Radio App Campaigns: Grab Attention with Bespoke Messaging | Radio.co

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Radio App Campaigns: Grab Attention with Bespoke Messaging

Promote shows, events, and pretty much anything else using custom messaging directly in iOS and Android devices with radio app campaigns.

James Brown

by James Brown in Production

Last updated 14.05.2024

Radio app campaigns header

Just like Walmart or Costco, radio apps are an all-in-one destination. But instead of vegetables and clothes, radio apps have everything listeners need to stay updated with your station. And just like every oversized supermarket, trying to find what you want can be tricky. Enter radio app campaigns.

Radio App Campaigns Explained

Radio app campaigns are bespoke messaging, front and centre in your iOS and Android apps. So when your listeners open up your radio app, they'll be greeted with custom content.

A woman's hand holding a phone, with the Birdsong.fm live campaign on the screen.
Grab attention with bespoke messaging directly in your radio app.

The message can consist of a custom image, text, and link. So if you're hosting a local festival, then radio app campaigns are a good way to let listeners know exactly what's going on. Same for other events, show promotions, competitions on socials, or even sponsorships.

How to Create Radio App Campaigns

Both iOS and Android apps have the option to add messaging to the home screen using campaigns. However, campaigns only work with live apps. So either finish submitting your apps for development or start the process by upgrading to eligible plans Plus or Premium in the Radio.co Studio.

A screenshot showing how to switch plans in Radio.co Studio.
Choose either Plus or Premium plans to get the apps.

In your apps.radio.co, select 'App Campaigns'. Then choose the app you'd like to create a campaign.

A screenshot showing how to choose an app to build a campaign within the Radio.co app builder.
Choose your app to build a campaign.

All active, scheduled, and archived radio app campaigns are available in one place (more on that later). For now, select 'Create Campaign'.

A screenshot showing all live, scheduled, and archived campaigns.
All live, scheduled, and archived app campaigns.

The overview has everything you'll need to create app campaigns in one place.

A screenshot showing the overview of the Radio app campaigns.
The central hub to creating radio app campaigns.

Enter a campaign title of up to 100 characters, including spaces. The title will appear as text within your app under the image.

Choosing an app campaign title.
Text will sit under your app campaign's image.

Upload a campaign image. 800x800px in either png or jpeg is recommended. Adjust the image to how it will look in the app.

A screenshot showing how to choose an app campaign image.
Design an image that'll grab your listener's attention.

Add campaign URL. Include the full URL, including http:// or https://. The image and text will be linked from the app to the URL, for instance promoting a sponsor's website or engaging with listeners by taking the conversation to socials like Twitter.

Radio app campaign URL.
Direct listeners to a destination.

Set both the campaign start and end times. Choose when you want to start the campaign, either publishing the changes right away or delaying. Then set a stop date and time, or leave the campaign running indefinitely.

Setting the app campaign start and end times.
Choose when to start and end your campaigns.

Once everything looks good, save it. A confirmation will prompt you to double-check the campaign looks correct, along with the dates and URL before creation.

A screenshot showing how to confirm the radio app campaign.
Confirm the radio app campaign start and end times.

Once you're happy, create the campaign to either schedule or set it live.

Editing App Campaigns

In apps.radio.co/campaigns, you'll see all your active, scheduled, and archived campaigns.

Only scheduled campaigns can be edited. Choose the campaign you want to tweak by selecting the pencil icon.

Schedule app campaign.
Live, schedule, and archived radio app campaigns.

Similar to creating an app campaign, make tweaks in the builder's overview like title, image, URL, and start/end dates before finally saving your changes in the confirmation popup.

A screenshot showing how to edit an app campaign.
Edit an existing scheduled radio app campaign.

Deleting App Campaigns

In apps.radio.co/campaigns, remove campaigns you no longer want to run. Next to the campaign, select the bin icon and confirm deletion.

A screenshot showing how to delete an app campaign.
Delete unwanted radio app campaigns.

Worth noting, only scheduled app campaigns can be deleted. Live campaigns can be stopped and then archived. Both live and archived campaigns cannot be deleted.

Stopping App Campaigns

In apps.radio.co/campains, stop live app campaigns. But only active campaigns can be stopped, as in those currently live on your app.

Stopping live app campaigns.
Stopping live app campaigns.

On an active campaign, select the stop icon and confirm.

A screenshot showing how to stop live app campaigns.
Stopping live app campaigns.

Building Successful App Campaigns

Campaigns highlight noteworthy messages like events, competitions, and even sponsorships. But can feel out of place if the app's design isn't followed.

Three smartphones side by side, each showing a different feature of the Birdsong.fm app.
Simple, elegant designs work best to complement your apps.

Follow best practices to make the most out of your radio app campaigns.

  • Simple Images: Create minimalist images for fast loads and to grab attention.
  • Short, Snappy Text: 100 characters is the limit, but try to keep copy succinct.
  • Direct Destination: Link straight to the source's origin, e.g. competition page.
  • Multiple Campaigns: 4 campaigns can run at the same time, swipeable in-app.
  • Leaving Mid Campaign: Backing out when creating a campaign will lose work.

Above all else, keep your radio app campaigns clean. App stores have policies to flag inappropriate content, intellectual infringement, and more. The App Store and Google Play both set out guidelines worth following. But if in doubt, reach out to our team by contacting support.

Showcase Your App Campaigns

From minimalist clean designs to chaotic grunge aesthetics, radio apps are home to some truly unique station brands. So showcase your apps by tagging us on socials (usually 'radiodotco', but just search for 'Radio.co').

Radio.co app showcase: 4 smartphones side-by-side, each showing different examples of Radio.co apps.
App proud? Share with us on socials.

But if you don't have your own radio apps yet or are looking to make the switch, the team at Radio.co are happy to help. Spark up a conversation and get your questions answered by dropping us a message.

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