instructions for seamless addition to your website.

Overview of Widgets

Widgets are divided into categories based on their functionality and come with easy-to-follow integration options.

Key Features:

• Choose Widget Dropdown: Select the type of widget to customize.
• Character Encoding: Configure the encoding type (e.g., Latin-1, UTF-8).
• Visual Preview: Provides a real-time preview of how the widget will appear on your website.
• Integration Code: Offers HTML/JavaScript snippets for embedding the widget.

Available Widgets

4.1 Stream Status Summary

• Purpose: Displays the current song title and artist, refreshing every minute.
• Customization Options: Character encoding.
• Integration Steps:
1. Add the <span> code snippet to your desired widget location on your website.
2. Include the <script> code snippet before the closing </body> tag.

4.2 Stream Details

Purpose:

Provides comprehensive streaming details such as:

• Current song.
• Bitrate.
• Listener counts.
• Server status.
• Current playlist.

Integration Steps:

1. Use the <span> tags provided to display individual details (e.g., bitrate, listeners).
2. Include the <script> code snippet to enable functionality.

4.3 Recent Tracks

Purpose:

Displays a list of recently played tracks with album details and purchase links.

Customization Options:

Specify the number of tracks to display.

Integration Steps:

1. Add the <div> code snippet to your desired widget location.
2. Include the <script> code snippet to enable functionality.

4.4 Song Requests

Purpose:

Enables listeners to request songs via a customizable form.

Customization Options:

• Automatically queue requests.
• Set request delay (in minutes).
• Define request probability (0-100%).
• Enable email notifications for unknown requests.

Integration Steps:

1.                   Embed the <form> code snippet on your website.
2.                   Include the <script> code snippet to enable form functionality.

4.5 Tune-In Links

Purpose:

Provides a collection of tune-in links for popular media players such as Winamp, Real Player, and Windows Media Player.

Integration Steps:

1. Embed the <div> and <a> tags to display clickable links.
2. Include the provided images for player icons.

4.6 Web Players

Purpose:

Integrates an audio player for your stream directly into your website.

Customization Options:

• Choose between JPlayer, Basic Audio Player, or Muses (requires Flash).

Integration Steps:

1. Add the <div> code snippet to your desired location.
2. Include the <script> code snippet for playback functionality.

4.7 Custom Web Player

Purpose:

Allows you to create a personalized player with customizable design options, such as:

• Station title and slogan.
• Side image.
• Button and background colors.

Integration Steps:

1. Add the <span> code snippet for the player.
2. Include the <script> code snippet to enable functionality.

4.8 Chat Box

Purpose:

Embeds a live chat feature for listener interaction on your website.

Integration Steps:

1. Embed the <span> code snippet for the chat box.
2. Include the <script> code snippet to enable functionality.

Steps to Use Widgets

1. Select a Widget: Use the dropdown menu to choose the desired widget type.
2. Customize Settings: Modify the available options (e.g., encoding, track count, colors) to match your requirements.
3. Copy and Paste Code:
• Add the HTML snippet to your desired location on your website.
• Include the JavaScript snippet before the closing </body> tag.
4. Test on Your Website: Verify the widget displays and functions as intended.

Practical Applications of Widgets

• Enhanced Listener Engagement: Provide real-time updates and interactivity on your website.
• Stream Accessibility: Make your stream easily accessible with embedded players and tune-in links.
• Audience Interaction: Allow song requests and live chat for better listener involvement.

5: Settings

The Settings section is a comprehensive area where users can configure their server and streaming options, manage passwords, and view logs. It is divided into multiple tabs, each serving a specific purpose. Below is a detailed guide to each tab:

5.1 Profile

The Profile tab allows you to configure general settings for your stream, such as the stream title, website URL, and time zone.

• Stream Title: The name of your radio stream.
• Website URL: Link to the website associated with your stream.
• Time Zone: Set the time zone to match your server or region.
• Character Encoding: Choose the character encoding used by your stream, e.g., Latin-1 for West Europe.
• Introduction File: Upload an audio file that plays immediately after a listener connects before the live stream starts.
• Fallback File: Upload an audio file to play in a loop if the source stream disconnects.
• Company/Organization: Specify the name of the entity managing the stream.
• Email: Provide an email address for correspondence.
• Locale: Choose the language and region settings for your stream.

Click Save to apply changes.

5.2 Change Password

This tab allows you to update the passwords for your stream:

• Source Password: Used to connect the audio source to the server.
• Admin Password: Grants administrative access to the server.

Password requirements: Minimum of 6 characters. Click Change Password to save.

5.3 Shoutcast Premium (Shoutcast Servers Only)

If your server supports Shoutcast Premium, this tab allows you to input the following:

• User ID: Your Shoutcast Premium account ID.
• License ID: The associated license key.

Click Save to enable Shoutcast Premium features.

5.4 Relaying

The Relaying tab is for configuring the relay options, where other servers can act as repeaters for your stream:

• Allow Other Servers to Relay Stream: Toggle this option to allow or disallow relays.
• Allow Relays to Make Stream Public: Control whether relays can list your stream publicly.
• Shoutcast CDN Mode: Enable or disable CDN mode for Shoutcast servers.

Click Save to confirm changes.

5.5 Mount Points

This tab is for managing mount points, which are endpoints for your audio streams:

• Existing mount points are listed in a table with their respective paths.
• Use the Add Mount Point button to create a new mount point. Configure:
• Stream Path: The endpoint URL.
• Use AutoDJ: Toggle AutoDJ for this mount point.
• Audio Encoder: Format of the audio stream (e.g., MP3, AAC).
• Bit Rate: Set the stream quality.
• Channels: Stereo or Mono.
• Sample Rate: Frequency rate in Hz.
• Additional settings for optimizing performance or enabling CDN.

Click Save Changes to apply configurations. Note: Changes to mount points require the server to be restarted.

5.6 Advanced

The Advanced tab offers fine-tuned control over your server settings:

• UVOX Cipher Key: Configure the encryption key for secure communication.
• Disconnect Listeners if Source Disconnects: Automatically remove listeners when the source disconnects.
• YP (Yellow Pages) Settings: Manage server listings and reporting intervals.
• Idle Source Timeout: Set the time in seconds to disconnect idle sources.
• Minimum Report Interval: Frequency for sending listener data to YP.

Click Save to apply advanced settings.

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