ID3v22

ID3v2.2 is a version of the ID3 tagging standard used primarily for storing metadata in audio files, particularly MP3s. Developed by the Independent Music Companies Association (IMCA) and later maintained by the ID3 Consortium, this version represents an evolution from the original ID3v1 format. Introduced in 1999, ID3v2.2 introduced several enhancements over its predecessor, including support for Unicode characters, which allowed for more accurate representation of text in non-English languages. It also expanded the size of the tag to accommodate additional metadata fields, such as the artist, album, and track number, which were previously limited in ID3v1.

One of the key improvements in ID3v2.2 was the addition of the "frame" structure, which allowed for more flexible and organized tagging. This framework enabled the inclusion of various types of metadata, including lyrics, picture frames, and custom frames, which could be added or removed without affecting the overall file structure. The version also introduced the concept of "relative" frame offsets, which allowed for more precise positioning of metadata within the file.

ID3v2.2 was widely adopted in the early 2000s, particularly among music streaming services and digital audio players. However, it was eventually superseded by ID3v2.3, which introduced further refinements such as the ability to handle larger files and additional metadata fields. Despite its eventual replacement, ID3v2.2 remains relevant for many users due to its backward compatibility and the widespread support it continues to receive. It is still commonly found in older audio files and remains a useful standard for metadata management in many applications.