Data planning
Plan roughly 20 to 30 MB of listener data for an hour of live tour audio.
Audio uses far less data than video, but it is still worth setting expectations for international visitors and guests with limited mobile plans. The total depends on audio bitrate, network overhead, reconnections, and tour duration.
Published 2026-08-01 by LiveTourAudio
Key points
- Use 0.3 to 0.5 MB per minute as a planning range
- An hour is approximately 20 to 30 MB in the current mode
- Reconnections and protocol overhead can increase the total
- Route Wi-Fi should be tested before promising guests they can rely on it
Convert the estimate into tour lengths
At the planning range above, a 30-minute tour uses about 10 to 15 MB, a 60-minute tour uses about 20 to 30 MB, and a 90-minute tour uses about 30 to 45 MB per listener. These are operating estimates rather than a carrier billing guarantee.
The guide also uploads audio throughout the tour. Guide usage can differ from listener usage because the guide is publishing and sending control and location updates.
What can increase data use
A weak or changing network can trigger reconnection work and additional protocol traffic. Leaving and rejoining the listener page can repeat setup requests. Product updates may also change encoding or transport behavior over time.
For accurate customer guidance, test the production version on representative iPhone and Android devices, record cellular usage before and after a fixed-length tour, and repeat the test on more than one network.
Communicate clearly with guests
Mention the approximate requirement in the booking reminder when many guests are international or on travel SIMs. Suggest a charged phone, headphones, and enough data for the planned duration.
Do not promise that public Wi-Fi will work unless the complete route has been tested. Captive portals and access-point handoffs can interrupt live audio even when a network name is visible.
Frequently asked questions
How much data does one minute use?
Use approximately 0.3 to 0.5 MB per minute as a planning estimate for the current LiveTourAudio mode.
Does every listener use that amount?
Each listener receives their own stream data. Actual usage can vary by device, transport overhead, and reconnection behavior.