• by Erik Sass  @eriksass1, April 20, 2011

Clear Channel Radio is bringing its popular iHeartRadio app to the iPad, following the earlier success of versions for the iPod, iPhone, BlackBerry and Android devices.

The iPad version includes some new features which take advantage of the device's larger screen size -- allowing users to share favorite stations and music videos with their friends through social channels including Facebook, Twitter, and email.

The latest version of the iHeartRadio app for the iPad also allows the user to see the Twitter feeds from stations as they listen, preview upcoming songs, save favorite stations and songs, and search stations using criteria, including location, name, and genre. Plus, the iPad app also lets users stream audio content from stations wirelessly to Apple TV via Apple's "AirPlay" app.

Overall, iHeartRadio gives users access to streaming content from 750 Clear Channel radio stations located in 150 cities around the country. They can also tune into dedicated celebrity channels, special news feeds and on-demand traffic reports.

In August 2010, Clear Channel said the number of iHeartRadio app downloads had passed 10 million.

Separately, the company has been working to steadily increase iHeartRadio's reach, compatibility and content offerings. Back in May 2010, Clear Channel Radio revealed an ad-free, subscription version of iHeartRadio for mobile listeners. (Otherwise, it is a free, ad-supported app.)

At the time Clear Channel said that streaming audio accounted for 15% of all terrestrial -- as opposed to satellite -- radio listening.

In March of this year, Clear Channel acquired Thumbplay -- which allows users to listen to unlimited, on-demand music on their computer or mobile device, both on- and offline -- with an eye to integrating it with iHeartRadio. The service includes an auto-sync feature for mobile devices, plus options for importing music from iTunes and an offline mode for listening on subways, planes or other situations without mobile Internet connectivity.

The new platform should also allow listeners to create their own personalized "radio stations" using Thumbplay's "Playlist Genie" and "Favorites" functions.

Clear Channel adds that the Thumbplay acquisition will allow it to deploy a variety of subscription services across a number of digital platforms, including the Internet, automotive and mobile devices.