How do you make an audio file play in html?

The HTML element is used to play an audio file on a web page.

The HTML

To play an audio file in HTML, use the element:

Example

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HTML Audio - How It Works

The controls attribute adds audio controls, like play, pause, and volume.

The element allows you to specify alternative audio files which the browser may choose from. The browser will use the first recognized format.

The text between the and tags will only be displayed in browsers that do not support the element.

HTML

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

Example

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Note: Chromium browsers do not allow autoplay in most cases. However, muted autoplay is always allowed.

Add muted after autoplay to let your audio file start playing automatically (but muted):

Example

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Browser Support

The numbers in the table specify the first browser version that fully supports the element.

HTML Audio Formats

There are three supported audio formats: MP3, WAV, and OGG. The browser support for the different formats is: 

*From Edge 79

HTML Audio - Media Types

HTML Audio - Methods, Properties, and Events

The HTML DOM defines methods, properties, and events for the element.

This allows you to load, play, and pause audios, as well as set duration and volume.

There are also DOM events that can notify you when an audio begins to play, is paused, etc.

For a full DOM reference, go to our HTML Audio/Video DOM Reference.

HTML Audio Tags

❮ Audio Object

Example

An audio player with play and pause buttons:

var x = document.getElementById("myAudio");

function playAudio() {
  x.play();
}

function pauseAudio() {
  x.pause();
}

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Definition and Usage

The play() method starts playing the current audio.

Tip: This method is often used together with the pause() method.

Tip: Use the controls property to display audio controls (like play, pause, seeking, volume, etc, attached on the audio).

Browser Support

Syntax

Parameters

Return Value

❮ Audio Object

Example

Play a sound file:

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Definition and Usage

The tag is used to embed sound content in a document, such as music or other audio streams.

The tag contains one or more tags with different audio sources. The browser will choose the first source it supports.

The text between the and tags will only be displayed in browsers that do not support the element.

There are three supported audio formats in HTML: MP3, WAV, and OGG.

Audio Format and Browser Support

*From Edge 79

Tips and Notes

Tip: For video files, look at the tag.

Browser Support

The numbers in the table specify the first browser version that fully supports the element.

Attributes

Global Attributes

The tag also supports the Global Attributes in HTML.

Event Attributes

The tag also supports the Event Attributes in HTML.

Related Pages

HTML DOM reference: HTML Audio/Video DOM Reference

Default CSS Settings

None.

Can I play audio in HTML?

How do I autoplay audio in HTML?

How do I connect audio in HTML?

How do I add an MP3 player to my HTML?