Introduction to Audiobook Metadata

Suggested Prerequisite

Before you read this, you might want to read:

• Introduction to Accessibility Metadata for Ebooks

Audiobook Metadata

Including detailed metadata in your books enhances accessibility by allowing the reader to easily find key information about the book – and this applies to audiobooks as well as ebooks. You can also create ONIX records to accompany your ebooks, which some libraries and distributors use to gather and display key information about the books they accompany.

There is no specific accessibility metadata for audiobooks. But, including as much metadata as possible greatly enhances the user experience for all readers! Embedding information right into your audiobook files allows for more playlist compatibility across devices and information access to readers outside of the playlist navigation.

There are two types of metadata which should be included with an audiobook. 

• ID3 tags, which are embedded in each individual MP3 file that makes up a book; and
• An ONIX record, which is a separate file that can accompany an audiobook.

Examples

ID3 Tags

The standard embedding of data for MP3s are ID3 tags. Because MP3s are primarily focused on tagging music, follow these guidelines below when entering your tags. Note that different production softwares have varying ID3 tag options. Using a specific tagging application such as “tag editor free” can be very useful.

Here are some approaches to audiobook ID3 tags; Check out Related Content for a handy checklist!

• Artist = Author’s name (First Name Last Name)
• Track = Name of section, i.e. Dedication
• Title = Name of section i.e. Dedication
• Album Title = Title of book
• Track Number = The track number that matches the file name, for example “06”‘ if the file name is “06 chapter two.mp3”
• Year = Year of production/audiobook copyright
• Copyright = year Audiobook published
• Genre = Audiobook
• Album Artist = Narrator (first name last name)
• Producer = production company
• Composer = Audio technician (especially in the context of a book with soundscapes/effects)
• Comments = Name of Narrator (First Name Last Name) and Publisher

ONIX Record for Audiobook

If the publication is based on text with synchronized audio, this information can be retrieved from ONIX code list 196, Code: 20: Synchronized pre-recorded audio.

If the publication is audio-only (like an audio-only audiobook), this information can be retrieved from ONIX code list 81; Code: 01: Audiobook.

Note that this is not accessibility metadata – just audiobook metadata!