Is it possible to style html5 audio tag?

Building from the ground up

A great way to customize the HTML5 audio tag is to control your own destiny. Remove the default styling first to start with a clean slate and build your own unique interface. You can take the reins and dictate how the audio controls should look and behave, assuring they align with your site's unique aesthetics.

To take full control of your audio interface, utilize JavaScript's HTMLAudioElement API. With this powerful tool, you can use inbuilt methods like .play(), .pause(), and .volume to create custom functions for user interactions.

Assuming we've got an audio element with the id 'audioPlayer', here's what your custom control functions might look like:

Play Button:

function playAudio() {
  let audio = document.getElementById('audioPlayer');
  // Play that funky music!
  audio.play();
}


Pause Button:

function pauseAudio() {
  let audio = document.getElementById('audioPlayer');
  // Hold up, need a break!
  audio.pause();
}


Volume Control:

function setVolume(volume) {
  let audio = document.getElementById('audioPlayer');
  // This one goes to 11! (values between 0.0 and 1.0)
  audio.volume = volume; 
}


CSS: Unleash your creativity

Master the default styling

By removing the default controls and styling your own, you're free from the constraints of user-agent styles. You can utilize CSS to design your audio player, even extending your styling influence to controls within shadow DOMs using pseudo-elements like ::-webkit-media-controls-panel.

Going beyond the basics

Advanced CSS properties provide you with tools to create some cool visual effects. For instance, the filter property can adjust saturation, contrast, and even apply a sepia effect:

.custom-audio-controls {
  filter: sepia(60%) saturate(3); /* Who doesn't love vintage? */
}


By manipulating pseudo-elements, you can tailor the styling of specific player parts, creating an audio player that looks the same across different platforms. That's right, a Safari user and a Chrome user would see exactly the same player.

Exploring ready-to-use solutions

If you're looking for a more plug-and-play solution, consider libraries like jPlayer. These pre-built options provide high levels of customization, allowing you to mold the player to fit your needs, all while handling pesky cross-browser discrepancies for you. The result? Less time tinkering with annoying inconsistencies and more time designing your epic playlist functionality.