The short answer: Yoto plays MP3 and M4A (also called AAC) files. M4B, the format a lot of audiobooks come in, isn't on Yoto's list, so it needs converting or splitting first.
| File type | Works on Yoto? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| MP3 (.mp3) | Yes | Upload it as is. |
| M4A / AAC (.m4a) | Yes | Upload it as is. iPhone Voice Memos are M4A. |
| M4B (.m4b) | Not listed by Yoto | Convert to MP3 or M4A, or split into chapters. |
| WAV, FLAC, OGG | Not reliably | Convert to MP3 first. |
What these file types actually are
MP3 is the old, everywhere format. Almost every free audiobook site, including LibriVox and the Internet Archive, offers MP3, and it works on every Yoto player.
M4A is Apple's everyday audio format. Recordings you make on an iPhone, and many podcast and music downloads, are M4A. Yoto takes these without any fuss.
M4B is the same kind of audio as M4A, packaged as one long audiobook with chapter marks inside. That's handy in an audiobook app, but it's a problem for Yoto twice over: the format isn't on Yoto's list, and one M4B file is often 8 or 10 hours long, far past Yoto's 1 hour limit for a single track.
The limits that trip people up
- Each track: up to 1 hour long and 100 MB, whichever comes first.
- Each Make Your Own card: up to 100 tracks and 500 MB in total, roughly eight or nine hours of audio.
If an upload fails and the file is well under 100 MB, check the length first. A long chapter going over the hour is the most common reason.
What to do with a file Yoto won't take
You have two choices.
Convert and split it yourself
A free audio editor such as Audacity, or a free online converter, can turn an M4B into MP3s. Save each chapter as its own file so no track runs past an hour, then upload them to a Make Your Own playlist in order. It works, but it takes a computer and some patience. Our guide to putting audiobooks on Yoto walks through the manual steps.
Let Little Vox do it on your iPhone
Little Vox is a free iPhone app that sends audiobooks to your child's Yoto. Pick an MP3, M4A or M4B file from the Files app and it cuts the book at its own chapter marks, spreads it over as many cards as it needs, and sends it to your Yoto with the cover. No computer and no converting. It also has hand-picked shelves of free classics for every age, plus over 20,000 free LibriVox audiobooks to search.
Quick answers
Can Yoto play M4A files?
Yes. Yoto's Make Your Own cards accept M4A (also called AAC) files, so you can upload them as they are. iPhone Voice Memos are M4A, so they work too.
Can Yoto play M4B audiobooks?
M4B is not on Yoto's list of supported formats. Convert the file to MP3 or M4A, or split it into chapters first. Little Vox for iPhone takes M4B files and splits them for you.
Can Yoto play MP3 files?
Yes. MP3 is the safest choice and works on every Yoto player.
How big can a Yoto track be?
Each track can be up to 1 hour long and 100 MB. A Make Your Own card holds up to 100 tracks and 500 MB in total.
Skip the converting
Little Vox takes MP3, M4A and M4B files, splits long books into Yoto-sized pieces, and sends them to your Yoto. Free on iPhone.
Download free on the App StoreLittle Vox is an independent app and is not affiliated with Yoto.