HTML Audio

The HTML <audio> Element

To play an audio file using HTML, utilize the <audio> element:

Example

HTML Audio – How It Works

The controls attribute adds audio controls such as play, pause, and volume.

The <source> element allows specification of alternative audio files that browsers can choose from, with the first recognized format being used.

Text between the <audio> and </audio> tags appears only in browsers that do not support the <audio> element.

HTML <audio> Autoplay

To automatically start playing an audio file, use the autoplay attribute:

Example

Include the muted attribute after autoplay to enable your audio file to start playing automatically (but muted):

Example

Browser Support

The numbers in the table indicate the earliest browser version that fully supports the <audio> element.

HTML Audio Formats

The three supported audio formats are MP3, WAV, and OGG. Browser support varies for each of these formats.

*From Edge 79 

HTML Audio – Media Types

HTML Audio – Methods, Properties, and Events

The HTML DOM provides methods, properties, and events specifically for the <audio> element.

These enable tasks such as loading, playing, and pausing audio, as well as adjusting settings like duration and volume. Additionally,

DOM events are available to notify you when an audio starts playing, is paused, and more.

HTML Audio Tags