Audio Requirements
Specifications for audio files uploaded to AutoPod — episodes, pre-roll intros, and stream recordings.
Episode uploads
When uploading episodes manually (via the dashboard or API):
| Property | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Format | MP3 |
| Max file size | 200 MB |
| Bitrate | Any (128 kbps or higher recommended) |
| Sample rate | Any (44.1 kHz recommended) |
| Channels | Mono or stereo |
Why MP3 only?
MP3 is universally supported by every podcast app, browser, and device. Using a single format ensures your episodes play everywhere without compatibility issues.
If you have audio in another format (WAV, FLAC, AAC, OGG), convert it to MP3 before uploading. Most audio editors (Audacity, Adobe Audition, GarageBand) can export as MP3.
Pre-roll / intro audio
Audio clips prepended to the beginning of generated episodes:
| Property | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Format | MP3 |
| Max file size | 10 MB |
| Recommended length | 5–30 seconds |
| Bitrate | Match your episode quality (128 kbps or higher) |
Pre-roll audio is processed after upload (normalised and prepared for concatenation). Keep intros short — listeners hear them at the start of every episode.
Stream recording (automatic)
AutoPod records your live stream automatically. The recorder handles format conversion internally, but your stream source should meet these recommendations:
| Property | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Protocol | Icecast or Shoutcast |
| Format | MP3 or AAC |
| Bitrate | 128 kbps or higher |
| Connection | Stable, always-on |
What the recorder produces
The recorder captures audio as short segments (roughly 40 seconds each) and uploads them to storage. The audio generator then stitches these segments into finished episodes based on your schedule.
The output episode quality depends on your source stream quality — AutoPod preserves the original audio without re-encoding during the stitching process.
Live streaming (player)
For live streaming through the player:
| Property | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Protocol | HTTPS (required) |
| Format | MP3, AAC, or HLS |
| URL | Must start with https:// |
The live stream URL must use HTTPS. HTTP URLs are rejected because modern browsers block mixed content (loading insecure audio on a secure page). If your stream is HTTP-only, check with your stream provider about HTTPS support.
File size guidelines
| Content | Typical size | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1-hour episode at 128 kbps | ~57 MB | 60 minutes |
| 1-hour episode at 192 kbps | ~86 MB | 60 minutes |
| 2-hour episode at 128 kbps | ~115 MB | 120 minutes |
| 30-second pre-roll at 128 kbps | ~0.5 MB | 30 seconds |
Converting audio
If you need to convert audio to MP3:
Using Audacity (free):
- Open your audio file
- File > Export > Export as MP3
- Choose 128 kbps or higher
- Save
Using FFmpeg (command line):
ffmpeg -i input.wav -codec:a libmp3lame -b:a 128k output.mp3
Using GarageBand (Mac):
- Open your project
- Share > Export Song to Disk
- Choose MP3, Quality: High
- Export