History of IHeartRadio in Timeline

iHeartRadio is a freemium broadcast, podcast, radio, and music streaming platform owned by iHeartMedia. Launched in 2008, it serves as the umbrella brand for iHeartMedia's radio network, the largest in the US. With 128 million registered users as of 2019, iHeartRadio competes with platforms like Audacy, TuneIn, and Sirius XM, offering users a wide range of radio stations, podcasts, and music streaming options.

August 2008: iHeartMusic Website Launch

In August 2008, Clear Channel launched the iHeartMusic website, featuring entertainment news, music content including albums and singles on demand, music videos, and access to over 750 Clear Channel radio stations online.

October 7, 2008: iHeartRadio app launch on Apple App Store

On October 7, 2008, Clear Channel Radio launched the first version of iHeartRadio to the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch through the App Store, including twelve radio stations in 8 markets.

Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Blue - Unlocked (Renewed)

Check it on Amazon

2009: iHeartRadio Expansion to BlackBerry and Android

In 2009, iHeartRadio expanded its availability to BlackBerry devices and the Android operating system.

2010: iHeartRadio available on Sonos

In 2010, iHeartRadio was made available to Sonos devices.

September 2011: Official launch of free iHeartRadio service and inaugural iHeartRadio Music Festival

In September 2011, the free, all-in-one iHeartRadio service featuring thousands of live radio stations and custom artist stations was officially launched. This coincided with the inaugural iHeartRadio Music Festival, a two-day event hosted by Ryan Seacrest in Las Vegas.

April 20, 2012: iHeartRadio launches on iPad

On April 20, 2012, iHeartRadio launched on the iPad.

Apple iPad (10th Generation): with A14 Bionic chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 64GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life – Silver

Check it on Amazon

June 8, 2012: iHeartRadio powers Yahoo! Music's Radio service

On June 8, 2012, iHeartRadio concluded a deal to power Yahoo! Music's Radio service, which was previously powered by CBS Radio.

October 2012: iHeartRadio Launches '24/7 News' Audio Streams

In mid-October 2012, iHeartRadio launched online audio news, weather, and traffic streams for several metropolitan cities, branded as "24/7 News".

March 1, 2013: iHeartRadio added to Roku digital media receiver

On March 1, 2013, iHeartRadio was added to the Roku digital media receiver.

Roku Express 4K+ | Roku Streaming Device 4K/HDR with Voice Remote, Free & Live TV

Check it on Amazon

July 14, 2013: iHeartRadio launches in New Zealand and Australia

On July 14, 2013, iHeartRadio officially launched in New Zealand and Australia.

July 2013: iHeartRadio adds international stations

In July 2013, iHeartRadio began adding stations from outside the United States, including CHUM-FM and CFBT-FM in Canada and Virgin Radio Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

July 24, 2013: iHeartRadio Talk Feature Launch

On July 24, 2013, iHeartRadio launched iHeartRadio Talk, a new talk radio feature with original on-demand programming from celebrities like Ryan Seacrest and user-uploaded content via Spreaker.

2013: iHeartRadio Theater in Los Angeles Opens

The iHeartRadio Theater in Los Angeles opened under that name in 2013.

2014: iHeartRadio Changes in Australia and New Zealand Operations

Before 2014, iHeartRadio operated Australian Radio Network as a joint venture but now operates an Australian version wholly owned by ARN Media. New Zealand assets are now licensed by NZME.

2014: Clear Channel rebrands to iHeartMedia

In 2014, Clear Channel was rebranded as iHeartMedia, which owns iHeartRadio.

2014: iHeartRadio Talk Feature Rebranded

In 2014, the iHeartRadio Talk feature was rebranded to "Shows & Personalities".

November 10, 2015: iHeartRadio Family App Launch

On November 10, 2015, iHeartRadio launched iHeartRadio Family, a spin-off app targeting children, featuring a simplified interface and age-appropriate stations. Build-A-Bear Workshop was a launch sponsor, adding a "Build-a-Bear Workshop Radio" channel.

January 6, 2016: iHeartRadio Announces Expansion into Canada

On January 6, 2016, iHeartMedia announced that iHeartRadio would expand into Canada as part of a licensing deal with Bell Media. Bell handles Canadian music licensing, marketing, and distribution of the service, and provides content from its properties.

