Media type · audio/ogg
audio/ogg
Ogg container audio, typically Vorbis or Opus, identified with a codecs parameter.
Key facts
| Type | audio/ogg |
|---|---|
| Registered | RFC 5334 |
| Common codecs | Vorbis, Opus, FLAC |
| Extensions | .ogg, .oga, .opus |
| Codecs parameter | audio/ogg; codecs=opus |
| Browser support | Broad for Vorbis and Opus |
The container does not name the codec
Ogg is a container; the actual audio codec is separate. A codecs parameter removes ambiguity: audio/ogg; codecs=opus. Without it, the client must inspect the stream, and some platforms refuse to guess. The same container is also used for video, which has its own media type.
Opus in practice
Opus is the modern default for speech and music in Ogg, with good quality at low bitrates and low latency. Safari supports Opus in CAF and, in recent versions, in Ogg. For maximum compatibility across old devices, provide an MP4/AAC fallback.
Frequently asked questions
Is .opus the same as .ogg?
It is usually an Ogg container with Opus audio. The extension signals the codec, but the container is the same.
Why does Safari not play my Ogg file?
Ogg support varies by version and platform. Provide an AAC/MP4 alternative.
Should I use Vorbis or Opus?
Opus for new content. Vorbis remains common in older files and some game engines.