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winniefromlinwood
Level 1 (4 points)
Publishing

Q: Episode file size? How to make smaller.

I had someone mention that my episode files are really big. My show itself averages about 50 to 60 minutes and she suggested I compress the file. (She wasn't complaining about the length of the episode just mentioning that the files sometimes take a while to download).

 

Is this something I should do? Would it save me storage space with my host?

 

If it's something I should do can someone recommend the best app to use?

 

Thanks.

 

 


Posted on Apr 4, 2016 8:48 PM

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winniefromlinwood

Q: Episode file size? How to make smaller.

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  • by Roger Wilmut1,

    Roger Wilmut1 Roger Wilmut1 Apr 4, 2016 11:34 PM in response to winniefromlinwood
    Level 9 (78,562 points)
    iTunes
    Apr 4, 2016 11:34 PM in response to winniefromlinwood

    Your files must already be compressed as only compressed files are accepted in the Store. When you compress the file in whatever program you are using to create it you can set the level of compression, usually expressed as a 'but rate'. The trade-off is that as you make the file size smaller the quality deteriorates; at the usual levels of compression there isn't a problem. An hour long file is going to be fairly large, and might take a couple of minutes or longer to download, but of course it depends both on the internet speed available to your subscriber and on how fast your server can deliver the file.

     

    You could try making a short excerpt from an episode and saving it with various levels of compression (just for local listening) and seeing what you think about the quality. Over-compressed files develop a sort of 'underwater' sound.

  • by Podcast_Fan,

    Podcast_Fan Podcast_Fan Apr 5, 2016 12:33 AM in response to Roger Wilmut1
    Level 2 (161 points)
    Apr 5, 2016 12:33 AM in response to Roger Wilmut1

    Hi Winnie,

     

    To compress files as you and Roger have mentioned, consider dragging one of your files into iTunes. Then, select the file and choose File > Create New Version.

     

    To decide what file gets created,

    iTunes 12 for Mac: Choose import settings

     

    iTunes > Preferences > General > Import Settings > Setting > Custom...

     

    Here are some common settings:

     

    Voice:

    96.png

     

    Music:

    128.png

     

    Interestingly, *** with Marc Maron records episodes longer than an hour and the files end up around 25 MB with the following settings:

    40 kpbs

    Mono

    Sample Rate: 22,050 kHz

     

    -Fan