Convert Audio for Podcasts: Best Settings for Quality and Size
If you’re producing a podcast, your audio quality can make or break the listener experience. But there’s always a trade-off between high quality and manageable file size, especially if your audience downloads episodes on mobile data. In this guide, we’ll break down the best formats and settings for podcasters to ensure your episodes sound great without eating up storage or bandwidth.
1. Choosing the Right Audio Format
For most podcasts, the three most common audio formats are MP3, AAC, and WAV. Here’s how they compare:
- MP3 – Universally supported, decent quality at moderate bitrates, ideal for most podcasters.
- AAC – Slightly better compression efficiency than MP3, especially at lower bitrates, but not supported by every old device.
- WAV – Uncompressed, best for archiving or editing, but huge file sizes make it impractical for distribution.
Recommendation:
Use MP3 for maximum compatibility, or AAC if your audience uses modern devices and you want slightly better quality at the same file size.
2. Bitrate: Balancing Quality and Size
The bitrate determines how much data is used per second of audio. Higher bitrates mean better quality but larger files.
| Bitrate | File Size (per hour) | Audio Quality | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64 kbps | ~30 MB | Good for voice | Low-bandwidth listeners |
| 96 kbps | ~45 MB | Very good voice quality | Standard podcast distribution |
| 128 kbps | ~60 MB | High quality, music-friendly | Podcasts with music segments |
For most spoken-word podcasts, 96 kbps is the sweet spot, delivering excellent clarity without unnecessarily large files.
3. Sample Rate: Keep It Simple
The sample rate is how many times per second the audio is captured. For voice recordings, 44.1 kHz is industry standard and more than enough. Higher sample rates like 48 kHz are only necessary if you’re also producing for video or broadcasting.
4. Mono vs Stereo
Stereo doubles your file size without significantly improving the listening experience for voice. Unless you have sound effects or music that benefit from stereo separation, mono is ideal for podcasts.
5. Editing and Conversion Workflow
The recommended workflow is:
- Record in uncompressed WAV format for editing.
- Edit and mix your podcast in your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).
- Export and convert to MP3 or AAC using optimal settings for distribution.
Using Free Audio Converter Online, you can quickly convert your final WAV to MP3 or AAC without uploading files to a server — ensuring speed and privacy.
Conclusion: Best Settings for Podcasts
- Format: MP3 (for compatibility) or AAC (for slightly better compression)
- Bitrate: 96 kbps (mono) for speech-focused podcasts, 128 kbps (stereo) if music is included
- Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz
- Channels: Mono for speech, Stereo for music-heavy shows
These settings give you a perfect balance between quality and file size, keeping your audience happy while minimizing bandwidth usage.