The CastHost Mobile App Builder allows you to create your own white-label radio applications for Android and iOS directly from your dashboard. Customize your branding, enable monetization, and launch your station on mobile devices worldwide.
1. Configuring Your App Identity
Before building your app, you must set its core identity. Navigate to Mobile Settings in your dashboard:
- App Name: The name that appears under the icon on a user's phone.
- Description: A brief summary of your station for app store listings.
- Primary Theme Color: Choose a color that matches your station branding. The app will automatically generate a professional palette based on this choice.
- App Icon: Upload a square image (1024x1024 recommended). This is the icon users will tap to start your stream.
2. Social Media & Legal Links
Engagement is key to a successful station. Fill in your social links to allow listeners to connect with you directly from the app player:
- Social Profiles: Add your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, and YouTube URLs.
- Legal Links: You must provide a Privacy Policy and Terms of Service URL to be accepted into the Google Play and Apple App Stores.
3. Monetization with Google AdMob
Turn your listeners into revenue by enabling AdMob advertisements within your app:
- Banner Ads: Toggle this on to show a small ad at the top or bottom of the screen. You will need your AdMob Unit IDs for both Android and iOS.
- Interstitial Ads: These are full-screen ads that appear at natural breaks. You can set a "Cooldown" period to ensure they aren't too intrusive for your listeners.
4. Building & Downloading Your App
Once you are happy with your settings, it is time to generate the app files:
- Scroll to the Build UI section of the Mobile Settings.
- Select your Build Types:
- APK: For direct installation on Android devices (testing).
- AAB: The format required for Google Play Store submissions.
- iOS: The build for Apple devices.
- Click Save & Rebuild.
Note: Builds typically take 15-30 minutes. You can track the progress in the App Builds table at the bottom of the page.
5. Runtime Updates vs. Full Rebuilds
Understanding when you need to rebuild your app will save you time:
| Change Type | Action Required |
|---|---|
| Changing Colors/Social Links | Instant Update (Just restart the app) |
| Updating AdMob IDs | Instant Update |
| Changing App Icon | Full Rebuild Required |
| Changing App Name | Full Rebuild Required |
Facing issues with a build? Check the Build Logs for specific error messages or contact our support team for assistance with App Store submissions.
