Media encoding is the process of converting audio, video, or other multimedia content into a specific format that can be easily stored, transmitted, and played back. This involves compressing the data to reduce file size while maintaining quality, making it suitable for various devices and platforms. Common encoding formats include MP3 for audio and H.264 for video. Different encoding methods use various algorithms to achieve compression, which can affect the quality and playback compatibility. Codecs, short for coder-decoder, are essential tools in this process, allowing users to encode and decode media files efficiently.