What is MIME type "audio/mpg"?
A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.
audio/mpg is a MIME type that signals files with audio encoded using the MPEG standard. It tells systems that the file holds digital sound data.This type is most commonly paired with the MP3 format. It helps browsers and media players decode the file correctly for playback.
- Purpose: Differentiates audio files from other data types.
- Functionality: Guides software to properly play compressed audio streams.
- Use Cases: Digital music libraries, online streaming, and portable device playback.
For additional technical details, visit the MP3 Wikipedia page.
Associated file extensions
Usage Examples
HTTP Header
When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:
Content-Type: audio/mpg
HTML
In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:
<a href="file.dat" type="audio/mpg">Download file</a>
Server-side (Node.js)
Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:
const http = require('http');
http.createServer((req, res) => {
res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'audio/mpg');
res.end('Content here');
}).listen(3000);
Associated file extensions
FAQ
What is a MIME type?
A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.
MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.
MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.
How do I find the MIME type for a file?
You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type
on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.
Why are multiple MIME types listed for one extension?
Different applications and historical conventions may use alternative MIME identifiers for the same kind of file. Showing them all helps ensure compatibility across systems.