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Spreaker hands the mic over to the listener. This site is a social networking community themed around radio. Spreaker allows the user to create their own schedules and shows. There are featured users, categories and artist listings. Visitors can also check out a list of popular online radio shows featured right on the Spreaker homepage.

Spreaker made its first appearance on the internet in November of 2009. Today, Spreaker’s main headquarters is located in San Francisco, California with a branch office in Bologna, Italy. When it was created, Spreaker was intended to bring a new way for the average listener to become a part of the radio. Today, the site serves much the same purpose, combining social networking elements with radio shows. Users can try their hand at becoming radio personalities and rise in the ranks on Spreaker.

What really makes Spreaker unique is the way it gives the power of creation to the user. The site is not a list of popular, established radio shows on the internet. Instead, it allows the user to get involved and be a part of the action. Any one can hop on Spreaker, create an account and begin broadcasting their own internet radio show.

The Spreaker website is very well organized, with a hint of playful color. The dark background creates an eye-catching contrast to the green and grey logo, which features a microphone icon. The site appears professional, but fun. Users can easily navigate to the main areas of Spreaker or check out other features, such as profile linking to other social networking websites.

Visitors to the Spreaker website can begin the registration process by clicking the red “Go On Air Now” link found at the center of the homepage. The right hand of the form is the sign up area, which requests a username, email address, and password. After entering the information and clicking the green “Sign Up:” button, the user is directed to the login area with a message advising them that a confirmation email has been sent with a link that must be clicked to complete registration.

Most social networking websites do well to offer free registration and use to users. This encourages more people to stop by and participate in the community. The same goes for Spreaker, which thrives on users interacting and providing input. That’s why the price, which is currently completely free, is ideal for the service provided. Just like other social networking sites, users can create an account in seconds and begin using all available features. There is no premium paid account option at this point, with no indication that this will change any time soon. For now, Spreaker welcomes newcomers to join the community and start broadcasting, or listening, at no charge.

It is safe to say that almost anyone can enjoy Spreaker. Mainly because of the free account registration and diverse selection of topic covered. This allows Spreaker to reach out to many rather than a very selective group. Users can search for a topic that they find interesting and start listening. The other type of user that would love Spreaker is the aspiring radio personality. It’s not easy to get your own radio show. Most people do not have the time or money to begin such an undertaking. Spreaker makes it simple for anyone to manage and air their own internet radio show, even on a non-existent budget.

• Listen to internet radio shows put together by other Spreaker users
• Search for specific artists on Spreaker
• Post their own internet radio show and gain exposure within the community
• Search existing categories to find a show that they find very interesting
• Participate in the Spreaker community forum and get to know other users

Spreaker video

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