MP3 Tags are stored inside MP3-files. There are two basic versions of the tags: id3v1 and id3v2.

The first version (id3v1) contains the following fields:

  • Track number.
  • Title.
  • Artist.
  • Album.
  • Year.
  • Genre.
  • Comments.

So, id3v1 has only a small part of song’s info. Besides, its fields cannot exceed 30 symbols (if track # is present, the length of the comment field shouldn’t be more than 28 symbols).

This was the reason for introducing id3v2. Fields of this version are not limited in length. Moreover, now it is possible to save lyrics, photos, etc. inside a MP3-file.

In addition to above mentioned fields, id3v2 supports the following:

  • Album Artist.
  • Composer.
  • Original artist.
  • Copyright.
  • Internet address.
  • By whom encoded.
  • Lyrics (text of song).
  • Pictures.
  • BPM (beats per minute).

148 genres are supported for id3v1, plus custom genres for id3v2.

For more information see ID3 Tags, Lyrics3 tag and MP3 Tag Editor.