Audio Formats for Podcasts: Which One is Best?
- MP3 ( MPREG Layer 3) - AKA Mr Universal. MP3 is by far the most widely accepted audio format that can be played on...
- M4A/AAC ( Advanced Audio Coding) - AKA The MP3 Killer. Designed to replace MP3 as the major audio format, AAC ( also...
- WAV ( Windows Wave) - AKA Raw Audio. WAV files are considered raw audio files, which...
What are the most popular podcast formats?
Here are the pros and cons of some of the most popular podcast formats. When you think of a podcast, the interview podcast format is probably one of the first to mind. Interviews are arguably the most common podcast format, with a consistent host (or hosts) talking to a new guest each week.
Can I record my podcast in a WAV format?
That way, you can record your podcast in a WAV format and complete all the setting and mixing steps first. After that, you can convert your creation to an MP3 format if you want to. Why should I convert my final file to an MP3 format?
What is the best audio codec for podcasting?
The best codec for voice podcast is Opus, and the best compromise bitrate is… wait for it… 24kbps and 22000 Hz. Voice doesn’t go beyond 5kHz, so it can be perfectly sampled with 22kHz… And Opus switches to Speex for voice, which does an amazing job in compressing it.
How to choose the right format for a podcaster?
The good news is that you won’t have to analyze all the solutions and their characteristics to find the right format, as there are mainly two options for podcasters: WAV and MP3. They are different in terms of sound quality and, in fact, of size. With the WAV format, the quality is as good as that of a CD; it is probably the best option.
Is MP3 or WAV better for podcasts?
High Quality of Sound If you use WAV files for your podcast, listeners will hear layers and outro variations in multitrack recording that you just don't get with compressed MP3 files. WAV files do not lose anything when it comes to frequencies on the sound spectrum, unlike the lossy compression of MP3s.
What format should a podcast be in?
There are many audio file formats available for distributing podcasts. The “MP3” format is the most commonly used in the industry. The format is supported by nearly every portable media player, Internet-connected TVs, and most software-based media players.
What podcast format is most popular?
Interview1. Interview. Probably the most popular podcast format, the interview is pretty much exactly what it sounds like - an interview. Usually there is one host that's interviewing one guest but there can also be multiple hosts or multiple guests on the episode.
Which audio format gives the best quality?
A lossless audio file format is the best format for sound quality. These include FLAC, WAV, or AIFF. These types of files are considered “hi-res” because they are better or equal to CD-quality.
Is WAV or MP3 higher quality?
In general, WAV files are better quality than MP3 files, but this isn't always the case if the WAV file has been compressed. A lossless WAV file is always best for recording and for carrying high-quality audio files. MP3 files are not bad quality but WAV is more elite.
Should podcasts be mono or stereo?
Mono is fine even if you have music at the intro or outro of your episodes. Mono is a good choice for most podcasts as the file size is smaller and the quality will be comparable to stereo. Mono uses one channel so what you hear in your left ear is the same as the right.
Which platform is best for podcast?
What are the Best Podcast Hosting Platforms?Fusebox. ... Blubrry Podcasting. ... Spreaker. ... PodcastWebsites. ... Audioboom. Best hosting platform for taking your podcast to the next level. ... Libsyn. The most reliable podcast hosting site. ... Soundcloud. Best platform for audio content creators. ... Podomatic. Best freemium podcast hosting platform.More items...•
What are the three types of podcast formats?
Read on to learn all about podcast formats and which one is the ideal fit for your next show.Narrative-style podcast. Narrative-style podcasts tell the stories — stories of people, businesses, or brands. ... Solo Podcast. ... Co-hosted podcast. ... 1:1 interview podcast. ... Panel podcast.
What makes a good podcast?
To create the most engaging podcast, your topic should be something that you are knowledgeable and passionate about. The creator and host of the podcast, “With Special Guest Lauren Lapkus” came up with the idea for her completely improvised podcast with guests because she is an avid improviser.
Is M4A better than WAV?
As a general rule of thumb, I recommend you choose one Uncompressed Lossless audio format (AIFF or WAV) and one Compressed Lossy audio format (M4A or MP3). That way, regardless of what kind of format you need, you have it ready and you don't have to re-open your session just to re-bounce the song in a new format.
