What iHeartRadio does

iHeartRadio is the digital audio streaming brand of iHeartMedia, Inc. (NYSE: IHRT), operating a multi-platform audio platform that combines live AM/FM broadcast radio streaming, on-demand podcasts, and curated music streaming into a unified service. The platform is embedded across 250+ platforms and 2,000+ devices, including mobile apps (iOS, Android), smart TVs (Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV), smart speakers (Amazon Echo, Google Nest, Sonos, Bose), automotive infotainment systems (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, plus native integrations with BMW, Ford, GM, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, and Rivian), wearables, gaming consoles, and travel/hospitality environments (Alaska Airlines, Southwest, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott via Alexa for Hospitality). Voice control is supported across Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Bixby, and SoundHound, with first-to-market Alexa song-request and DJ-dedication functionality.

The product portfolio spans the free ad-supported iHeartRadio service, paid subscription tiers (iHeartRadio Plus, All Access, and the All Access Family Plan supporting up to five additional household members), the iHeartRadio Family sub-brand with parental controls, and flagship live events including the iHeartRadio Music Awards, Jingle Ball concert tour, iHeartCountry Festival, and iHeartRadio Music Festival. Reach is anchored by parent iHeartMedia's 160 US broadcast radio markets reaching 276 million Americans monthly (9 in 10 Americans), with 85 million registered digital users and a third-place US podcast ranking (33.1 million listeners as of 2024).

Revenue is generated across four streams: digital audio and podcast advertising (the largest, drawn from a $10.4B 2024 market), subscription fees from Plus/All Access tiers, sponsorship and promotional partnerships (J.C. Penney, Reynolds Consumer Products, Capital One, Spirit Airlines, TikTok), and event plus broadcast rights revenue (FOX, ABC, Disney+, Hulu). The company reported early merger talks with SiriusXM in April 2026.

Name

iHeartRadio

Legal name

iHeartMedia, Inc.

Website

https://iheart.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

iHeartRadio is the digital audio platform of iHeartMedia, Inc., offering free live radio, podcasts, and music streaming across 250+ platforms and 2,000+ devices to US consumers, monetized through advertising, subscriptions, events, and partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Digital Audio Streaming

NAICS

Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611)

SIC

Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)

akta.pro primary industry

Internet Radio & Streaming Broadcast Stations (Simulcast/Online-only) (MPAIAEAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Non-Interactive Digital Radio (Lean-Back Streaming) (MPAIACAB), Podcast Hosting & Enterprise Solutions (Private/Branded Podcasts) (MPACADAF), Talk/News/Sports Radio Networks & Syndication (MPAIAEAG), Audio Production & Podcasting (BPAFAIAE)

Keywords

• Audio streaming platform
• Digital radio service
• Podcast streaming
• Live broadcast radio
• Music streaming app

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Advertising (Digital Audio & Display): Major revenue stream from digital audio advertising, programmatic podcast ads, and display advertising. The digital audio advertising market reached $10.4 billion in 2024. iHeartRadio's multi-platform network attracts national advertisers seeking reach across radio, podcasts, and streaming audiences.
2. Subscription Services (iHeartRadio Plus, All Access, Family Plan): Premium paid tiers offering commercial-free listening, enhanced features, and family sharing capabilities. Automatic renewal billing with monthly, quarterly, or annual options. Available through direct purchase or in-app stores.
3. Sponsorship & Promotional Partnerships: Brand sponsorships for events (Jingle Ball, iHeartCountry Festival), promotional campaigns, and co-branded content. Revenue from partner integrations like Reynolds Kitchen product launches and brand partnerships with Spirit Airlines.
4. Event & Broadcast Rights: Revenue from broadcasting events like the iHeartRadio Music Awards, selling sponsorship packages for festivals, and distributing exclusive content through Disney+ and Hulu livestreams.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

iHeartRadio operates a free, advertising-supported digital audio platform that delivers live AM/FM broadcast radio, on-demand music streaming, and podcasts to listeners across 250+ platforms and 2,000+ devices. It offers premium subscription tiers (Plus, All Access, Family Plan) for commercial-free and enhanced listening, and produces flagship events including the iHeartRadio Music Awards, Jingle Ball, iHeartCountry Festival, and iHeartPodcast Awards.

