Music streaming service Rdio is following in the footsteps of other popular platforms to offer live broadcast radio that allows its users to stream hundreds of stations.
Radio announced on Wednesday that listeners can now play nearly 500 live radio broadcasts throughout the U.S.
Users who sign up for free are able to customize their stations based on song, artist, genre, and activity for mood. Paying subscribers in the $3.99 Rdio Select and $9.99 Rdio Unlimited tiers can download the song that is playing live and add it to their playlists so that they can replay it when they wish. They can also start a custom station based on the track, view more music by that artist, and play back recently aired songs on a station as often as they like. Both these tiers offer ad-free streaming with unlimited skips, although the Rdio Select tier only allows for up to 25 on-demand downloads per day.
Similar to Apple Music, the stations are curated by experts to cater to any mood, while others are based on algorithms that will play songs based on an artist or genre. Users also can customize their YouFM personalized station.
In addition to both expert and algorithm-curated stations, Rdio is also offering other top radio stations such as PLJ in New York, LA's 9.5 KLOS, and CBS Sports Radio. While streaming services like Apple Music and Spotify also offer radio stations, Rdio is further setting itself apart by offering 24/7 sports stations so that users can tune into major events like NCAA March Madness or The Masters Golf Tournament, and access on-demand sports programming like The Jim Rome Show while on-the-go.
"We are committed to providing Rdio customers around the world with easy access to the audio content they want to hear through innovative features that enhance listening," Rdio CEO Anthony Bay said in a press release. "Broadcast radio brands and talent continue to be the dominant tastemakers in music, so integrating live broadcast radio into Rdio's critically acclaimed customer experience is an exciting development that we are thrilled to introduce."
While the live radio stations enhance the listener's experience on the music streaming service, it also benefits advertisers who can better target their audiences.
More radio stations are will launch later in the year in the U.S. and other international markets.
