Audio File Format: AAC
AAC stands for Advanced Audio Coding. Developed in 1997 as the successor to MP3, it became a popular digital audio format but never surpassed MP3 in popularity.
The compression algorithm used by AAC is more advanced and technical than that of MP3. When you compare the same recording in MP3 and AAC formats at the same bitrate, the AAC file generally has better sound quality.
Even though MP3 is more widely known, AAC is still widely used today. It’s the standard audio compression method used by YouTube, Android, iOS, iTunes, later Nintendo portables, and later PlayStations.
The 10 Most Common Audio Formats (Which One Should You Use)
Audio formats are like languages for sound, each with its strengths and weaknesses. With over 10 different common audio formats out there, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. For instance, did you know that MP3, despite being widely used, sacrifices some quality for smaller file sizes? On the other hand, FLAC offers lossless compression but results in larger files. Understanding these formats and their implications is crucial, especially considering that audio content consumption is on the rise, with over 70% of internet users regularly streaming music and podcasts.
In this article, we will talk about the 10 most common audio formats. We’ll explain what they are, what is audio compression, and which audio formats might be the best for you. Whether listening to music, making your own, or just curious, understanding audio formats can help you get the best sound experience.
10 Most Common Audio Formats
- Audio File Format: MP3
- Audio File Format: WAV
- Audio File Format: FLAC
- Audio File Format: AAC
- Audio File Format: OGG (Vorbis)
- Audio File Format: AIFF
- Audio File Format: WMA (Lossy)
- Audio File Format: ALAC
- Audio File Format: WMA (Lossless)
- Audio File Format: PCM