Cruising through Los Santos is iconic, but after hundreds of hours, even the best radio stations like Los Santos Rock Radio or Non-Stop-Pop can start to feel repetitive. Luckily, Grand Theft Auto V has a built-in feature on PC called Self Radio, which allows you to import your own digital music library and listen to it directly through the in-game radio dial.
If you want to blast your personal playlists while escaping a five-star wanted level, here is the complete, step-by-step guide to setting up custom songs in GTA 5.
Step 1: Prepare Your Audio Files
Before touching the game files, you need to gather the audio tracks you want to add. GTA 5’s audio engine is compatible with most standard audio formats, including: MP3 (Highly recommended for best compatibility) M4A WAV
WMA
Tip: Ensure your files are actual audio downloads. Streaming links from Spotify or Apple Music will not work; the tracks must be stored locally on your hard drive.
Step 2: Locate the GTA V User Music Folder
Rockstar Games automatically creates a specific directory for your personal music when you install the game. Open your PC’s File Explorer (Windows Key + E). Navigate to your Documents folder. Open the Rockstar Games folder, then click into GTA V. Inside, you will see a folder named User Music. The full file path typically looks like this:
C:UsersYourUsernameDocumentsRockstar GamesGTA VUser Music Step 3: Move Your Music Files Now, transfer your songs into the game environment. Copy the audio files you selected in Step 1. Paste them directly into the User Music folder.
Performance Tip: If you want to save hard drive space, you do not have to copy the actual files. You can right-click your songs (or an entire music folder), select Create shortcut, and paste those shortcuts into the User Music folder instead. GTA 5 will read them perfectly.
Step 4: Scan for Music In-Game
For GTA 5 to recognize your new tracks, you need to trigger an in-game directory scan. Launch GTA 5 (Story Mode or GTA Online). Pause the game and navigate to the Settings tab. Select Audio from the left-hand menu. Scroll down to the bottom options:
Perform Quick Scan for Music: Select this if you just added a few files.
Perform Full Scan for Music: Select this if you added a massive library or are using shortcuts.
While still in the Audio menu, look for Self Radio Mode and set it to your preference:
Radio: Adds commercial breaks, news bulletins, and DJ commentary between your custom tracks for a realistic radio experience.
Sequential: Plays your tracks back-to-back in alphabetical order. Shuffle: Randomizes your custom playlist.
Step 5: Tune In to Self Radio
Once the scan is complete, hop into any vehicle. Bring up the radio wheel (hold Q on the keyboard by default) and scroll through the stations. You will find a brand-new station called Self Radio (usually located at the top-left of the wheel).
Select it, and your custom tracks will immediately begin broadcasting through your vehicle’s speakers.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Self Radio isn’t appearing: GTA 5 usually requires a minimum of 3 to 4 audio files in the folder before it activates the station. Add a few more songs and perform a “Full Scan” again.
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