JavaScript Web APIs Series: Audio and Video APIs

It's safe to say that the web wouldn't be what it is if we didn't have access to images, videos, audio, and other media files because using them offers much more benefits than text. They make information easier to absorb, present data better, and enable us to pass information to others on time.

There's so little you can do when building software without considering or supporting media files. In this part of the series, you will learn about the different JavaScript Web APIs, what they help you do, and how you can use them to build spectacular features that give your users a better experience with media files.

Prerequisites

The primary prerequisite to follow along with this article is to be familiar with the basics of JavaScript. Also, it'll be beneficial if you read the introduction of the series.

Now that the introduction and prerequisites are out of the way, let's explore the JavaScript Web APIs under the Audio and Video category in the following sections.

Audio Output Devices API

The Audio Output Devices API is an experimental JavaScript web API that helps you build features that allow users to choose their preferred audio output for the current media. Let's look at some real-world use cases where this API can be useful in the following sections.

Multi-room audio

The Audio Output Devices API can be used to create applications that allow users to stream synchronized audio across multiple devices in different rooms. For example, a music streaming service could provide an option for users to select specific audio output devices, such as smart speakers or wireless headphones, and play the same audio simultaneously in multiple locations within a home or office.

Accessibility enhancements

This API can be utilized to build accessibility features that enable users with hearing impairments to customize their audio output experience. For instance, an application could provide options for users to adjust audio balance and volume levels or apply audio filters to enhance specific frequencies to accommodate individual hearing needs.

Audio control in web-based presentations

The Audio Output Devices API can be leveraged to enhance web-based presentations or conference platforms. Presenters could have the ability to choose specific output devices to direct their audio, ensuring that their voice is projected through a separate speaker or audio system. At the same time, the audience receives the presentation content through their own devices.

These are some of the few ways this API can help you build exciting features for your JavaScript applications. Let's explore some things you need to know to implement it in the next section.

Audio Output Devices API Implementation

It is important to note that the Audio Output Devices API is still in experimental mode; this means it currently only supports very few browsers (just one) at the time of writing.

That said, you should verify if the API supports the browsers or platforms you are building for so you can notify your users to switch to the supported browsers instead. You can get more information on its MDN browser compatibility page.

Web Audio API

The Web Audio API is a JavaScript web API that enables you to create magic with audio in your JavaScript applications by allowing you to build features that lets your users perform different audio operations. In the following sections, let's look at some of the things you can do with this API.

Interactive Audio Applications

The Web Audio API can be used to develop interactive applications that involve real-time audio manipulation. This includes music composition tools, virtual instruments, and audio effects processors. For example, when building an online music production platform, you can implement the Web Audio API to enable users to create and manipulate audio tracks directly in their web browser.

Games and Multimedia Experiences

The Web Audio API can enhance gaming experiences by allowing developers to create immersive soundscapes and interactive audio elements. As a game developer, you can utilize this API to generate dynamic sound effects, spatial audio, and synchronized audio with game events, making the gaming experience more engaging and realistic.

Audio Visualization and Analysis

The Web Audio API enables developers to extract and analyze audio data in real time. This can be applied in applications that require audio visualization, such as sound spectrum analyzers, beat detection algorithms, or audio-driven visualizations. For instance, a web-based music player could use the Web Audio API to generate visualizations that respond to the beats and frequencies of the currently playing music.

Let's explore what you need to know about implementing the Web Audio API in the next section.

Web Audio API Implementation

Unlike the Audio Output API, the Web Audio API is stable and supports the most popular web browsers.

You can see details on how to implement this API in your application, including the interfaces that it extends, the necessary permissions, browser compatibility, and much more on its MDN page.

You should also check out this article that expands on the necessary concepts you need to know about the audio for a better understanding of the capabilities of this API, and this GitHub repo for different code examples based on this API.

