The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source A guided tour through ID3 esoterica (Interview)
Sep 30, 2022
Lars Wikman, a software developer known for his open-source Elixir library for ID3 tags, dives into the complexities of ID3 tagging in this discussion. He explores the differences between ID3 versions and their historical impact on metadata management. Wikman highlights innovative monetization possibilities through commercial frames and the covert capabilities of ID3 tags. The conversation also covers deployment challenges for improving podcast experience, including the use of chapter markers and the future of personalized audio features.
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ID3 Necessity
- MP3 files don't require ID3 tags; the format lacks a metadata system.
- Adobe Audition adds both ID3v1 and v2 tags when encoding MP3s.
ID3v2 Features
- ID3v2 introduced numerous metadata fields like year, publisher, composer, and lyrics.
- It also supports more complex data like artwork and URLs.
ID3 Play Counter
- The ID3v2 PCNT frame, a play counter, increments each time a song plays, permanently altering the file.
- This was intended for tracking plays but clashes with modern read-only expectations.