Audio encoding is the process of converting sound into a digital format that can be easily stored, transmitted, and played back. This involves compressing the audio data to reduce file size while maintaining sound quality. Common audio formats include MP3, WAV, and AAC, each with its own method of encoding. During audio encoding, the original sound waves are sampled and converted into a series of numbers that represent the audio signal. This digital representation allows for efficient storage on devices like smartphones and computers, making it easier to share music and other audio content over the internet.