Encrypted Media Extensions API

The Encrypted Media Extensions API, commonly called EME API, is a set of JavaScript interfaces that allows developers to control users' access to encrypted media according to the digital restrictions management (DRM) scheme.

Let's look at some cases where this API can come in handy for you as a developer.

Secure Video Streaming

The EME API allows developers to implement digital rights management (DRM) solutions for media content. This enables secure streaming services by encrypting the media content and controlling access to it. Streaming platforms can utilize EME to protect premium content from unauthorized distribution and ensure that only licensed users can access the content.

Pay-Per-View or Content Rental Services

EME API can be used to build platforms that offer pay-per-view or rental services for media content. By implementing DRM through EME, providers can enforce time-limited access to rented or purchased content while preventing unauthorized copying or sharing of the content during the rental period.

Offline Video Playback

EME API can also be utilized to enable offline video playback on supported devices. Streaming services can use EME API to securely store encrypted media files on users' devices, allowing them to download and use the content offline for a limited period. This feature is handy for users with limited internet connectivity or those who want to watch videos while traveling without an internet connection.

Encrypted Media Extensions API Implementation

Implementing the EME API is relatively straightforward as it is only a set of interfaces. That said, you can access and read more on the interfaces on the EME API page on MDN.

The EME API is also supported on major web browsers at the time of writing. You can see the browser compatibility chart on MDN for more information.

Image Capture API

The Image Capture API is an experimental JavaScript web API that enables you to access users' cameras from your JavaScript application to do many different things. Let's explore some of the things this API makes possible for you as a developer in the following sections.

Web-based Document Scanning

The Image Capture API can be utilized to build web applications that facilitate document scanning without additional software or hardware. Users can capture images of documents using their device's camera, and the API provides the necessary functionality to enhance image quality, apply filters, and save the scanned document as an image file.

Augmented Reality (AR) Applications

The Image Capture API can be integrated into augmented reality (AR) applications to capture images in real-time. This can be useful in AR experiences that involve image recognition, object tracking, or virtual object placement. For example, an AR shopping application could use the Image Capture API to allow users to capture images of real-world objects and spaces and overlay virtual product information or 3D models on top of them.

QR Code and Barcode Scanning

The Image Capture API can be employed to create web-based applications that can scan and process QR codes or barcodes. This can be used in various scenarios, such as ticket validation, inventory management, or mobile payment systems. For example, users can use their device's camera to capture QR codes or barcodes, and the API can extract the relevant information for further processing within the web application.

Image Capture API Implementation

Using the Image Capture API in your JavaScript application is also quite straightforward as it only uses a single interface under the hood.

The API currently (at the time of writing) supports about 50% of the major web browsers. You can see more information on the API and its browser compatibility on the API's MDN page.

Barcode Detection API

The Barcode Detection API is an experimental API that provides the functionality that helps your applications to detect and read data from different types of barcodes. It supports more than ten popular barcodes, and development is still going on for it to support more.

Let's explore some of the things you can use this API for in the following sections.

E-commerce Product Identification

The Barcode Detection API can be used in e-commerce applications to facilitate product identification. By utilizing the API, users can scan barcodes on physical products using their device's camera, allowing the application to retrieve relevant product information such as price, reviews, and availability. This simplifies the product search process and enhances the overall user experience.

Ticket Validation

The Barcode Detection API can be leveraged for ticket validation in various industries, such as transportation, events, or attractions. By scanning barcodes on tickets, the API can quickly verify their authenticity and validity, preventing fraudulent activities. This ensures a smooth entry process for ticketed events or services and enhances security measures.

Inventory Management

The Barcode Detection API can be utilized for efficient inventory management in retail or warehousing applications. By scanning barcodes on products, the API can automatically update inventory counts, track stock movements, and streamline the restocking process. This reduces human error, saves time, and improves overall inventory accuracy and efficiency.

Barcode Detection API Implementation

As mentioned before, the Barcode Detection API is still in its early stages of development at the time of writing. However, its implementation is quite straightforward as it only uses a single interface under the hood.

