WiscWeb - Embedding Audio Files

Some sites are interested in featuring individual podcasts or series of audio files within your site. There are several ways to accomplish this.

In this document:

Purpose and Use

WordPress and the UW Theme allow for certain embedding functionalities to add in certain media types. In the case of this document, audio files can be embedded to create further interactions and content for your audience. Please be aware that external services (such as Soundcloud, Anchor.fm, and Spotify) are not supported by WiscWeb past the steps of embedding the end files into a WordPress page.

Using the Media Library

The first method of embedding an audio file into your site is to upload the audio file that you are planning to use and using the Add Media option to place it into a text block. The following audio files are allowed in WiscWeb:

  • mp3
  • wav
  • midi
  • mid
  • ogg
  • wav
  • wmv

To use this option:

  1. Upload the media file to your media library following these directions: WiscWeb - Using Media Library to add images or documents

    File details for uploaded audio file

    • Remember the media library has a file size limit of 24MB
    • When you upload your audio file, be sure to update the Title, Artist, and Description fields for this upload
  2. On the page or post you want to add this audio file to, click Add Media in the Text Block
  3. Find your audio file and select it in the media library, and click Insert into page (or post)
  4. The audio file will automatically embed into the text area
  5. Publish your content or click Save Draft and Preview to preview the content.

Embedding from Soundcloud

Soundcloud is an approved embed option from WordPress, and as such the embedding process is fairly straightforward.

To use this option:

  1. Navigate to the Soundcloud audio page that you want to embed and copy the full URL
  2. In your WordPress page or post, paste the URL directly into a text area
  3. WordPress will automatically embed the audio file into the text area

    Embedded Soundcloud file

    • Please note: this option will automatically embed the full preview image along with the audio player into your text area.
  4. Publish your content or click Save Draft and Preview to preview the content.

Using Anchor.fm and Spotify

Some programs have begun adding podcasts to their site content, and are using the free service Anchor.fm. Once you have created your content, it can be published to Spotify, which is an allowed embed option for WordPress.

  1. Navigate to the Spotify podcast episode and copy the full URL
  2. In your WordPress page or post, paste the URL directly into a text area
  3. WordPress will automatically embed the audio file into the text area

    Spotify sound file embedded

    • Please note: this option will automatically embed the full Spotify player into your text area.
  4. Publish your content or click Save Draft and Preview to preview the content.