# SHOUTcast

> Media streaming software

**Wikidata**: [Q1062504](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1062504)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoutcast)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/shoutcast

## Summary
SHOUTcast is a media streaming software application developed by Nullsoft, a software company founded in 1997. Originally released in 1998, the software is utilized for streaming media and supports audio formats including MP3, Vorbis, and Advanced Audio Coding (AAC). It is distributed as freeware and remains active with stable versions released as recently as January 2022.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type:** Application (software program).
- **Developer:** Nullsoft, a United States-based company in the software industry.
- **Inception:** 1998.
- **License:** Freeware.
- **Latest Stable Version:** 2.6.1 build 777 (released January 30, 2022).
- **Supported Formats:** MP3, Vorbis, Advanced Audio Coding (AAC).
- **Official Website:** https://www.shoutcast.com/
- **Aliases:** ICY, SHOUTCast.

## FAQs
### Q: Who developed SHOUTcast?
A: SHOUTcast was developed by Nullsoft, a software company founded in 1997 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, United States.

### Q: What audio formats does SHOUTcast support?
A: The software supports readable file formats including MP3, Vorbis, and Advanced Audio Coding (AAC).

### Q: Is SHOUTcast free to use?
A: Yes, the software is listed as freeware.

### Q: When was the most recent version of SHOUTcast released?
A: The most recent preferred stable version is 2.6.1 build 777, which was released on January 30, 2022.

## Why It Matters
SHOUTcast serves as a distinct tool in the digital media landscape, facilitating the streaming of audio content over the internet. Developed by Nullsoft—an American company known for its role in the software industry—SHOUTcast has maintained relevance for over two decades. Its significance lies in its longevity and specific utility as a streaming medium, bridging the gap between local audio files and internet broadcast.

By supporting open and standard audio formats such as MP3 and Vorbis, as well as high-efficiency codecs like AAC, it provides a technical backbone for internet radio stations. Its classification as freeware has historically lowered the barrier to entry for broadcasters, allowing for widespread adoption and a diverse ecosystem of online audio content. The continued updates to the software, with versions released as late as 2022, indicate ongoing maintenance and relevance in modern media streaming infrastructure.

## Notable For
- **Longevity:** Inception in 1998 distinguishes it as a long-standing product in the software industry, predating many modern streaming platforms.
- **Creator Heritage:** Being a Nullsoft product connects it to a notable era of US-based software development (Nullsoft was founded in 1997).
- **Format Versatility:** Supports a specific range of audio codecs (MP3, Vorbis, AAC) essential for media streaming.
- **Freeware Accessibility:** Its distribution model as freeware has made it a staple for independent and hobbyist broadcasters.

## Body

### Development and Creator
SHOUTcast is an application classed as a software program designed for end-users. It was created by Nullsoft, a company involved in the software industry. Nullsoft was founded in 1997 and is based in the United States, with headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona (specifically at 2338 West Royal Palm Road, Suite J).

### Technical Specifications and Use
The primary use of SHOUTcast is streaming media. The software is designed to read and stream specific file formats to connect broadcasters with listeners. According to technical data, the supported readable file formats include:
*   **MP3**
*   **Vorbis**
*   **Advanced Audio Coding (AAC)**

### Version History
The software has undergone various updates since its inception in 1998. Key version milestones recorded in the source data include:
*   **Version 2.5.1 build 724:** A stable version released on January 28, 2017.
*   **Version 2.6.1 build 777:** The preferred stable version released on January 30, 2022.

### Licensing and Identity
SHOUTcast is available under a freeware license. It is identifiable by several aliases and IDs across knowledge platforms:
*   **Aliases:** ICY, SHOUTCast.
*   **Wikidata ID:** Q24638.
*   **Freebase ID:** /m/01_9mq.
*   **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/121y0gx6.

## References

1. [Changes from 2.5.5 build 733 to 2.6.1 build 777:(30 jan 2022). 2022](https://yp.shoutcast.com/v/2_6_1)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Source](https://www.casthost.net/blog/a-guide-to-internet-radio-and-shoutcast/)
4. Quora