Audio in Guides

An Audio Media block lets a player listen to a recording on a Guide page. It starts when the player uses its play control; it does not automatically play on page entry. You need Guide editing access to change it.

This is separate from the block's recorded or uploaded Speech source, which supports narration.

Add audio

1. Add or edit a Media block and choose Audio.
2. Select Choose audio to open a device file picker, or Choose reusable audio to browse eligible existing recordings.
3. Add a useful Media caption identifying the recording or explaining what to listen for.
4. Wait for the upload to finish, then Save block.
5. Wait for Audio ready, open Guide Preview, and listen through the recording before sharing it.

Uploads support AAC, M4A, MP3, OGG, WAV, or WebM audio, up to 50 MB (50,000,000 bytes) per file. You can also drop one matching file onto the audio area. If a drag is rejected, try the file chooser; if the file still fails, convert it to a supported format and check its size.

The reusable-media picker can show eligible recordings from this page, this Guide, and other readable folders. Search, inspect its scope and status, then select the intended recording. Selecting it updates the block draft; Save block persists the choice.

Provide written context

The Media caption appears below the audio controls and supports rich text. Its text can also help label the player for assistive technology. Review any explicit Accessibility label in Speech.

Provide important information in writing when someone may not hear the recording. A caption does not automatically transcribe the audio. Changing the written caption does not change the recorded words.

What players see

A ready recording has controls to start, pause, and seek using the browser or device's player. A waveform may appear when preparation has produced one. A missing waveform alone does not mean that a ready audio recording cannot play.

There is no Audio Media setting for page-entry autoplay or looping. Players choose when sound begins. Test the recording alongside any page narration so the combination is understandable.

Replace or remove audio

For ready audio, use Replace audio file to upload a new file, or Choose reusable audio to select an existing one. For missing or unfinished media, activate its media area to choose a replacement file.

Use Remove audio to clear the source, then Save block. This removes the block's selection; it does not delete the original recording or other uses. Review the caption and any separate Speech recording after replacement.

Fix common problems

• Uploading audio: wait for the transfer; Save block is unavailable while it runs. For a failed transfer, restore the connection or storage allowance and choose the file again.
• Processing: allow preparation to finish, then refresh or reopen Preview.
• Audio processing failed / asset missing: choose an available replacement and save again.
• No sound: check the player volume, device volume, and selected speaker, headphones, or hearing device.
• Reusable audio is missing: clear the search, check other result pages, and confirm current access to the source folder.

For offline Guides and other playback problems, see media troubleshooting.