Find streaming audio providers that help you create your media

If you're just starting to hunt for streaming audio information and you're not experienced with the technology, look into a streaming audio provider that can also help create the audio file for you. With the right streaming audio provider support behind you, the process won't be as difficult the first time out.

I recommend: StreamGuys offers both live and on-demand audio and video streaming with no experience from you required. This streaming audio hosting company provides you with top-notch support that walks you through the process. Abacast also offers full customer support with their audio streaming services that helps you hit the ground running even with little or no experience.

Get streaming audio that is supported by multiple formats

It's best to provide audio and video players that are universally downloadable and accepted by a wide range of computer operating systems. If you want to attract more traffic to your website by offering an audio broadcast, the more people that can access it, the better! Your streaming media provider should be able to guide the way.

I recommend: Windows Media Player is almost universally accepted on both PCs and Macs, as is the Mac-based QuickTime.

Choose either a streaming media server or HTTP method to deliver your sound files

Delivering audio via a streaming media server or a web server both have advantages. Web servers give you access to pre-existing infrastructure, while streaming media servers are better for live audio and video.

I recommend: iTuner sells audio/video servers, while Web Hosting Choice lists numerous streaming audio hosting and video hosting plans and their features, including disk space required, operating system and host ratings. Primcast offers plans from an array of streaming audio and video servers.