Q1: Why does my file’s duration vary depending on the platform I use?
The primary reason for inconsistent file durations across platforms is an encoding issue with the uploaded file. Different players or apps may interpret the file’s encoding differently, leading to variations in reported duration. Podbean generally delivers your file as originally uploaded unless specific conditions apply (see Q3 below).
Q2: What should I do if the file size or duration differs after uploading?
If you notice inconsistencies in file size or duration, follow this checklist to identify the encoding problem and resolve it by re-uploading a correctly encoded file:
- Compare file sizes: Download the file from the "Channel Dashboard> Publish> Media Manage" page in Podbean and compare it with the originally uploaded file. Check if there’s any difference in file size.
- Test locally: Open the local file directly in a browser or a computer media player (e.g., VLC or similar) and verify if the duration matches your expectations or differs from what’s displayed on other platforms.
If you identify any issues (e.g., mismatched sizes or durations), ensure the file is correctly encoded before re-uploading (using consistent bitrate settings or a supported format like MP3), then upload the corrected version to resolve the inconsistency.
Q3: Does Podbean ever encode my files?
Yes, but only under the following circumstances:
1. You’ve enrolled in the Podbean Advertising Program.
2. The file is a video episode.
3. The file is processed using Podbean AI.
If none of these apply, we provide your file exactly as you uploaded it, without any re-encoding.
Q4: Why don’t you re-encode all files to prevent this issue?
To preserve the quality and integrity of your original content, we avoid unnecessary re-encoding unless it’s required for specific features (e.g., ads, video, or AI processing). This ensures you maintain control over your file’s quality and format.
If you have further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out!