October 7, 2016: iHeartRadio launches in Canada

iHeartRadio launched in Canada on October 7, 2016, through a partnership with Bell Media.

December 1, 2016: Launch of iHeartRadio Plus and iHeartRadio All Access Powered by Napster

On December 1, 2016, iHeartMedia launched subscription based on demand services "iHeartRadio Plus" and "iHeartRadio all Access powered by Napster" in beta on iOS and Android to American users.

2016: Shows & Personalities feature renamed Podcasts

In 2016, the "Shows & Personalities" feature was renamed to "Podcasts".

January 2017: iHeartRadio Plus and All Access Expansion to Desktop

In January 2017, iHeartRadio expanded Plus and All Access to other platforms, including desktop, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

December 4, 2017: Additional Features Added to iHeartRadio Canada

On December 4, 2017, additional features were added to iHeartRadio Canada, including podcasts, additional stations, and a deal with Evanov Radio Group to add its stations to the service.

2017: iHeartRadio Theaters Hosting Performances

As of around 2017, iHeartRadio was regularly hosting performances at the iHeartRadio Theaters in Los Angeles and New York.

September 2018: iHeartMedia to acquire Stuff Media

In September 2018, iHeartMedia announced it would acquire Stuff Media, LLC, including the HowStuffWorks podcasting business division, for $55 million.

October 29, 2018: iHeartRadio launches in Mexico

On October 29, 2018, iHeartRadio launched in Mexico in association with Grupo ACIR.

November 2018: iHeartMedia buys Jelli

In November 2018, iHeartMedia bought Jelli.

2018: iHeartMedia Files for Bankruptcy

In 2018, iHeartMedia filed for bankruptcy aiming to cut its debt, which was described as the largest bankruptcy of that year.

2019: iHeartRadio Availability on Over 250 Devices and Platforms

As of 2019, the iHeartRadio app was available on more than 250 devices and platforms.

2019: iHeartRadio Description by The New York Times

In 2019, The New York Times described iHeartRadio as the largest radio broadcaster in the United States, with 848 terrestrial stations. They aggregate over 850 local iHeartMedia radio stations across the United States, as well as hundreds of other stations from various other media.

2019: Registered Users Milestone

In 2019, iHeartRadio reported having 128 million registered users.

2019: iHeartRadio Introduces Sonic Logo

Starting in 2019, iHeartRadio introduced its own "Sonic Logo", a five-note sounder with two heartbeats at the end. It includes specific variations for different formats or productions.

April 23, 2020: iHeartRadio launches in Puerto Rico

On April 23, 2020, the iHeartRadio app was launched in Puerto Rico in association with Uno Radio Group.

October 2020: iHeartMedia to Acquire Voxnest

In October 2020, iHeartMedia announced that the company would acquire Voxnest, the parent company of Spreaker, a podcast-hosting company.

2020: iHeartRadio Layoffs

In early 2020, iHeartRadio fired "dozens" (estimated as "hundreds") of its employees due to technology-driven changes.

2020: iHeartRadio removes Discovery Tuner

Until 2020, iHeartRadio had a "Discovery Tuner" to the custom stations where listeners could adjust the tuner to play familiar songs – or select "Less Familiar" to play a wider variety – or "Mixed".

December 1, 2021: iHeartRadio Brings Live Radio Stations to The Roku Channel

On December 1, 2021, iHeartRadio signed a deal with Roku to bring a dozen of their live radio stations to The Roku Channel's live TV lineup as FAST channels, featuring imagery to complement the audio experience.

February 2022: iHeartMedia Invests in Sounder

In February 2022, iHeartMedia invested in Sounder.

2022: iHeartRadio is leading podcast publisher on Podtrac

As of 2022, iHeartRadio is now the leading podcast publisher on Podtrac, with over 400 million downloads each month.

June 2023: Stingray Radio joins iHeartRadio Canada

In June 2023, Stingray Radio joined iHeartRadio Canada.

September 27, 2023: Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx Radio Broadcasts Move to iHeartRadio App

On September 27, 2023, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx announced that their radio broadcasts would move to the iHeartRadio app, with simulcasts on KFXN-FM for select games.