MP3 is an audio standard used for compressing the audio content of digital audio recordings. It was developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) and standardized by the International Standards Organization (ISO). The acronym MP3 stands for “MPEG Layer III”.
Originally released in 1993, the MP3 format quickly became the standard for audio compression and is still popular today. MP3 files are usually stored in small sizes, usually less than 1 megabyte per minute of playback time. Audio recordings in MP3 are digitally encoded, allowing for a perfect copy of the original source material.
The main benefit of MP3 is that it compresses audio data without discernibly reducing its sound quality. The primary difference between an MP3 and other digital audio formats lies in its usage of perceptual coding. This type of coding evaluates the frequency differences between sounds, storing and discarding small amounts of data that would not significantly impact the sound of a track.
The MP3 format is used to store and listen to audio files, as well as broadcasting audio across the internet. MP3 files are a commonly used format for commercially released music, and are often shared, downloaded and distributed online for free. It is also compatible with most popular audio players.
Though the original MP3 format has been superseded by newer audio coding standards, such as AAC and WMA, MP3 remains the most popular audio format worldwide.