You can see examples on how to implement it, its specifications, and browser compatibility chart on its MDN page.

Media Capabilities API

The Media Capabilities API enables you to check and determine the decoding and encoding capabilities of your users' devices to determine the best way to serve them media content to ensure a good user experience and reduce the amount of buffering to the minimum. Let's look at the cases where this API can be helpful in the following sections.

Adaptive video streaming

The Media Capabilities API can be used to determine the capabilities of a user's device, such as supported video codecs, resolution, and maximum frame rate. This information can be leveraged to deliver adaptive content streaming, where the content quality is dynamically adjusted based on the device's capabilities. You can optimize the video playback experience by selecting the appropriate video quality that matches the user's device capabilities.

Device-specific media enhancements

The Media Capabilities API allows developers to detect and utilize specific capabilities of a user's device, such as HDR support or high frame rate playback. This enables applications to enhance the media experience by providing tailored features for supported devices. For example, you can automatically enable HDR playback for the user if the device supports it, resulting in a more visually appealing and immersive viewing experience.

Bandwidth optimization

By utilizing the Media Capabilities API, you can optimize media delivery based on the user's network bandwidth. The API provides information about the device's decoding and rendering capabilities, allowing the application to select the most efficient media format and quality that can be smoothly played on the user's device without consuming excessive network bandwidth.

Media Capabilities API Implementation

The Media Capabilities API is also simple to implement through a series of checks, as seen on its MDN page. It also supports the majority of web browsers according to the browser compatibility chart.

Media Capture and Streams APIs

The Media Capture and Streams API, also known as Media Stream, enables you to build JavaScript applications that allow your users to record and edit video and audio content right inside the browser. Some of the things you can use this API to build include the following:

Video Conferencing and Live Streaming

The Media Capture and Streams API enables developers to access and manipulate audio and video streams from the user's device camera and microphone. This API can be utilized to build video conferencing platforms or live streaming applications where users can share their audio and video in real-time. The API provides functions for capturing and transmitting media streams, enabling seamless communication between participants.

Augmented Reality Filters and Effects

The Media Capture and Streams API allows developers to apply real-time filters, effects, or overlays to the captured video stream. This can be used in applications that involve augmented reality (AR) experiences, where users can add virtual objects, face filters, or background effects to the live video feed. Social media platforms and video messaging applications often employ this API to offer interactive and engaging AR features.

Video Recording and Editing

The Media Capture and Streams API allows recording audio and video streams from the device's camera and microphone. This functionality can be utilized to develop web-based video recording and editing applications. Users can capture video footage directly through their web browser and perform basic editing operations like trimming, merging, or adding audio tracks using the recorded media streams.

Media Capture and Streams APIs Implementation

The Media Stream API's usage is relatively straightforward. It combines several interfaces and events that allows you to do more with the streamed content.

Browser compatibility for the API is also impressive, as it supports all major browsers. However, some of the events it supports are not supported on some of the browsers, and you might want to check the browser compatibility chart on MDN to make an informed decision on whether or not to build with this API.

Media Session API

The Media Session API provides a way for you to customize and control media playback and other things by providing media metadata that you can display for the user. Let's explore some of the features you can use this API to build in the following sections.

Media Playback Control Integration

The Media Session API allows web applications to integrate with the device's media playback controls, such as the media keys on keyboards or media control buttons on headsets. This integration enhances the user experience by providing convenient control over media playback without switching to the media player or tab. Music streaming platforms, podcast players, and video players can benefit from this API by enabling seamless media playback control through the device's native controls.

Background Audio Playback

The Media Session API can be utilized to enable background audio playback even when the web application is not in focus or the device's screen is locked. This feature is handy for music streaming services or podcast applications, allowing users to continue listening to audio content while performing other tasks or when the device is idle.