Product overview

iHeartRadio is a multi-platform audio entertainment company offering a portfolio of products centered around its core free streaming service with optional paid subscription tiers. The platform provides free access to music streaming, live radio (thousands of AM/FM stations), podcasts, and personalized artist radio stations. The product ecosystem includes: (1) the free iHeartRadio service with advertising-supported access to all content; (2) iHeartRadio Plus and All Access paid subscription tiers for enhanced features; (3) the All Access Family Plan for up to six household members; (4) iHeartRadio Family, a separate kid-focused sub-brand with parental controls and age-appropriate content; and (5) a companion mobile app available across 200+ platforms including smart TVs, automotive systems, smart speakers, and wearables. The company also produces major live events including the iHeartRadio Music Festival, iHeartRadio Music Awards, iHeartCountry Festival, and Jingle Ball concert series. Content is accessible via voice assistants (Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Bixby), automotive platforms (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, built-in systems in BMW, Ford, Honda, Mercedes-Benz), smart home devices (Sonos, Bose, Amazon Echo, Google Nest), and travel/hospitality integrations (Alaska Airlines, Southwest, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott hotels via Alexa for Hospitality). The platform differentiates through AI-powered personalization for music recommendations, live radio dial interface, and voice-enabled features like Alexa song requests and dedications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• iHeartRadio Family: A family-friendly version of the iHeartRadio app featuring kid-friendly music, podcasts, and parental controls

Products and services

• iHeartRadio Free music streaming, live AM/FM radio, and podcast platform offering access to thousands of live broadcast stations, curated playlists, and on-demand podcasts with personalized recommendations. Available on 250+ platforms and 2,000+ devices.
• iHeartRadio Plus

Quantifiable outcome

• Reaches 9 out of 10 Americans monthly with 276 million listeners
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration47 records

AI capability7 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• MapQuestcoreTechnology or Integration · 7 May 2026First-ever audio integration in MapQuest's history, bringing live iHeartRadio streaming directly to MapQuest.com. Users access a 'Live Radio' button to listen while navigating. Mobile app integration planned for future phase. Partnership aims for expanded brand awareness and audience reach for both companies.
• TikTokflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 July 2025'Next up: Live Music' singing competition for emerging artists. Contest runs July 28 - September 26, 2025 with live finale at iHeartRadio Theater in Burbank. Artists advance based on TikTok community engagement and judges' scores. Requirements: 50,000+ followers, U.S. resident, 18+, original music rights, unsigned or label-cleared.
• Roc NationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNationwide iHeartRadio broadcasts of JAY-Z's Reasonable Doubt album as part of the JA¥-Z 30 initiative celebrating the album's 30th anniversary. Year-long cultural celebration with citywide activations.
• Amazon (Alexa for Hospitality)coreTechnology or IntegrationiHeartRadio powers music streaming on Amazon Echo devices in hotel rooms through Alexa for Hospitality. Hotels select default stations, create custom branded experiences. Guests say 'Alexa, play music' to launch iHeartRadio automatically.
• Disney+coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDisney+ and Hulu serve as streaming partners for iHeartCountry Festival 2026 livestream. Multi-platform content distribution beyond iHeartRadio's owned channels.
• HulucoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHulu co-streaming partner for iHeartCountry Festival 2026 alongside Disney+. Enables subscription TV access to festival content.
• Capital OneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of iHeartCountry Festival 2026. Brand visibility at major country music event with broadcast reach.
• St. Jude Children's Research HospitalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCharitable partner for iHeartCountry Festival 2026. Cause marketing partnership combining entertainment with philanthropy.
• Medical Care TechnologiesminorGTM or Marketing Partner$25,000 multi-platform marketing campaign for Snapshot Recipes AI-powered mobile app. Running April 7 - June 30, 2026. Projected 1.2-2.3 million impressions across iHeartRadio podcast network. Company's first major national marketing campaign.
• J.C. PenneyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHoliday collection partnership creating iHeartRadio Jingle Ball x J.C. Penney collection with 29 pieces available for limited time. Part of retailer's holiday marketing strategy.
• Spirit AirlinesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSpirit Airlines partnered with iHeartRadio Jingle Ball events in multiple cities as part of holiday campaign. Over 8,900 flights with holiday-themed aircraft livery.
• AviaGamesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHalloween True Crime event partnership in AviaGames' Solitaire Clash. 'Last Dance at the Gala' murder mystery storyline integrated with iHeartRadio podcasts. Third installment in Halloween Case Files.
• TrashieminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership supporting Trashie's circular economy platform. Trashie acquired Savvy Search AI and recently launched Trashie Unlimited reaching 10,000 members.
• Society BrandsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNational marketing campaign with iHeartRadio for Society Brands' portfolio of 12 health and wellness brands (Vitality Now, Club Early Bird, Clarifion). E-commerce aggregator reporting $100M+ annual revenue.
• Reynolds Consumer ProductsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPromotional support partnership for Reynolds Kitchens Countertop Prep Paper launch. Combined with The Martha Stewart Podcast for product marketing campaign.
• DaybreakerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDaybreaker's Miami Music Week gathering at Wynwood Walls powered by iHeartRadio. Sober dance movement expanded to 66 cities with 1M+ community members. Alcohol-free all-ages event featuring BLOND:ISH.
• WellNXTminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWellNXT Miami x Fest 2026 wellness festival brand partner. Two-day event April 18-19 at The Sacred Space Miami. 5,000 expected attendees, 24+ speakers. Programming includes fitness, expert panels, breathwork.
• Blake Anderson, Adam Devine, Anders HolmminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreators of existing iHeart hit podcast 'This Is Important' producing new 'Look Back At It' comedy history podcast with Sam Jay and Alex English. Rotating special guests, weekly format.
• FOX BroadcastingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFOX broadcasts iHeartRadio Music Awards live from Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Major TV partnership for annual awards ceremony.
• ABCcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorABC broadcasts iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2025 holiday special featuring Ed Sheeran, Olivia Dean, Reneé Rapp. Two-hour special with Ryan Seacrest and Elvis Duran hosting.
• LudacrisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHost of 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Receiving Landmark Award for industry impact. Featured performances by Salt-N-Pepa, TLC, Taylor Swift appearance.
• Bobby BonesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHost of iHeartCountry Festival 2026. Leading on-air personality and iHeartRadio talent driving event engagement.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Broad incumbents

