page_0013

Metadata is important!

Metadata is data about files. Metadata helps humans and computers distinguish between, sort and locate files. How? Metadata front-loads information about a file’s contents, and other information about it (like its creator, or the year it was made, or what season it belongs to). That way, you, or your listeners, computers, software, or streaming platforms can know what is on your file immediately, without having to open and play it back.

There are many different flavors of metadata. Keywords you add to a show you upload to a distribution platform are one example: they allow current and future listeners to find your show by title, topic, etc. Audio transcripts are another kind of metadata that allow people to search words said during a podcast at certain times. You could also consider file and folder names to be a kind of metadata, as well. Can you think of other types of metadata?

[illustration]
Unknown properties
General
Sharing
Security
Previous versions
Customize
Unknown
Type: file folder
Location: C:\Users\PODCASTS\
Size: 314 MB (329, 430, 081 bytes)
Size on disk: 314 MB (329, 433, 088 bytes)
Contains: 3 files, 0 folders
Created: Sunday, July 22, 2018, 6:29:26: PM
Attributes: Read-only (Only applies to files in folder)
Hidden
Advanced
Ok
Cancel
Apply
Operating systems auto-create and update metadata fields to do with size, location, creation date, and other file attributes. Pictured above is the Windows “Properties” window, showing various metadata fields to do with a single file.

[illustration]
What is a file without metadata? A ghost ship floating in a digital sea unknown mp3

[illustration]
RSV Unknown.mp3

[illustration]
Page 13