Metadata and Notification Customization

The Media Session API allows developers to provide custom metadata and notifications for media playback. This includes displaying album artwork, song titles, artist names, and playback controls in the device's lock screen or notification panel. Music streaming platforms or podcast applications can leverage this API to offer a visually appealing and interactive media playback experience, enhancing brand recognition and user engagement.

Media Session API Implementation

Media Session API is quite straightforward to use in your JavaScript code as it uses just two interfaces. You can see a quick example of how to implement it for handling a music player playback on the MDN page.

Browser compatibility is also pretty good as it currently supports over 50% of the major web browsers, as shown on its MDN page.

Media Source Extensions API

The Media Source Extensions (MSE) API makes it possible for developers to make web applications that can stream media content in the browser without the need for plugins like Flash. It also provides more control over the content fetching process for more flexibility and enhanced user experience.

In the following sections, let's explore some things the Media Source Extensions API can help you achieve.

Adaptive Streaming Protocols

The Media Source Extensions API enables you to build adaptive streaming protocols in JavaScript. This allows the creation of custom streaming algorithms that dynamically adjust the video quality based on the user's network conditions and device capabilities. Streaming platforms can utilize MSE to deliver smooth and uninterrupted video playback, optimizing the quality for each user's specific conditions.

Custom Video Player Development

The Media Source Extensions API allows developers to create custom video players with advanced features. It provides control over the buffering, seeking, and playback of video content. This enables the development of specialized video players with unique functionalities, such as interactive video experiences, multi-angle video playback, or synchronized playback across multiple devices.

Video Editing and Post-processing

The Media Source Extensions API can be used directly in the browser for video editing and post-processing tasks. You can use MSE to manipulate video segments, apply filters or effects, and merge or split video files. This enables web-based video editing applications that provide basic editing capabilities without requiring users to upload their videos to external servers or install dedicated video editing software.

Media Source Extensions API Implementation

The MSE API is relatively straightforward to implement because it uses only four interfaces under the hood and supports over 60% of major browsers. You can check out more information on how to implement the MSE API on its MDN page.

Picture-in-Picture API

The Picture-in-Picture API allows you to create a floating window that displays the content and its metadata on other windows and apps so users can continue seeing the content. At the same time, they use other websites and applications.

Let's explore some of the features this API can help you build in the following sections.

Video Streaming Platforms

The Picture-in-Picture API can enhance the user experience on video streaming platforms. You can allow users to activate the Picture-in-Picture mode to watch videos in a smaller, resizable window while browsing other content or working on other tasks. This API allows for a seamless multitasking experience, where users can continue to consume video content without interrupting their workflow.

Online Learning Platforms

Picture-in-Picture is particularly useful in online learning platforms. Students can watch instructional videos in Picture-in-Picture mode while taking notes or working on assignments on other tabs or apps. It lets learners view the video content alongside their learning materials, promoting an efficient and focused learning environment.

Video Conferencing Applications

Picture-in-Picture can enhance video conferencing experiences. Participants can keep the video of the meeting presenter or main speaker in a smaller overlay window while simultaneously working on shared documents or engaging in a chat conversation. This API allows users to maintain visual contact with the speaker while actively participating in the meeting.

Picture-in-Picture API Implementation

Implementing the Picture-in-Picture API in your JavaScript applications is pretty straightforward as it only has one interface and three events that you can use to spin up the feature in minutes.

It also supports 70% of major browser according to its browser compatibility chart. You can also check out a quick example on its MDN page.

WebRTC API

Web Real-Time Communication API, commonly called WebRTC, is the major backbone behind modern video and audio call applications. It consists of standards that enable users to stream and share audio and video media without an intermediary or any third-party software.

Let's look at some of the things WebRTC makes possible for you as a developer in the following sections.

Video Conferencing and Collaboration

WebRTC enables real-time peer-to-peer audio and video communication directly within web browsers. It is widely used in video conferencing and collaboration applications, enabling users to have high-quality audio and video calls without needing external plugins or software installations. It is beneficial for remote teams, online meetings, and virtual classrooms.

