What are ID3 tags?
MP3 files contain ID3 tag
information in them. MP3 files are simply digitally compressed
audio files, but in addition to digital sound you also
get digital information about the file itself. This information
is referred to as the ID3 tag information.
ID3 tags have evolved over
time, but since all MP3 files include them most media players
expect to see ID3 tag information and present this information
to you when you listen to the audio. This would apply to
iPods, car MP3 players, and other portable media devices.
Even computer based MP3 players such as WinAMP, Windows
Media Players, iTunes, etc. all support ID3 tags and present
that information to you while the audio plays.
Since ID3 Tags are a 'standard'
for MP3 files, MP3 file creators should correctly conform
to this standard. This means that, at a minimum, all MP3
files should be created with the following ID3 Tag information:
- Artist Name
- Album
- Title
- Genre
- Track No
There are other ID3 Tags available as the standard has
progressed over the years. This includes things like inserting
a graphical image with the file, etc. However as different
media players tend to support the older v1 ID3 Tag information
by default, it is often better to focus on supporting this
standard as the default when you create MP3 files so you
can be sure your files are as compatible with as many media
players available.
Here's an article specifically targetted at Podcast Hosts
(who create MP3 files for each episode of their audio podcasts)
on ID3 tagging that should be helpful.
Creating MP3 files to get the maximum
podcast listenership
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