{"id":142,"date":"2019-05-02T09:22:54","date_gmt":"2019-05-02T13:22:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/?p=142"},"modified":"2026-03-05T15:36:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T20:36:30","slug":"get-listed-on-windows-media","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/get-listed-on-windows-media\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get Listed on Windows Media Guide (Step-by-Step)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69de75f871126\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69de75f871126\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/get-listed-on-windows-media\/#Before_You_Submit_to_Windows_Media_Guide\" >Before You Submit to Windows Media Guide<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/get-listed-on-windows-media\/#How_to_Submit_Your_Station\" >How to Submit Your Station<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/get-listed-on-windows-media\/#Submission_checklist\" >Submission checklist<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/get-listed-on-windows-media\/#Copy-and-paste_email_template\" >Copy-and-paste email template<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/get-listed-on-windows-media\/#Technical_Requirements_That_Commonly_Matter\" >Technical Requirements That Commonly Matter<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/get-listed-on-windows-media\/#What_to_Do_If_You_Are_Not_Approved_Right_Away\" >What to Do If You Are Not Approved Right Away<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/get-listed-on-windows-media\/#How_do_I_submit_my_station_to_Windows_Media_Guide\" >How do I submit my station to Windows Media Guide?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/get-listed-on-windows-media\/#Is_listing_in_Windows_Media_Guide_guaranteed\" >Is listing in Windows Media Guide guaranteed?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/get-listed-on-windows-media\/#What_is_the_most_common_reason_a_listing_request_fails\" >What is the most common reason a listing request fails?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/get-listed-on-windows-media\/#How_long_does_Windows_Media_Guide_review_usually_take\" >How long does Windows Media Guide review usually take?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"text-align:center;margin:32px 0;\">\n  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/stream_packages.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#e63946;color:#fff;font-size:18px;font-weight:700;padding:16px 36px;border-radius:6px;text-decoration:none;\">Start Your Free Trial &#8211; No Credit Card Required<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Before_You_Submit_to_Windows_Media_Guide\"><\/span>Before You Submit to Windows Media Guide<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Your station stream link plays without login walls<\/li><li>Your station runs consistently (ideally 24\/7)<\/li><li>Your station name, genre, and country are clearly defined<\/li><li>Your stream format is compatible with Windows Media player ecosystems<\/li><li>Your station complies with local music licensing and broadcasting laws<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you still need to finalize your setup, start here first: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/what-do-i-need-to-stream\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What do I need to stream live with Shoutcast or Icecast?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Submit_Your_Station\"><\/span>How to Submit Your Station<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Windows Media Guide submission process is usually handled by email. Send your request to <a href=\"mailto:tuner@microsoft.com\">tuner@microsoft.com<\/a> with complete station and technical details in one message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Submission_checklist\"><\/span>Submission checklist<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Station name<\/li><li>Business or organization name<\/li><li>Website URL<\/li><li>Country or territory<\/li><li>Confirmation that your station follows applicable laws in your territory<\/li><li>Confirmation that your stream is available 24\/7<\/li><li>Current listener traffic estimate<\/li><li>Number of stations and genres you operate<\/li><li>Direct stream URL for the station you are submitting<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep your email short and structured. Clear submissions get reviewed faster than long messages with missing details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Copy-and-paste_email_template\"><\/span>Copy-and-paste email template<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<pre style=\"background:#f8f8f8;border:1px solid #e5e7eb;padding:16px;border-radius:6px;white-space:pre-wrap;line-height:1.6;\">Subject: Windows Media Guide Listing Request - [Your Station Name]\n\nHello Windows Media Guide Team,\n\nI would like to submit our internet radio station for review.\n\nStation name: [Station Name]\nBusiness name: [Business Name]\nWebsite: [URL]\nCountry\/Territory: [Country]\nLegal compliance confirmation: [Yes\/Details]\n24\/7 availability: [Yes\/Details]\nCurrent user traffic: [Estimate]\nNumber of stations\/genres: [Details]\nDirect stream URL: [Direct URL]\n\nThank you for your time and review.\n\nBest regards,\n[Name]\n[Role]\n[Contact Email]<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Technical_Requirements_That_Commonly_Matter\"><\/span>Technical Requirements That Commonly Matter<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Requirements can evolve, but these are common review factors mentioned in prior Windows Media Guide partner notes and broadcaster submissions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Use a direct stream URL (not a page with an embedded player only)<\/li><li>Avoid pop-ups, forced prompts, or blocking interstitial behavior<\/li><li>Keep stream endpoints clean and reachable from standard clients<\/li><li>Provide reliable metadata and predictable stream uptime<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Because platform policies can change, always confirm any technical requirements in the latest response from Microsoft before making production changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_Do_If_You_Are_Not_Approved_Right_Away\"><\/span>What to Do If You Are Not Approved Right Away<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Retest your stream link in multiple players<\/li><li>Check that your station remains online during peak and off-peak hours<\/li><li>Confirm your station branding and contact details are consistent<\/li><li>Submit a short follow-up with any corrected details<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Directory traffic can complement your broader growth strategy. For more distribution ideas, see: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/internet-radio-station-directories\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">13 greatest internet radio station directories<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"text-align:center;margin:32px 0;\">\n  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/stream_packages.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#e63946;color:#fff;font-size:18px;font-weight:700;padding:16px 36px;border-radius:6px;text-decoration:none;\">Launch Your Station with CastHost<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"background:#f8f8f8;border-left:4px solid #e63946;padding:24px 28px;margin:40px 0;border-radius:4px;\">\n  <p style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:700;margin:0 0 14px 0;\">Related Articles<\/p>\n  <ul style=\"margin:0;padding-left:20px;line-height:2;\">\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/start-an-internet-radio-station\/\">How to Start an Internet Radio Station<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/internet-radio-station-directories\/\">Internet Radio Station Directories<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/how-do-i-get-listed-on-itunes\/\">How to Get Listed on iTunes<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/what-do-i-need-to-stream\/\">What You Need to Stream Live<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/how-do-i-stream-live\/\">How to Stream Live with Shoutcast or Icecast<\/a><\/li>\n  <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1741211000000\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_submit_my_station_to_Windows_Media_Guide\"><\/span>How do I submit my station to Windows Media Guide?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Send a structured email to tuner@microsoft.com with your station name, business details, website, country, compliance confirmation, 24\/7 availability, traffic estimate, genres, and direct stream URL.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1741211000001\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_listing_in_Windows_Media_Guide_guaranteed\"><\/span>Is listing in Windows Media Guide guaranteed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No. Meeting the requirements improves your chances, but final inclusion depends on Microsoft review and current platform policies.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1741211000002\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_most_common_reason_a_listing_request_fails\"><\/span>What is the most common reason a listing request fails?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Incomplete submissions and non-direct stream links are common problems. Submissions are stronger when technical details are complete and the stream URL is stable.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1741211000003\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_does_Windows_Media_Guide_review_usually_take\"><\/span>How long does Windows Media Guide review usually take?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Timelines can vary, but many broadcasters report waiting about a week or more. If needed, send a short follow-up with any corrected station details.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3086,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[30],"class_list":["post-142","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tutorials","tag-get-listed-on-windows-media"],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=142"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3087,"href":"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142\/revisions\/3087"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3086"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=142"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=142"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.casthost.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=142"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}