History of IHeartRadio in Timeline

iHeartRadio is the flagship brand of iHeartMedia, an American mass media company that began as Clear Channel Communications. Launched in August 2008, it initially marketed Clear Channel's freemium radio and music streaming service. Over time, the iHeartRadio brand expanded to include Clear Channel's national radio network and other consumer-facing endeavors, leading to Clear Channel rebranding itself as iHeartMedia in 2014. iHeartRadio competes primarily with Audacy, TuneIn, and Sirius XM in the radio and music streaming market.

August 2008: iHeartRadio Launch

In August 2008, Clear Channel Communications first used the name iHeartRadio to market its freemium radio and music streaming service.

October 7, 2008: iHeartRadio App Launch on iPhone and iPod Touch

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

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2009: iHeartRadio available on Blackberry and Android

In 2009, iHeartRadio was made available to Blackberry devices and the Android operating system.

2010: iHeartRadio launch on Sonos

In 2010, the iHeartRadio app was launched on Sonos.

September 2011: Official Launch of iHeartRadio Service and Inaugural Music Festival

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

2011: Inaugural iHeartRadio Music Festival

Clear Channel/iHeartMedia began building its national event franchise around the iHeartRadio consumer brand, starting with the iHeartRadio Music Festival in 2011.

2011: Launch of iHeartRadio App

The iHeartRadio app launched in 2011.

April 20, 2012: iHeartRadio Launch on iPad

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

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June 8, 2012: iHeartRadio Powers Yahoo! Music's Radio Service

On June 8, 2012, iHeartRadio finalized a deal to power Yahoo! Music's Radio service, taking over from CBS Radio.

October 2012: Launch of '24/7 News' Audio Streams

In mid-October 2012, iHeartRadio launched online audio news, weather, and traffic streams for major American metropolitan areas, 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.

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

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

July 2013: International Stations Added to iHeartRadio

In July 2013, iHeartRadio began incorporating 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: Launch of iHeartRadio Talk

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

2013: Opening of iHeartRadio Theater Los Angeles

The iHeartRadio Theater Los Angeles, located at The Burbank Studios in Burbank, opened in 2013. The theater is a converted soundstage that was previously used by The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

2014: Restructuring of Australian Radio Network

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

2014: Clear Channel Rebrands as iHeartMedia

In 2014, Clear Channel Communications rebranded itself as iHeartMedia, with iHeartRadio becoming the flagship brand.

2014: iHeartRadio Talk Rebranded to "Shows & Personalities"

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

November 10, 2015: Launch of iHeartRadio Family App

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 served as a launch sponsor, including a "Build-a-Bear Workshop Radio" channel.

January 6, 2016: iHeartRadio Announces Expansion into Canada

On January 6, 2016, iHeartMedia announced that the iHeartRadio service would expand into Canada as part of a licensing deal with Bell Media.

October 7, 2016: iHeartRadio Launches in Canada

On October 7, 2016, iHeartRadio officially launched in Canada in association with Bell Media.

December 1, 2016: iHeartRadio Plus and iHeartRadio All Access Launched in Beta

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

2016: "Shows & Personalities" Feature Renamed to "Podcasts"

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

January 2017: iHeartRadio Plus and All Access expanded to other platforms at CES

In January 2017, iHeartRadio expanded the Plus and All Access subscription services 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 the iHeartRadio service in Canada, including podcasts, additional stations, and a deal with Evanov Radio Group.

2017: iHeartRadio Theaters Operated in Los Angeles and New York City

Around 2017, iHeartMedia also operated iHeartRadio Theaters in Los Angeles and New York City, generally used for private promotional performances.

September 2018: iHeartMedia to Acquire Stuff Media, LLC

In September 2018, iHeartMedia announced its intent to acquire Stuff Media, LLC, for $55 million. This acquisition increased iHeart's lead as the largest commercial podcast publisher.

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 $20 billion debt in half. This was described as the largest bankruptcy of that year.

2019: Availability on 250+ Devices and Platforms

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

2019: iHeartRadio as Largest Radio Broadcaster

In 2019, The New York Times described iHeartRadio as the largest radio broadcaster in the United States, with 848 terrestrial stations.

2019: Introduction of iHeartRadio Sonic Logo

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

April 23, 2020: iHeartRadio App 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, it was announced that iHeartMedia would acquire Voxnest, the parent company of Spreaker, a podcast-hosting company.

2020: iHeartMedia Layoffs

In early 2020, iHeart fired dozens of employees across its radio stations, citing technology-driven reasons, during a time the bankrupt company was considered for purchase by Liberty Media.

2020: iHeartRadio Discovery Tuner Feature

Until 2020, iHeartRadio had a "Discovery Tuner" to the custom stations where listeners could adjust the tuner to play familiar songs.

December 1, 2021: iHeartRadio Partners with Roku to Bring 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 in the form of FAST channels, featuring imagery to complement and enhance the audio experience.

February 2022: iHeartMedia Invests in Sounder

In February 2022, iHeartMedia invested in Sounder.

2022: iHeartRadio Becomes Leading Podcast Publisher on Podtrac

As of 2022, iHeartRadio is 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 in Canada, adding its stations to the service.

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.