• Apple Music / Apple Podcasts: Apple Music (subscription) and Apple Podcasts are part of Apple's broader services portfolio. Comparable in streaming and podcasting with 28.7M US podcast listeners, but Apple is a much larger incumbent operating across hardware, OS, and multiple subscription services rather than specializing in radio.
• Amazon Music / Audible: Amazon Music competes in music streaming and live audio, and Alexa for Hospitality is iHeartRadio's named distribution partner. Amazon is a broader incumbent operating music, audiobooks, podcasts, and voice hardware, with iHeartRadio integrated into Echo devices as a default destination.

Emerging players

• Pocket Casts: Pocket Casts is a cross-platform podcast player (now part of Automattic) for iOS, Android, web, and smart speakers. Directly comparable to iHeartRadio's podcast app surface area, with a narrower scope (podcasts only) and a smaller content library.
• Deezer: Deezer is a global freemium music streaming service with podcasts and live radio. Comparable product (lean-back and on-demand audio with subscription tiers), with international reach iHeartRadio lacks but a meaningfully smaller US footprint.
• LiveOne: LiveOne operates a music streaming and live-events platform with ad-supported and subscription tiers. Comparable to iHeartRadio on the events/audio intersection (festivals, pay-per-view, branded content), but at a smaller scale and without the broadcast radio footprint.

Direct peers

• Audacy (formerly Entercom/CBS Radio): Audacy operates a US broadcast radio network plus the Audacy streaming app for live stations, podcasts, and music. The closest structural twin to iHeartRadio — a terrestrial broadcaster with a digital platform unifying radio, podcasts, and on-demand — and a direct competitor for both ad dollars and listener attention.
• TuneIn: TuneIn is a freemium internet radio and podcast aggregator providing live AM/FM, sports, news, and music streaming across mobile, auto, and smart home. Directly comparable to iHeartRadio's live-radio dial and free-with-ads subscription model, especially in automotive OEM integrations.
• Pandora: Pandora (owned by SiriusXM) is a US-centric internet radio and music streaming service with personalized stations. Closely comparable to iHeartRadio's lean-back radio and personalized artist stations, and a likely consolidation peer in the event of any SiriusXM–iHeartMedia tie-up.
• Spotify: Spotify is iHeartRadio's closest direct competitor: a freemium audio streaming platform combining music, podcasts, and live radio with premium subscriptions. Spotify leads US podcasting at 43.1M listeners (vs. iHeartRadio's 33.1M) and is the primary point of comparison for ad-supported audio reach.
• SiriusXM: SiriusXM operates satellite + streaming radio, owns Pandora, and produces original talk/music content. Reported to be in early merger talks with iHeartMedia/iHeartRadio (April 2026); directly comparable as a pay-and-free hybrid radio/audio platform serving US audiences with bundled live, on-demand, and exclusive programming.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/iheartradio
• Facebookfacebook.com/iHeartRadio
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/iheartradio
• Instagraminstagram.com/iheartmediaofficial

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about iHeartRadio