Live Streaming Platforms

WebRTC is utilized in live streaming platforms, allowing content creators to broadcast live video content to their audience in real-time. WebRTC's low latency and high-quality streaming capabilities make it suitable for applications such as live gaming, live events, and interactive webcasts.

Web-based Customer Support

WebRTC can be integrated into customer support systems, enabling real-time audio and video communication between customer support representatives and customers. This facilitates efficient and personalized support experiences, allowing agents to provide assistance, demonstrations, or troubleshooting more interactively and engagingly.

WebRTC API Implementation

Implementing the WebRTC API can be pretty challenging. However, you can get detailed documentation and the interfaces, events, guides, tutorials, specifications, and much more on the MDN page.

Web Video Text Tracks Format

Web Video Text Tracks (WebVTT) is the technology behind the captions and subtitles you see on videos. It is a text format usually encoded in UTF-8, and its primary function is to add text overlay on videos. Some of the things you can use this API for are as follows:

Video Captioning and Subtitles

WebVTT is commonly used for adding captions and subtitles to video content on the web. It allows developers to synchronize text with specific timecodes in the video, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity by providing support for viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing. WebVTT is widely employed in video streaming platforms, e-learning applications, and multimedia presentations.

Video Search and Indexing

WebVTT can be leveraged to create searchable transcripts for video content. By associating text cues with timestamps, WebVTT enables users to search for specific words or phrases within a video. This feature is valuable for content creators, video libraries, and educational platforms, as it enhances the discoverability and usability of video-based content.

Multilingual Video Support

WebVTT supports multiple tracks, making it suitable for adding multilingual subtitles or captions to videos. This feature allows viewers to select their preferred language for subtitles or switch between languages based on their preferences. It benefits international audiences, language learners, and global content distribution platforms.

WebVTT Implementation

Implementing WebVTT is quite straightforward. You can see information on how the files are created, how the body is formatted, writing and styling them, its specification, browser compatibility, and much more on its MDN page.

WebXR Device API

The WebXR Device API is an experimental JavaScript API that specifies a group of standards for how web browsers work with both virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Some of its features include detecting compatible devices, rendering scenes, mirroring outputs, creating vectors for input controls, and much more.

Let's explore some of the things this API helps you build in the following sections.

Augmented Reality (AR) Applications

The WebXR Device API enables the development of web-based AR applications. Developers can leverage this API to create immersive AR experiences that blend digital content with the real world. WebXR allows users to access AR features directly from their web browsers, making AR accessible and widely available on various devices without the need for separate applications.

Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences

The WebXR Device API also supports VR experiences within web browsers. Developers can create interactive and immersive VR applications, games, or simulations that can be accessed directly through a web browser, eliminating the need for additional VR software or plugins. This API provides a standardized way to access VR capabilities, fostering the growth of web-based VR content.

Training and Simulations

The WebXR Device API can be utilized in training and simulation scenarios. Industries such as aviation, healthcare, and manufacturing can leverage this API to develop web-based training simulations that provide realistic and interactive virtual environments. Users can access these simulations from their browsers, improving accessibility and reducing the cost and complexity associated with dedicated training software or hardware.

WebXR Device API Implementation

The WebXR Device API is still in development mode at the time of writing. However, you can find references, guides, specifications, browser compatibility details, and much more on its MDN page.

And that will be all for the JavaScript web APIs in the audio and video category.

Conclusion

Whew! That was a long one, and if you made it to the end, I'm sure you learned something new, no matter your level of experience using JavaScript to build web applications.

In this part of the series, you learned about the possibilities and control JavaScript web APIs offer you over media content in your applications and some cool features you can build using them. You also explored how to implement them and the information you need to know through the linked resources in the implementation section of each API.

Finally, remember to follow me here on Hashnode and Twitter. Thanks again for reading, and I'll see you in the next one! 👍