scrolling through Instagram reels, viewing YouTube clips, and perusing written travel narratives, at least until our finances, timelines, and visas converge.
But what if there’s an alternative way to experience the culture and sounds of a distant place without depending on someone else’s tales? Introducing Radio Garden, a complimentary app that’s not your average online radio streamer. Its distinct method of discovering local radio adds a layer of excitement and exploration beyond just sifting through an alphabetical list of channels on your device or exploring streaming platforms that suggest content.
It places you on a globe, reminiscent of Google Earth, showcasing thousands of green dots that signify the numerous local radio stations worldwide, granting you the liberty to select a live broadcast from almost any location on the planet. With a single tap, you can be listening to a K-pop station from Gangnam, tuning into a breakfast show from the Australian coast, or grooving to Bollywood hits from a Mumbai station. Be advised, it’s unfiltered, instant, and captivating.
Originating from Amsterdam, Radio Garden has existed for nearly nine years. Although it gained immense popularity upon its debut in 2016, Radio Garden emerged as a cherished discovery during lockdown, when individuals sought some form of connection with the wider world while confined to their homes. Radio Garden is accessible as a mobile app for both Android and iOS, as well as a website.
You can download the applications at no cost, as they are supported by advertisements. However, if you prefer to avoid ads, Radio Garden has begun offering an in-app purchase that eliminates the promotional content and adds features such as a sleep timer and family sharing. The primary method of using Radio Garden is by engaging with the digital globe and its green dots, though it also provides a search option and a collection of curated content.
