NEW YORK — Introducing the next-generation version of the iHeartRadio app, which iHeartMedia says has been redesigned with “industry-first mobile features” and access to exclusive content.
The new app interface — which the company says is iHeartRadio’s most significant product update since its initial launch in 2011 — “embraces the ease and simplicity that listeners want and have come to expect with broadcast radio in the car — bridging the gap between the traditional car radio experience and mobile streaming.”
With CES 2025 fast-approaching and Sirius XM admitting its app-focused and outside-of-the-vehicle subscriber growth efforts have fallen short of its goals, the connected car is quickly emerging as the battle ground for what Edison Research terms the “Share of Ear.” For iHeartMedia, wherever its consumers may be is key for its own growth plan. This includes the smart speaker and smartphone, suggesting Radio’s strength outside of the car is a particularly undersold value point against the nation’s satellite radio-built audio service — even with talent such as Howard Stern and channels curated by recording artists including Smokey Robinson, John Mayer and Kelly Clarkson.
“Drawing from extensive user research and feedback, the redesigned iHeartRadio app reflects iHeartMedia’s commitment to delivering a seamless and simplified radio listening experience tailored to the express needs of a modern audience using all the technology tools available today,” the company shared on Thursday ahead of the start of the day’s trading session in New York.
As Chairman/CEO Bob Pittman sees it, “Our listeners have made it clear that they want a streaming audio platform that’s intuitive and familiar, reflecting the simplicity of the car radio while embracing the full capabilities of streaming technology. The redesigned iHeartRadio app does just that, bringing together the best features of the car radio and the mobile app. We are excited to offer this new and improved iHeartRadio app just in time for Christmas – it’s our special gift to our listeners.”
The updated iHeartRadio app design includes preset station buttons, with up to 15 stations, playlists, podcasts and artist-focused radio stations now easily accessible. And, mirroring a digital radio, there’s a Scan button filtered by city or genre.
Additionally, the new app features a “Live Radio Dial,” which mimics the same car radio experience but is organized by genre and location.
There’s also “What’s Trending Rankers,” designed for music and content discovery; and “the most requested new listener feature” — Lyrics.
This, iHeartMedia says, makes iHeartradio the only digital radio app to offer lyrics for the song users are listening to on live radio.
Users will also be able to follow lyrics karaoke style for tracks on artist radio and playlists.
In addition to these new features, exclusive editorial content produced by iHeartMedia stations across the country is now accessible from inside the iHeartRadio app.
“The new iHeartRadio app further underscores iHeartMedia’s mission to use the power of audio to build companionship and connection,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeart Digital Audio Group. “This experience blends the familiarity of the car radio with digital innovation to enable users to easily find the stations, artists and podcasts they know and love, fostering the fun, spontaneous discovery and connection that comes with live car radio – all through their phones, anywhere they go.”
Initial rollout of the new iHeartRadio app begins today and will be available to all listeners on Android and iOS by December 17.
