How to install AzureCast on a LifeinCloud VPS?

Applies to: LifeinCloud Cloud VPS • Ubuntu 22.04 LTS • AzuraCast (Docker method)

Overview

AzuraCast is a powerful, open-source radio automation platform that lets you manage live and automated broadcasts directly from a web-based dashboard. This guide will walk you through installing it on a LifeinCloud VPS using the official Docker installation method.

Before You Begin

• A freshly deployed LifeinCloud VPS running Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.
• Minimum recommended specs: 2 vCPU, 2 GB RAM, and at least 20 GB NVMe storage (more for large libraries).
• Root SSH access to the server.
• (Optional) A domain name pointing to your VPS IP address for SSL.

Tip: For stable performance, choose a VPS plan with enough CPU and RAM to handle your listeners and music library.

Step 1 — Connect to Your VPS & Update Packages

1. Log into your VPS using SSH:

   ssh root@YOUR_SERVER_IP

2. Update all existing packages:

   apt update && apt upgrade -y

3. (Optional) Set a hostname for SSL certificates:

   hostnamectl set-hostname radio.example.com

Step 2 — Install Required Software

We’ll need Docker, Docker Compose, and a few helper tools.

apt install -y curl git unzip

Install Docker:

curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com -o get-docker.sh
sh get-docker.sh

Install Docker Compose (standalone binary):

curl -L "https://github.com/docker/compose/releases/latest/download/docker-compose-$(uname -s)-$(uname -m)" -o /usr/local/bin/docker-compose
chmod +x /usr/local/bin/docker-compose

Note: If using the modern Docker Compose plugin, replace docker-compose with docker compose in commands.

Step 3 — Download & Install AzuraCast

1. Create the installation directory:

   mkdir -p /opt/azuracast && cd /opt/azuracast

2. Fetch the installation script:

   curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/AzuraCast/AzuraCast/main/docker.sh > docker.sh
   chmod +x docker.sh

3. Run the installer:

   ./docker.sh install

   • Choose Standard when asked for installation type.
   • Select HTTPS if your domain is ready; otherwise start with HTTP and enable SSL later.

Step 4 — Access the Web Dashboard

• Open your browser and visit:
  • http://YOUR_SERVER_IP
  • or https://YOUR_DOMAIN
• On the first login, you’ll be prompted to create your administrator account.

Step 5 — Firewall Settings

In the LifeinCloud control panel, go to Firewall settings and allow:

If using ufw inside the VPS:

ufw allow 22/tcp
ufw allow 80/tcp
ufw allow 443/tcp
ufw allow 8000:8999/tcp
ufw enable

Step 6 — Initial Configuration

1. Log into AzuraCast with your admin account.
2. Create a station and choose streaming options (AutoDJ, live input, etc.).
3. Upload music and set playlists.
4. Enable Let’s Encrypt SSL from System Settings → SSL if you have a domain.
5. Set up automated backups via the AzuraCast panel or LifeinCloud backup options.

Step 7 — Useful Management Commands

Run these from the AzuraCast installation directory:

Update AzuraCast

cd /opt/azuracast
./docker.sh update

Restart Services

cd /opt/azuracast
./docker.sh restart

Check Logs

cd /opt/azuracast
docker-compose logs -f
# or: docker compose logs -f

Rebuild Installation

cd /opt/azuracast
./docker.sh update-self
./docker.sh install

Step 8 — Troubleshooting

Web Interface Won’t Load

• Check running containers:

  docker ps

• Review logs:

  docker-compose logs -f

• Verify firewall rules in the LifeinCloud control panel.

Streaming Ports Not Working

• Ensure 8000–8999/TCP are open.
• Check stream mount points inside AzuraCast.

SSL Errors

• Confirm the domain resolves to your VPS IP.
• Ensure port 80 is open for Let’s Encrypt validation.

Done! AzuraCast is now running on your LifeinCloud VPS. You can manage stations, streams, playlists, and schedules directly from the dashboard.