What is Sample Rate?
Sample rate is the number of times per second audio is sampled (captured) during recording. The standard for video is 48kHz, while the standard for music/podcasts is 44.1kHz.
Why Sample Rate Matters for Podcasters
Think of sample rate like the 'frame rate' of video, but for audio. It measures how many snapshots of the sound wave are taken per second. The standard for CD quality and most podcasts is **44.1kHz** (44,100 snapshots per second). The standard for video production is **48kHz**. It is crucial that your recording hardware, your DAW project settings, and your export settings all match. If you record at 48kHz but play it back at 44.1kHz without converting, the audio will drift out of sync or change pitch. For podcasting, sticking to 44.1kHz throughout the entire chain is the safest bet.
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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.