iTunes - File does not stream or play in iTunes (m4a or mp3)

If the issue users are getting are strictly with streaming audio, it is usually because the audio files are not optimized properly.

 

If the files are not optimized correctly, when users click the play button in Apple Podcasts, a spinning wheel will display while the entire file downloads.

Solutions:
A. Convert your m4a file in an application that prepares the file for streaming.
B. Convert your file to a mp3 file.

A. Convert your m4a in an application that prepares the file for streaming, such as iTunes.

 

First, setup iTunes to convert your files:

- Edit > Preferences > Import Settings..
- Import Using: AAC Encoder
- Setting: High Quality (128kpbs) or Spoken Podcast. (Do not select iTunes Plus).
- Click OK.

Import your original audio file into iTunes.

- View > Media Kind > Music.
- File > Add Music to Library..
- Select the audio file in iTunes.
- A new audio file will be created next to the original.
- This file is now optimized and will stream.

To verify, select the newly created file and choose File > Get Info > File tab. Look for Encoded with: iTunes to confirm this file was created by iTunes.

- Drag the file from iTunes to your Desktop.
- Re-upload file to your podcast provider.
- Update your podcast feed to use the new audio file.

 

iTunes will update in 24 hours and users will be able to stream the file.

B. Convert your mp3 file in an application that prepares the file for streaming, such as iTunes.

 

First, setup iTunes to convert your files:

- Edit > Preferences > Import Settings..
- Import Using: MP3 Encoder
- Setting: Good Quality (128kpbs). (You may customize these settings, but be sure the "Variable Bit Rate" box is unchecked.)
- Click OK.

Import your original audio file into iTunes.

- View > Media Kind > Music.
- File > Add Music to Library..
- Select the audio file in iTunes.
- A new audio file will be created next to the original.
- This file is now optimized and will stream.

To verify, select the newly created file and choose File > Get Info > File tab. Look for Encoded with: iTunes to confirm this file was created by iTunes.

- Drag the file from iTunes to your Desktop.
- Re-upload file to your podcast provider.
- Update your podcast feed to use the new audio file.

 

iTunes will update in 24 hours and users will be able to stream the file.

Learn more: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204310