Welcome to CastHost! This guide will walk you through the five essential steps to get your radio station on the air using the AutoDJ system—no live broadcasting software required.
What is AutoDJ? AutoDJ is a server-side automation system that plays your music 24/7, even when your computer is turned off.
Step 1: Log In & Check Status
Access your station control panel using the credentials sent to your email. Once logged in, look at the sidebar to ensure your Server Status is "Online." If it is "Offline," click the Restart button.
Step 2: Set Your Station Profile
Before you play music, give your station an identity:
- Navigate to Settings -> Profile.
- Enter your Stream Title (e.g., "Mega Mix Radio").
- Select your Time Zone. This is crucial for making sure your scheduled shows play at the right time.
- Click Save.
Step 3: Upload Your Music
Now, let's add some content to your library:
- Go to DJ Management -> Playlists.
- Click the Upload Files button.
- Drag and drop your MP3 or AAC files into the upload window.
- Once finished, click Submit to add them to your media library.
Step 4: Create a Playlist
The AutoDJ needs to know which songs to play and when:
- In the Playlists tab, click Add Playlist.
- Name it something like "General Rotation."
- Set the Type to General Rotation and the Playback Order to Shuffle.
- Click Save.
- Now, click Manage next to your new playlist and add the songs you just uploaded.
Step 5: Enable AutoDJ
Finally, let's start the music:
- Go to Settings -> AutoDJ (or click the "Enable AutoDJ" prompt on your main dashboard).
- Toggle the status to Enabled.
- Set your Crossfade (we recommend 3 seconds for a smooth sound).
- Click Save Changes.
Success! Your station is now broadcasting. Return to your Dashboard, and you should see your first song appearing in the "Now Playing" section.
Ready to take the next step? Learn how to embed a player on your website.
