Adding audio to your website is one of the most powerful ways to enhance user engagement, improve session duration and help visitors build a connection with your brand. Embedded audio can even improve your SEO rankings and is an important component of a website experience when used properly.
What does it mean to embed audio? Embedding audio means including a sound file – such as a podcast episode or audio clip – within a webpage, allowing users to stream audio on-site without needing to download it or open external apps.
Here is an example of what a Spotify embedded podcast player looks like on a website:
Why You Should Embed Podcast Audio on Your Website
Embedding podcast players directly onto your site is an easy way to increase website engagement, reduce bounce rates and enhance content value. Visitors stay on the site and listen instead of moving to Spotify, Apple or SoundCloud. Also, some prefer to click "play" right from a website rather than using an app.
Embedding audio is also useful for:
- Improving page SEO with keywords in show notes and transcripts.
- Reducing file load times and storage use due to audio being hosted externally.
- Encouraging longer sessions and boosting content retention.
- Increasing accessibility for users.
How to Embed Podcast Players from Popular Platforms
Spotify Podcast Player Embed
To embed a Spotify podcast episode on your website:
- Open the Spotify desktop app or web player.
- Find your desired podcast episode.
- Click the three dots next to the episode.
- Select Share > Embed episode.
- Customize the Spotify embed code (e.g., size, timestamp).
- Click Copy to obtain the embed code.
- Paste the embed code into your website's HTML where you want the player to appear.
Spotify's embedded podcast player includes playback stats in Spotify for Podcasters, though users who do not log in may not be tracked.
Apple Podcasts Embed
To add Apple Podcasts to your website:
- Visit the Apple Podcasts episode page.
- Click the three dot icon next to the episode.
- Select Copy Embed Code.
- Paste the embed code into your website's HTML where you want the player to appear.
Apple's podcast embed player is mobile-friendly and works across all major browsers.
SoundCloud Audio Embed
For embedding SoundCloud audio:
- Navigate to the desired track or playlist.
- Click Share > Embed.
- Customize the audio player style.
- Copy the HTML embed code.
- Paste the code into your website's HTML where you want the player to appear.
SoundCloud's audio player is ideal for music portfolios, interviews or spoken word content.
Other Podcast Platforms and Embeddable Audio Players
Most podcast hosting services like Buzzsprout and Podbean offer similar embed features. There are also third-party customizable audio players that work across multiple platforms and are more customizable. Popular options include:
Best Practices for Embedding Audio on Websites
To best embed audio on your website, it is vital to prioritize user experience and accessibility. You may want to consider alternative content for those who do not have audio enabled or prefer to read the information.
- Provide clear playback controls with play, pause and volume adjustment options.
- Ensure mobile compatibility and provide alternative content or links for users who have issues with embedded players.
- Avoid autoplay, as it can be disruptive. Only use autoplay when it makes sense with the context of the page.
- Ensure the audio content is relevant to the site's goals and not added as an afterthought.
- Make sure to compress audio files and reduce their size without sacrificing quality. Large files can slow down the website.
- Increase global accessibility by providing translations or transcriptions for hearing-impaired users.
Adding an embedded podcast or audio player can significantly enhance website content by providing a more engaging and user-friendly experience. It promotes longer visits, improves SEO and creates a multimedia experience that connects with your audience.
Whether you are embedding a Spotify podcast or a SoundCloud track, following these tips will help you create a dynamic audio experience on your website.
