Shoutcast and Icecast are the two most widely used servers for internet radio. Both take the stream from your broadcasting software and deliver it to your listeners. They differ mainly in their origin and focus.
Shoutcast
Shoutcast is the classic choice and is built into many radio directories and broadcasting programs. Shoutcast v2 sends not only the title but also the cover art of the current song. Older programs often still broadcast in the Shoutcast v1 format.
Icecast
Icecast is open source and very flexible. Instead of fixed ports, Icecast uses so-called mountpoints, for example /live or /stream. This makes it easy to run several streams side by side. Icecast-KH is a further development of Icecast with additional features.
Do you have to choose?
Not at LexyHost. LexyCast supports Icecast, Icecast-KH and Shoutcast 1.9, 2.5 and 2.6, even at the same time. You create several channels with different server types, connect once, and LexyCast automatically broadcasts your stream on all channels. This way you reach listeners and directories that expect Shoutcast as well as those that prefer Icecast.
In short
- You want to appear in as many directories as possible: create a Shoutcast channel.
- You want maximum flexibility and modern codecs: create an Icecast channel.
- You want both: with LexyCast, you don't have to choose.
