Before you publish an episode or send the master to a network, timestamp the exact audio file. TimeBinder® makes a fingerprint in your browser. The file stays on your device. You get a checkable Proof of Time Certificate that shows this exact episode file existed no later than a recorded time. It does not show who recorded it, who owns the rights, or that a platform must take your side in a dispute. Free to start.
Table of Contents
The routine: timestamp before you hit publish
- Export the final episode as the WAV or MP3 you will deliver to your host.
- Optional. Check the fingerprint with the free SHA-256 hash checker.
- Timestamp it in TimeBinder. Your first Pooled TimeBind is free, with no credit card required. Use ASAP (US$15) if you need the Bitcoin transaction broadcast straight away.
- Save the Proof of Time Certificate next to that exact file.
- Then publish or deliver the file to your network, guest or sponsor.
- Guest edits or clean versions are new files. Timestamp each one you may need to point to later.
How to timestamp a file has the click-by-click steps. For music beds and songs inside an episode, also see protect your music before sending.
What to timestamp for a podcast
- The final episode master (WAV preferred; MP3 if that is what you deliver).
- Show notes or script PDF if the words matter as much as the audio.
- Interview raw takes you may reuse or that a guest may dispute.
- Trailer or promo cuts you send to sponsors before the episode goes live.
One TimeBind covers up to 10 files, so an episode pack (master, notes, trailer) can share one certificate.
Why publishing dates are not enough
Your host’s “published at” time shows when the episode went live on that platform. It does not show the master existed the week before, when you sent it to a guest for approval, or when you delivered it to a network. File dates on your laptop can be changed. A timestamp on the exact bytes fills that gap without putting the audio on someone else’s server. See how to prove a file existed before a date.
Co-hosted shows and splits
If more than one person owns the show, keep a written split for the series and for any original music. Our free split sheet generator helps you record who owns what before the episode goes out. Timestamp the signed or agreed split sheet PDF as well as the audio.
What a TimeBind shows, and what it doesn’t
A TimeBind shows that this exact file existed no later than the recorded time. It does not show authorship, ownership or copyright, and it does not stop someone else posting your episode. Keep your hosting contracts and guest releases as well. For song-level disputes inside a show, see accused of copying a song?.
If the episode may need an AI disclosure, read the current rules for each platform you will use and keep a dated copy of the exact file you upload. The free podcast and video AI disclosure checklist covers that. It cannot decide a platform label.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Should I timestamp WAV or MP3?
Timestamp the file you will actually publish or deliver. If you keep a WAV archive and publish MP3, timestamp both.
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Does my podcast host’s publish time count?
It shows when that host listed the episode. It does not date the master you made earlier.
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Can I timestamp a whole season at once?
You can add up to 10 files per TimeBind, or zip a season folder and timestamp the zip. Keep that exact zip.
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What about guest interviews?
Timestamp the raw interview and the final edit if either might be contested. Guest consent is a separate document.
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What does it cost?
Your first Pooled TimeBind is free, with no credit card required. After that, from US$5; ASAP is US$15. See plans and pricing
Timestamp your next episode free
Show that this exact file existed no later than a recorded time. Files stay on your device. Get a checkable Proof of Time Certificate. Free to start. Open TimeBinder
Related: YouTube AI disclosure: what video creators and podcasters should keep.
