Set an audio source and browser playback behavior, then decide whether the element is user-controlled on a published page or timed by a website/video timeline.
Where: Select an audio element → right sidebar → Media
Key ideas
- Source and preload: The source identifies the audio file; preload determines how eagerly the browser prepares it before playback.
- Browser playback: Controls, autoplay, loop, and muted determine how the standalone HTML audio element behaves on a published page.
- Timeline playback: When the audio belongs to a timed composition, timeline timing and media controls should drive when it plays rather than an unrelated page-load autoplay.
Steps
- Insert or select an audio element and open its Media section.
- Choose the source and set preload according to how soon the sound is needed.
- For a user-controlled page, enable visible controls and decide whether loop or muted is appropriate.
- For a timed composition, place the audio on the timeline and align its start, end, and gain with the picture or interaction.
- Test in Preview and in the published browser target with sound enabled by a real user gesture.
Tips
- Use visible controls when visitors need to start, stop, seek, or adjust audio.
- Keep dialogue, music, and effects separated in video timelines when their levels or timing need independent review.
Limitations and important notes
- Browsers may block audible autoplay; do not make essential content depend on it.
- Large audio files and aggressive preload can increase initial page weight.
Troubleshooting
Audio does not autoplay
Disable audible autoplay or begin playback after a user interaction; browser autoplay policy can block sound even when the editor setting is enabled.
The same audio starts twice
Check whether both element autoplay and timeline playback are enabled for the same source and keep one timing owner.