Getting started
Getting Started - Basic Information
Choose hosted Auto DJ or live broadcasting, find your VosCast connection settings, and get your first programme on air.
On this page 4 sections
Thanks for joining VosCast! Start by choosing where your programme will play: from files uploaded to hosted Auto DJ, or from broadcasting software on your own device.
New stations start on VosCast Server, our custom-built streaming software. Use Icecast or SHOUTcast mode in your broadcasting app. If you need a native Icecast or SHOUTcast server, you can choose one on any plan in Server settings. You do not need to make that choice at checkout.
Play uploaded files with Auto DJ
Hosted Auto DJ plays the MP3 files you upload to your VosCast account. Your computer does not need to stay on while those files are playing. Follow the guide to upload audio, organise playlists and set your schedule:
Ready to start streaming from your computer? Choose a live broadcasting workflow below.
Broadcast live from your own device
The right software depends on how you want to produce the show:
| Your programme | Where to start |
|---|---|
| A microphone or the output from a mixer | BUTT on Windows, macOS or Linux |
| A live DJ show with decks and a music library | Mixxx: Icecast setup or SHOUTcast setup, or VirtualDJ Pro |
| Radio playout and automation on Windows | RadioBOSS, PlayIt Live, SAM Broadcaster Pro or StationPlaylist Studio |
| RadioDJ on Windows with a separate encoder | RadioDJ with BUTT |
| Audio from Windows applications plus a microphone | Voicemeeter with BUTT |
| A remote Zoom interview on Windows | Voicemeeter Banana with BUTT |
| Audio from Mac applications | BlackHole with BUTT, or Audio Hijack for a block-based audio workflow |
| A microphone or audio files on an iPhone or iPad | iziCast |
For a fuller explanation, read our broadcasting software comparison. The software overview also links to instructions for older setups. Check the developer's current system requirements and licence before installing or purchasing an app.
Find your connection settings
Open Overview → Live broadcasting in your VosCast account and follow the guide for your app and connection mode. See the server and encoder-mode comparison if you are unsure.
- Host: copy Server address / Host, rather than the VosCast website address or a listener URL.
- Port: for Icecast mode, use Standard port with TLS off, or TLS port (SSL) with TLS on in an app that supports it. For SHOUTcast mode, use the base port shown as Standard port or Server port (SHOUTcast) in your account.
- Password: use Broadcast password, rather than your account login or server admin password.
- Icecast-mode login: copy the Username and exact Mount point shown in the account, including its leading slash. A mount point is the path in the stream address, normally
/stream. - Audio format: start with MP3 and choose a bitrate at or below your account's Maximum Bitrate.
A desktop application's automation or "Auto DJ" mode still needs that computer and its internet connection. It does not upload the music into VosCast hosted Auto DJ.
Go on air and check the result
- Prepare your music and microphone, and use headphones to prevent feedback.
- Stop hosted VosCast Auto DJ and disconnect any other live presenter before connecting your encoder.
- Start your programme and connect using the software guide.
- Open the account's Quick Listen Link on another device. Check music, speech and a track transition.
- When you finish, disconnect the live encoder. Start hosted Auto DJ separately if you want uploaded playback to resume.
All server options support secure listening. For SHOUTcast on an HTTPS website, embed HTML5 player (HTML) from Scripts and downloads in your control panel. It sets up HTTPS automatically. Your encoder's TLS setting is separate.
If the encoder cannot connect, follow our connection checklist. If it connects but audio breaks up or stays silent, use the buffering and silence guide.
You can keep the initial equipment simple. See what equipment you need and browse all getting-started guides for the next step.