A finished episode is a file, and the file carries the traces of how it was made. Tags can name the editor, the software, a working title, the studio, the recording date and the device, along with a cover picture and sometimes lyrics or chapter marks. Some of it is useful for listeners. Some of it is not meant for them.
What to keep and what to remove
| Field | Keep for listeners? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title, show name, episode number | Yes | Podcast apps read these from your feed as well. Set them deliberately. |
| Cover art | Yes, if you want it | Podcast directories use the feed image, so the file’s picture is optional. |
| Comment | Usually no | Often holds working notes or the editing software’s default text. |
| Encoder and software | No | Reveals your tools. |
| Recording date and device | No, for interviews | Can place a source at a time and with a device. |
| Chapter marks | Only if intended | Check the labels for internal notes. |
Interviews and sources
If you record people who need discretion, assume the raw file reveals when and with what it was recorded. Clean the originals before you send them to an editor or a transcription service, and again before you publish. Keep an uncleaned master offline.
How to clean audio
- Export the final file.
- Run it through the Audio Metadata Remover, or the matching page for your format: MP3, M4A, WAV, FLAC or OGG.
- Add back only the tags you want, with your podcast software or tag editor.
- Check the result in the File Metadata Viewer.
The cleaner copies the audio stream, so quality does not change.