audioplayer

An audioplayer is a software program that plays audio content. It can play local files stored on a device and stream audio from the internet or a local network. Audioplayers typically organize tracks into libraries and playlists and provide controls for play, pause, skip, seek, and volume.

Most audioplayers support a range of audio formats such as MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, and ALAC. Support for specific formats depends on included codecs or bundled libraries (for example FFmpeg or libav). Many players offer metadata handling (ID3 tags, cover art) and features like search, sorting, and tagging.

Audio output is routed through the system’s audio stack or via specific backends (such as WASAPI, Core Audio, ALSA, PulseAudio). Advanced players include equalizers, crossfading, gapless playback, and playback speed adjustment. Some provide streaming clients, podcasts, internet radio, and integration with cloud services or media libraries.

Interfaces vary: desktop graphical user interfaces, command-line interfaces, and web or mobile apps. The concept also covers embedded players in devices and car stereos. Typical use cases include listening to music, audiobooks, and podcasts, managing collections, and creating personalized listening experiences.

Historical note: early software players such as Winamp popularized digital music playback; contemporary options range from open-source projects (VLC, Foobar2000, Rhythmbox) to proprietary apps offered by platform developers and streaming services.

Licensing and privacy policies vary; open-source players emphasize user control and transparency, while proprietary clients may include telemetry or platform restrictions.