How to Put Audio Files on My Web Page
Thanks to faster Internet connections, you don't need a special streaming host to share audio on your website. Armed with a little knowledge about digital audio file formats, you can create links to audio files from your website that allow visitors to listen to whatever content you choose to include, so long as you observe existing copyright laws. This guide will show you how create audio files in popular streaming formats and place links to them in your web page.
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Instructions
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Select a streaming format. The type of file you will upload to your website determines how easy it is for people to access the file. Some streaming formats are more popular than others. MP3 is the most accessible, regardless of the computer platform visitors use to view your website. WMA is used by Windows Media Player. Though other media players can play this format, WMA files are best suited for computers running Microsoft Windows. RMA files are less common, and are associated with the RealNetworks media player. If you want to take the time, you can give visitors their choice by uploading all three files and creating links to each format.
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Encode your audio. Encoding refers to converting your audio files in their present form to the specific file types mentioned in the previous step. Even if you already have audio files in one of these formats, you may need to reduce their size so the download time will be short enough to hear the audio as soon as the link is selected. Larger files may cause a delay while the entire file downloads to the user's media player. You will need audio software capable of converting your audio files into each of these formats. Using audio production software, open the file you want to convert and save it to the format you want on your website.
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Upload the file to your web server. Assuming you use a hosting company, consult your web host for instructions on how to upload files to the directory that contains your web pages.
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Once uploaded, you will need to create a link using your web publishing software or HTML text editor to point to the path that contains your uploaded files. The HTML link should look something like: <a href="http://www.where_mywebsite_is.com/myaudiofile.wma">Listen to my Audio File!</a>. You must enter the link destination to match the path to your file exactly, including any sub-directories on your web server.
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Upload the revised web page to your web server.
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Test the link on your web page by looking at the page on a web browser. You may need to refresh the page so the new link appears. When you click on the link, your media player should play the audio file.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not upload audio files you do did not create. Sharing commercial music files online is a violation of federal and international copyright law.
