Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find your answer here? Feel free to send us your question.
What is filtermusic?
A hand-filtered directory of internet radio: a couple hundred of the best stations, picked from thousands across the web. Every station streams in high quality and plays music, not talk — with a focus on electronic & dance, plus a few surprises in the Various/Independent section. The best variety at the best price: free.
Where can I listen to filtermusic?
Pretty much everywhere. filtermusic plays in any modern browser — phone, tablet, laptop or smart TV — and installs as an app on iOS, Android and Windows. Cast to your TV or speakers with Chromecast and AirPlay, or connect your phone to your car stereo via Bluetooth and take it on the road. Wherever there's a screen or a speaker, there's a station waiting.
Do I need an account?
No. There's nothing to sign up for — your favorites (the heart icon) are saved right on your device, and everything works the moment you press play.
How do I stream to my Sonos, TV or smart speaker?
Click the small cast icon next to the play button and pick your device — Chromecast on Chrome and Android, AirPlay on Apple. Just make sure your device is on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone or computer.
Are there keyboard shortcuts?
Yes, on devices with a keyboard. Press / on the homepage to jump straight into search. On a station's page, Space toggles play/pause and the ← / → arrow keys skip to the previous or next station - handy for surfing stations until something clicks.
Why can't I tune in?
Usually it's not you: the station is simply full and can't accept more listeners — try again in a few minutes. If it happens often, check your internet connection. If a station never plays, you're probably behind a firewall that blocks radio streams.
Does the music keep playing in the background?
Yes - with your screen off or while you use other apps. Some privacy-focused browsers like Brave restrict background activity; if the music stops after a few minutes, switch to Chrome or Firefox.
My favorite station disappeared!
Internet radios sometimes stop streaming - their server goes down or fills up. When that happens the station is automatically removed from the directory, and listed again as soon as it's back.
Why don't you have station 'X'? Can I suggest one?
If a station isn't listed, it didn't make the cut (yet). We tend to only include stations that play few or no ads, stick to one music style and stream in high quality - 128kbps MP3 or the equivalent in modern codecs like AAC, which sound just as good at lower bitrates. We currently accept no submissions for new stations.
Where do the background photos come from?
Most are emailed to us by users or collected around the internet. All rights belong to their rightful owners — please don't copy or redistribute them.
Does filtermusic provide any licensing for music royalties?
No. We don't provide any form of content licensing or royalty coverage. If you play these streams publicly, it's your responsibility to obtain the licences relevant for your country.