What is Codec?
A codec (Compressor-Decompressor) is the software technology used to compress raw audio data into a manageable file size (like MP3) and decompress it for playback.
Why Codec Matters for Podcasters
The word 'codec' is a portmanteau of 'coder-decoder' or 'compressor-decompressor.' Raw audio recorded by a microphone is massive in size (WAV or AIFF files). A codec uses mathematical algorithms to shrink this data so it can be streamed over the internet. The most common codecs in podcasting are MP3 and AAC. These are 'lossy' codecs, meaning they throw away audio data that the human ear is unlikely to hear in order to save space. Understanding codecs is important when exporting your final mix; choosing the wrong codec settings can lead to compatibility issues with certain podcast players or poor audio quality.
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ID3 Tags
ID3 tags are metadata embedded directly into MP3 audio files that store information like the episode title, artist name, album name, and cover art. They help podcast players display the correct information about your episodes.
Metadata
Metadata is descriptive information about your podcast episode that helps platforms, players, and search engines understand what your content is about. It includes titles, descriptions, tags, and embedded file information.
Background Noise / Noise Floor
Background noise (also called noise floor) is the unwanted ambient sound present in your recording, such as air conditioning hum, computer fan noise, or room echo. It can distract listeners and make your podcast sound unprofessional.
Transcription
Transcription is the process of converting spoken audio into written text. For podcasters, transcriptions make content accessible, improve SEO, and enable repurposing into blog posts or social media content.