HTML <source> Tag

Last Updated : 29 May, 2026

The HTML <source> tag is used to specify multiple media resources for elements such as <audio>, <video>, and <picture>. It allows browsers to choose the most suitable file format or media source to display.

  • Provides alternative media files for audio, video, and images.
  • Helps ensure compatibility across different browsers and devices.
  • Commonly used inside <audio>, <video>, and <picture> elements.

Syntax:

<source src="https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/" type=""> 

    // Statements

</source>

Attributes

  • src : src specifies the path or URL of the media resource.
  • media : Defines the media condition or type for which the resource is intended.
  • srcset : srcset specifies one or more image URLs for different display situations.
  • sizes : Defines the image sizes for different page layouts.
  • type : Specifies the MIME type of the media resource.
  • height : Sets the intrinsic height of the image in pixels (used with <picture>).
  • width : Sets the intrinsic width of the image in pixels (used with <picture>).

Example 1: This example uses <source> tag with the video media file. 

html
<!--Driver Code Starts-->
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>

<head>
    <title>
        HTML source Tag
    </title>
</head>

<body>
    <h1 style="color:green;">
        GeeksforGeeks
    </h1>

    <h2>
        HTML &lt;source&gt; Tag
    </h2>

<!--Driver Code Ends-->

    <video width="400" height="350" controls>
        <source src="video.mp4" type="video/mp4">
        <source src="video.ogg" type="video/ogg">
    </video>

<!--Driver Code Starts-->
</body>

</html>
<!--Driver Code Ends-->

Example 2: This example uses <source> tag with the audio media files. 

html
<!--Driver Code Starts-->
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>

<head>
    <title>
        HTML source Tag
    </title>
</head>

<body>
    <h1 style="color:green;">
        GeeksforGeeks
    </h1>
    <h2>
        HTML &lt;source&gt; Tag
    </h2>
<!--Driver Code Ends-->

    <audio controls>
        <source src="audio.mp3" 
                type="audio/mp3">
    </audio>

<!--Driver Code Starts-->
</body>

</html>
<!--Driver Code Ends-->
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