Audio Formats by Platform: What Each One Expects
July 30, 2025
Comprehensive reference guide for audio format requirements across streaming services, social media platforms, and digital distribution channels
Music Streaming Services
Professional music distribution platforms with high-quality audio requirements
Spotify
Global Music Streaming
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Preferred Format | WAV, FLAC |
| Minimum Quality | 44.1 kHz / 16-bit |
| Maximum File Size | 650 MB per track |
| Streaming Quality | 320 kbps (Premium) |
| Accepted Formats | WAV, FLAC, MP3 (320kbps) |
Distribution Notes
Spotify automatically transcodes uploads to OGG Vorbis for streaming. High-quality source files ensure better transcoding results across all quality tiers.
Apple Music
Apple Ecosystem Streaming
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Preferred Format | ALAC, WAV, AIFF |
| High-Res Support | Up to 192 kHz / 24-bit |
| Lossless Streaming | ALAC up to 48 kHz / 24-bit |
| Standard Quality | 256 kbps AAC |
| iTunes Store | 256 kbps AAC (iTunes Plus) |
Apple-Specific Features
Apple Music supports Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio. High-resolution lossless requires specific hardware and software configurations.
YouTube Music
Google's Music Platform
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Upload Format | MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC |
| Recommended Quality | 320 kbps or lossless |
| Streaming Quality | 256 kbps AAC (Premium) |
| File Size Limit | 100 MB per track |
| Processing | Automatic transcoding to multiple formats |
Social Media Platforms
Optimized for quick sharing and mobile consumption
Visual Social Platform
| Content Type | Audio Specs |
|---|---|
| Stories Audio | AAC, 128 kbps max |
| Reels Audio | AAC, 128 kbps, 15s-90s |
| IGTV Audio | AAC, 128 kbps |
| Live Audio | Real-time AAC encoding |
Mobile Optimization
Instagram heavily compresses audio for mobile data efficiency. Original audio quality above 128 kbps will be automatically reduced.
TikTok
Short-Form Video Platform
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Audio Format | AAC, MP3 |
| Maximum Bitrate | 128 kbps |
| Duration Limit | Up to 10 minutes |
| Sample Rate | 44.1 kHz recommended |
| Channels | Stereo preferred |
Social Network Platform
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Video Audio | AAC, 128 kbps |
| Live Streaming | AAC, up to 160 kbps |
| Audio Posts | Limited direct audio upload |
| File Size | Varies by content type |
Podcast Platforms
Specialized platforms for spoken word and long-form audio content
Apple Podcasts
Podcast Distribution
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Preferred Format | MP3 |
| Bitrate Range | 64-320 kbps |
| Recommended | 128 kbps mono (speech) |
| Music Content | 256 kbps stereo |
| File Size | No strict limit |
Spotify Podcasts
Podcast + Music Platform
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Upload Format | MP3, WAV, FLAC |
| Recommended | MP3, 128 kbps |
| Maximum Size | 200 MB per episode |
| Sample Rate | 44.1 kHz |
Cross-Platform Format Compatibility Matrix
| Platform | MP3 | AAC | WAV | FLAC | OGG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spotify | Supported | Supported | Preferred | Preferred | Internal Only |
| Apple Music | Supported | Preferred | Supported | Limited | No |
| YouTube Music | Supported | Preferred | Supported | Supported | Limited |
| Supported | Preferred | Converted | No | No | |
| TikTok | Supported | Preferred | Converted | No | No |
| Podcasts | Preferred | Supported | Supported | Limited | Limited |
Platform-Specific Best Practices
Quick Reference Guide
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