Starting a podcast and confused about audio formats? Should you use MP3, WAV, or AAC? The short answer is MP3 — but the full picture is more nuanced. Here's everything you need to know.
Use MP3 at 128kbps mono (voice only) or 192kbps stereo (music + speech) for distributing your podcast. Record and edit in WAV, then convert to MP3 for your final export.
MP3 has been the podcast standard since the very beginning — and for good reason. Every podcast platform, app, and device on the planet supports it. Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts — all handle MP3 perfectly.
WAV files are 10× larger than MP3 with essentially no audible difference for spoken word audio. For your listeners, the difference is undetectable.
| Format | File Size | Quality | Compatibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MP3 | Small | Very Good | Universal | Distribution ✅ |
| WAV | Large | Perfect | Good | Recording/Editing ✅ |
| AAC (M4A) | Small | Excellent | Most platforms | Apple ecosystem |
| FLAC | Large | Perfect | Limited | Archiving only |
Always record raw audio as WAV (44.1kHz, 16-bit). This preserves everything for editing.
Edit, cut, add music, and mix in your DAW. Keep everything as WAV to avoid quality loss.
Final export: MP3, 128kbps mono (speech only) or 192kbps stereo (music + speech).
Upload your MP3 to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Buzzsprout, or any hosting platform.
For most podcasts — especially interview or solo shows — mono is the better choice. Mono cuts your file size in half, and since most people listen on earbuds or small speakers, stereo gives no real benefit for speech audio.
Recommended settings: MP3 · 128kbps · Mono · 44.1kHz — for a standard talk or interview podcast. Excellent quality at around 1MB per minute.
Batch convert your podcast recordings. Choose your bitrate. No upload, no signup.
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