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Audio canPlayType() Method

< Audio Object

Example

Check if your browser can play different types of audio:

var x = document.createElement("AUDIO");
isSupp = x.canPlayType(vidType+';codecs="'+codType+'"');
Try it Yourself »

Definition and Usage

The canPlayType() method checks if the browser can play the specified audio type.

The canPlayType() method can return one of the following values:

  • "probably" - the browser most likely supports this audio type
  • "maybe" - the browser might support this audio type
  • "" - (empty string) the browser does not support this audio type

Browser Support

Method
canPlayType() Yes 9.0 Yes Yes Yes

Syntax

audioObject.canPlayType(type)

Parameter Values

Value Description
type Specifies the audio type (and optional codecs) to test support for.

Common values:

  • audio/mpeg
  • audio/ogg
  • audio/mp4

Common values, including codecs:

  • audio/ogg; codecs="vorbis"
  • audio/mp4; codecs="mp4a.40.5"

Note: This method can only return "probably" if codecs are included.

Technical Details

Return Value: A String, representing the level of support. Possible return values:
  • "probably" - most likely support
  • "maybe" - might support
  • "" - (empty string) no support

< Audio Object