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Audio

The Audio block allows you to embed audio files directly into your posts and pages. Intended for sharing podcasts, music, interviews, or spoken-word content with your audience(s). Specifically, the Audio block enables you to:

  • embed audio files directly in your content;
  • upload new audio files from your computer;
  • select from previously uploaded files in your Media Library;
  • link to externally hosted audio files;
  • provide a simple, accessible audio player interface; and
  • customise playback options for your audience.

The Audio block supports common audio formats including .mp3, .wav, .ogg, and .m4a. The player displays with simple playback controls including play/pause button, a progress bar, and volume control. The block is responsive and will adjust to different screen sizes, ensuring your audio content is accessible on desktop and mobile devices.

Adding the Audio Block​

  1. In the WordPress block editor, click the + button to add a new block.
  2. Search for Audio and select the Audio block.
  3. The block will appear with options to upload or select an audio file.

Alternatively, you can type /audio on a new line and press enter to add the block.

Adding Audio Content​

The Audio block provides multiple ways to add audio content:

  1. Upload a New Audio File
    • Click the Upload button within the block
    • Select an audio file from your computer
    • Wait for the file to upload and process
  2. Select from Media Library
    • Click the Media Library button
    • Browse or search for previously uploaded audio files
    • Select the desired audio file
  3. External Audio URL
    • Click the Insert from URL button
    • Enter the URL of the externally hosted audio file
    • Click Apply to embed the audio

Customising the Audio Block​

Once you have added an audio file, you can customise its display:

  • Caption: Add a descriptive caption below the audio player by clicking in the caption field
  • Autoplay: Enable or disable automatic playback (note: many browsers restrict autoplay)
  • Loop: Set the audio to repeat continuously after it finishes playing
  • Preload: Choose how the browser should preload the audio file (Auto, Metadata, or None)

These options can be found in the block settings sidebar under the Settings tab when the audio block is selected.

Replacing or Removing Audio​

To replace the current audio file:

  • Select the Audio block
  • Click the Replace button that appears in the toolbar
  • Choose a new audio file using any of the methods described above

To remove the audio file completely:

  • Select the Audio block
  • Click the three dots in the block toolbar
  • Select Remove Audio

Accessibility Considerations​

The Audio block provides a standard HTML5 audio player that works with assistive technologies. For best accessibility:

  • Always include descriptive captions for your audio content
  • Consider providing a transcript for important audio content
  • Avoid setting audio to autoplay, which can be disruptive