This is a list of audio formats, used for the distribution of recordings of music and other audio information. This includes both physical media and data storage formats.
Chronological order:
- 1870s: Phonograph cylinder
- 1895: Analogue disc record
- 1930s: Wire recording
- 1940s:Reel-to-reel audio tape recording, Magnetic Tape (audio)
- 1948: Vinyl record
- 1963: Compact cassette
- 1960s: 8-track
- 1969: Microcassette
- 1970s: Elcaset
- 1980: Compact Disc Digital Audio System
- 1985: AIFF
- 1987: Digital audio tape (DAT)
- 1990s: Digital Compact Cassette
- 1991: Minidisc
- 1992: WAV
- 1995: MP3
- 1996: DVD
- 1999: Windows Media Audio
- 2001: AAC
- 2002: Ogg Vorbis