How to Get Listed on Windows Media Guide (Step-by-Step)

Getting listed in Windows Media Guide can help your internet radio station reach listeners who still browse directories instead of searching by station name. A directory listing also builds trust because it gives your stream another discovery point outside your own website.

This guide shows exactly how to submit your station, what technical requirements matter most, and how to avoid common rejection issues before you email your request.

Before You Submit to Windows Media Guide

Before contacting Microsoft, make sure your station is stable and publicly reachable. If your stream drops often or your metadata is incomplete, your listing request is less likely to succeed.

• Your station stream link plays without login walls
• Your station runs consistently (ideally 24/7)
• Your station name, genre, and country are clearly defined
• Your stream format is compatible with Windows Media player ecosystems
• Your station complies with local music licensing and broadcasting laws

If you still need to finalize your setup, start here first: What do I need to stream live with Shoutcast or Icecast?

How to Submit Your Station

The Windows Media Guide submission process is usually handled by email. Send your request to tuner@microsoft.com with complete station and technical details in one message.

Submission checklist

• Station name
• Business or organization name
• Website URL
• Country or territory
• Confirmation that your station follows applicable laws in your territory
• Confirmation that your stream is available 24/7
• Current listener traffic estimate
• Number of stations and genres you operate
• Direct stream URL for the station you are submitting

Keep your email short and structured. Clear submissions get reviewed faster than long messages with missing details.

Copy-and-paste email template

Subject: Windows Media Guide Listing Request - [Your Station Name]

Hello Windows Media Guide Team,

I would like to submit our internet radio station for review.

Station name: [Station Name]
Business name: [Business Name]
Website: [URL]
Country/Territory: [Country]
Legal compliance confirmation: [Yes/Details]
24/7 availability: [Yes/Details]
Current user traffic: [Estimate]
Number of stations/genres: [Details]
Direct stream URL: [Direct URL]

Thank you for your time and review.

Best regards,
[Name]
[Role]
[Contact Email]

Technical Requirements That Commonly Matter

Requirements can evolve, but these are common review factors mentioned in prior Windows Media Guide partner notes and broadcaster submissions:

• Use a direct stream URL (not a page with an embedded player only)
• Avoid pop-ups, forced prompts, or blocking interstitial behavior
• Keep stream endpoints clean and reachable from standard clients
• Provide reliable metadata and predictable stream uptime

Because platform policies can change, always confirm any technical requirements in the latest response from Microsoft before making production changes.

What to Do If You Are Not Approved Right Away

Not every valid station gets approved on the first attempt. If you do not hear back quickly, wait a reasonable review window, then follow up with a concise message and re-verify your direct stream URL.

• Retest your stream link in multiple players
• Check that your station remains online during peak and off-peak hours
• Confirm your station branding and contact details are consistent
• Submit a short follow-up with any corrected details

Directory traffic can complement your broader growth strategy. For more distribution ideas, see: 13 greatest internet radio station directories.