What is ID3 Tags?
ID3 tags are metadata embedded directly inside MP3 audio files. Unlike RSS feed metadata that apps fetch from the internet, ID3 data travels with the file itself—displaying correctly even when played outside podcast apps.
Common ID3 Tags for Podcasts
| Tag | ID3 Frame | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Title | TIT2 | Episode title |
| Artist | TPE1 | Show name or host |
| Album | TALB | Podcast name |
| Year | TYER | Publication year |
| Track | TRCK | Episode number |
| Genre | TCON | "Podcast" |
| Comment | COMM | Episode description |
| Artwork | APIC | Episode or show image |
ID3 Tag Example
When you open an MP3 in a media player, ID3 tags display:
Title: Episode 42: The Answer to Everything
Artist: The Science Show
Album: The Science Show
Year: 2024
Track: 42
Genre: Podcast
[Embedded Artwork: 3000×3000 show logo]
ID3 Versions
| Version | Features | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ID3v1 | Basic tags, 30 char limit | Legacy, limited |
| ID3v2.3 | Extended tags, Unicode | Most compatible |
| ID3v2.4 | Latest features | Good support |
Recommendation: ID3v2.3 for maximum compatibility.
Artwork in ID3 Tags
Embedded artwork specifications:
- Format: JPEG or PNG
- Size: 3000×3000 recommended (same as show artwork)
- File size: Keep under 500KB for compatibility
- Type: "Front cover" (type 3)
This artwork displays in media players, car stereos, and anywhere the MP3 plays outside a podcast app.
Why It Matters
ID3 tags ensure your podcast looks professional everywhere—not just in podcast apps. When listeners download episodes to their computer, transfer to a music player, or play through a car's USB port, ID3 tags provide the metadata.
Why ID3 tags matter:
-
Offline listening: Downloaded MP3s display correctly without internet access.
-
Non-podcast players: iTunes, Windows Media Player, car stereos—all read ID3 tags.
-
Archival value: Years later, files remain properly labeled even if your podcast is gone.
-
Sharing: When listeners share MP3 files, metadata travels with them.
The dual metadata system:
| Source | Used By | Updated |
|---|---|---|
| RSS feed | Podcast apps | Every feed refresh |
| ID3 tags | Media players | Fixed at encoding |
Podcast apps primarily use RSS metadata but may fall back to ID3 tags. Smart hosting platforms keep both in sync.
Common ID3 problems:
| Issue | Symptom |
|---|---|
| Missing tags | "Unknown Artist" in players |
| Wrong encoding | Garbled special characters |
| No artwork | Generic music icon |
| Inconsistent info | Different display in different apps |
How to Use This in Dispatch
ID3 tags are automatically embedded in your MP3 files with complete episode metadata:
Automatically embedded:
- Episode title as track title
- Show name as artist and album
- Episode number as track number
- Publication year
- Episode description in comments
- Show artwork as embedded cover
Artwork handling:
- Your show artwork is embedded in every episode
- Episode-specific artwork used when available
- Optimized for file size while maintaining quality
Encoding:
- ID3v2.3 for maximum compatibility
- Proper Unicode encoding for international characters
- Clean, consistent formatting across all episodes
No manual work needed: When you publish an episode, ID3 tags are populated from your episode settings—the same information that appears in your RSS feed.