Is WAV better than AAC?
Overall, WAV retains more of the sound than AAC and MP3. However, each file has a purpose and can be a good choice for listening to music. If possible, use WAV files to get the fullest listening experience. What is this?
Why is WAV the best audio format?
WAV (hi-res): The standard format in which all CDs are encoded. Great sound quality but it's uncompressed, meaning huge file sizes (especially for hi-res files).
Defining MP3 Files
Consider it the gold standard for audio file recordings. Because of their reduced size, MP3 files are commonly employed in the podcasting field. In addition, several podcast hosting providers and applications support MP3 audio files.
Encoding MP3 Files
The way WAV and MP3 files are encoded is one of the most significant differences. MP3 files are compressed to make them smaller and easier to manage. Consequently, they have a lower audio quality and are referred to as "lossy" audio files.
MP3's Advantages
So what audio format for podcasts is better, WAV or MP3? Let's take a closer look…
File Size of MP3s
When comparing the benefits and drawbacks of WAV vs MP3, keep in mind that some podcast hosting services have file size limitations for uploads and downloads. When it comes to MP3 files, you can cram a lot of information into a little, compressed format. Once it comes to hosting and distributing your program, this has major repercussions.
Compatibility of Devices
MP3 files can be played on a variety of platforms, including Mac, iOS, iPad, Linux, and Windows. Without bothering to convert the file type, you may easily distribute your show on those devices. As a result, you'll spend less time working on post-production.
Loss of Sound Quality
It comes for a reason that MP3 files are classified as "lossy" digital audio formats. When MP3 files are reduced during encoding, some of the quality of the recorded version is compromised in order to reduce file size. This results in a quality disparity between MP3 and WAV.
Audio Distortion
When you use MP3 files, you run the danger of "compression artifacts," which can appear in your audio recording. When audio files are compressed, undesirable sounds can be picked up. In audio file formats, these sound effects include hissing, ringing, rattling, and warbling.
What format is best for podcasts?
WAV or MP3: choosing the right audio format for your podcast. AIFF, AAC, WMA, OGG: there are as many audio formats as there are uses. The good news is that you won’t have to analyze all the solutions and their characteristics to find the right format, as there are mainly two options for podcasters: WAV and MP3.
What is the best bitrate for podcasts?
128 kbps is definitely the best threshold for conscientious podcasters. Below that, some differences in good listening conditions may be perceived. However, it may not be worth sacrificing the audiophiles’ comfort by going for a 128 kbps bitrate instead of a 192 one.
Why should I convert my final file to MP3?
Why should I convert my final file to an MP3 format? Well, this will significantly downsize your file without being detrimental to the quality perceived by the human ear, if you choose the appropriate compression ratio. Here are the pros of lighter files:
Is WAV better than CD?
They are different in terms of sound quality and, in fact, of size. With the WAV format, the quality is as good as that of a CD 💿; it is probably the best option. That way, you can record your podcast in a WAV format and complete all the setting and mixing steps first.
What is the most common podcast format?
1 – Interview podcasts. When you think of a podcast, the interview podcast format is probably one of the first to mind. Interviews are arguably the most common podcast format, with a consistent host (or hosts) talking to a new guest each week. While guests and topics can vary, there’s always a theme that ties them together.
Why is it important to choose a podcast format?
For podcasts, it’s also important to maintain consistency in your show format. Choosing a podcast structure upfront gives you a roadmap for your work and helps you deliver engaging content time and time again . Here are three good reasons to choose your podcast style upfront:
Why do you need to choose a podcast structure early?
Why you need to choose a podcast structure early. Building an audience is all about consistency: Consistency in the topics you talk about. Consistency in the style of photographs on your blog. Consistency in the frequency of when you'll post new content . For podcasts, it’s also important to maintain consistency in your show format.
What is educational podcast?
Educational podcasts can be similar to an interview or conversational podcast, but they focus on teaching about a topic, such as growing a business or improving your painting skills. Since these podcasts can pack in a lot of info, show notes are essential to help consolidate learnings and link out to other resources.
How many parties do you need to start a podcast?
