Bitrate

Bitrate in podcasting refers to the rate at which audio data is encoded and transmitted, typically measured in kilobits per second (kbps). It directly impacts both the quality and size of the audio file. Higher bitrates result in better audio quality but larger file sizes, while lower bitrates reduce file size at the cost of audio fidelity.

Common bitrates for podcasts range from 64 kbps to 128 kbps for mono recordings and 128 kbps to 192 kbps for stereo recordings. The choice of bitrate depends on the desired balance between audio quality and download efficiency.A higher bitrate (e.g., 192 kbps) preserves more audio detail, making it ideal for podcasts with complex soundscapes or music. Conversely, a lower bitrate (e.g., 64 kbps) might suffice for simple spoken word content, reducing file size and making episodes quicker to download and stream.