What is WAV vs MP3?
WAV is an uncompressed audio format that preserves full audio quality but creates large files, while MP3 is a compressed format that reduces file size significantly with minimal quality loss. Most podcasters use MP3 for distribution.
Why WAV vs MP3 Matters for Podcasters
WAV and MP3 are two common audio formats with very different characteristics. WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) is an uncompressed format that stores audio exactly as it was recorded, preserving every detail of the original sound. This means WAV files maintain perfect audio quality, but they're also very large—a 60-minute podcast episode might be 600-700 MB as a WAV file. MP3, on the other hand, uses lossy compression to dramatically reduce file size (that same 60-minute episode might be 50-60 MB as an MP3) while maintaining audio quality that's virtually indistinguishable to most listeners. The compression works by removing audio frequencies that human ears typically can't hear or notice. For podcasting, MP3 is almost universally the standard because file size matters for downloads, streaming, and storage. Most podcast hosting platforms recommend MP3 files encoded at 128 kbps (kilobits per second) for speech-focused content, which provides excellent quality for voice while keeping files manageable. Some podcasters use 192 kbps for music-heavy shows. WAV files are typically only used during the recording and editing process, then exported as MP3 for final distribution. The key is encoding your MP3 properly—using a high enough bitrate (128-192 kbps) and ensuring your ID3 tags are set correctly.
Ready to get started?
Edit your MP3 metadata and ensure proper formatting with our free ID3 Tag Editor.
Try ID3 Tag Editor →Related Terms
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.