It takes two parties to podcast—you and your audience. When deciding which podcast format to start with, think about what will work for you and your listeners. Jeremy Enns, CEO of Counterweight Creative and creator of the Podcast Marketing Academy, shared tips on choosing your podcast format. To start, he noted that:
Do conversation flows need editing?
As conversation flows, minimal editing will be needed.
Interview
This is a popular podcast show format as it’s always fresh. The podcast host is consistently bringing on new guests for interviews and those guests are providing new information for audiences.
Co-Hosted
Co-Hosting a podcast can be a great idea if you have great chemistry with someone else. If you’re a person who works and thinks best with others, this could be a way to go. Be sure you don’t find a co-host exactly like you. Co-hosts are complementary. Be sure that you complement each other with knowledge, skills, and work ethic.
Storytelling – Scripted Fiction
Storytelling in an audio format has been around for decades. The Golden Age of Radio was around the 1930’s-1950’s and families huddled around their radios to listen to the news and produced stories.
Storytelling – Scripted Non-Fiction
This type of format can be less produced without as many sound effects and guest voices. Podcasters who are good storytellers can do well here.
Educational
On the other end of the quickly-outdated news episodes are the evergreen podcasts that can come with Educational Podcasts. These podcasts are all about teaching listeners and education has a longer shelf-life.
Explicit Podcasts
This is more of a personal decision and depends on your target audience. Will your listeners mind if you’re using explicit language?
Podcast Episode Length
Length is another personal decision. Average podcasts are 20-60 minutes long. Depending on the format you choose, that’ll probably be a determining factor for most people.
Why Picking The Right Podcast Format Matters
First of all, your podcast format is the way your show’s content is organized and structured. The majority of podcasts stick to one format throughout their show. This creates consistency for listeners, who know what to expect from each episode of the podcast and when to expect it.
Solo Podcast Format
Also known as monologue podcasts, this format features one single host presenting the entire show. On occasion, solo podcasts will mix things up by featuring a guest, but overall they are one-person shows.
Multi-Host Podcast Format
In a conversational podcast format, two or more regular hosts chat about different topics within their chosen niche (politics, sports, music, true crime, etc.) throughout the show.
Interview Podcast Format
One of the most popular podcast formats, these feature one or more hosts interviewing a different guest each episode.
Panel Podcast Format
Similar to the interview podcast format, these roundtable-style podcasts feature one host and multiple guests in each episode, like a panel show on TV.
Narrative Podcast Format
The non-fiction storytelling podcast format covers a range of topics, from true crime (like Radio Rental) to everyday narratives (like radio show-turned-podcast This American Life, a good example of repurposed content), to business and brand stories like Creator Economics, which is produced using Riverside.
DIY Podcast Format
Finally, while most podcasters usually stick to one structure for their show, some mix it up with their own unique podcast formats.
What Bitrate Should You Use for Podcasting?
In my opinion, there are three options, one of which will suit 90% of podcasters.
What About Sample Rate for a Podcast?
Sample rate is another number that comes up, but that too is easy. Choose 44.1khz and leave it be.
What bitrate is needed for voice?
As a result, voice doesn’t need as high a bitrate to maintain high quality. For a voice-only podcast, the common options are 64kbps or 96kbps, both mono (or joint stereo as Audacity calls it).
What is bitrate in audio?
A bit is the smallest unit of data you can find, so that translates as the rate at which you can transfer data. The common unit for audio is kilobits per second.
What is the unit of measurement for audio?
The common unit for audio is kilobits per second. So that means it measures how many thousands of bits are sent from one place to another every second.
Is voice more complex than guitar?
Voice is, arguably, less complex, containing a lower range of frequencies and a lower rate of change. Even the most prolific motormouth will struggle to compete with the speed and tempo of an epic guitar solo. As a result, voice doesn’t need as high a bitrate to maintain high quality.
Can you use Alitu for podcasts?
You can! Our ‘Podcast Maker' tool Alitu was designed for folks who wanted to produce great-sounding audio without the slightest clue about how it all works. You upload your source files to Alitu, then it automatically sorts out all the cleaning up, volume levelling, and other complex processes. When you're done, it'll automatically set a podcast bitrate of 96kbps mono too – which is the optimal setting for the majority of podcasts.