Minialbum

Minialbum, also called mini-album, is a music release that sits between a single and a full-length album. It typically comprises between three and seven tracks and lasts roughly 10 to 25 minutes, though exact lengths vary by artist and market. The term is widely used in East Asian music industries, particularly in South Korea, where 미니앨범 denotes a collection longer than a single but shorter than a studio album. In Western markets the release is commonly labeled an extended play (EP), and "minialbum" is often used for marketing purposes or to denote a particular concept or packaging.

Content and purpose: A minialbum usually features a lead single accompanied by additional songs, B-sides, remixes, or instrumental versions. It provides a vehicle for artists to showcase a cohesive theme or experiment with sound between major albums, and it can help maintain visibility and chart presence between full releases.

Relation to other formats: The main distinctions are length, track count, and intent. A single focuses on one main track; a minialbum or EP offers multiple tracks with more content; a full album presents a larger body of work. Label practices vary, and some releases marketed as "minialbums" may exceed typical EP length or track count.

Packaging and release: Minialbums are released in physical formats such as CD or LP with artwork and booklets, as well as digital formats. Some editions include collectible items like photo books or art cards. See also: EP, single, album.