8 CSS & JavaScript Snippets for Creating Audio Visualizations


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At the turn of the 21st century, MP3 audio was hitting the mainstream. Certainly, the portability of these sound files was a big part of their allure. But there was also the unique side benefit of visualizing the sound on our computer screens.

Audio players such as WinAMP came with visualization plugins, making the experience of listening to our favorite tunes even more engaging. Not only could we hear the music, but we could also see it dance across our monitors as well.

As the web has evolved with CSS3, HTML5, and complex JavaScript libraries, this trend has continued. Visualizing sound, or at least the appearance of doing so, is still a big attention-getter.

Here is a collection of code snippets that bring a visual element to sound. Some are the real deal and will work with audio files, while others are merely facsimiles of the effect. Let’s crank it up!

Before we start, just a warning: Many of these snippets play sound, so adjust your speakers accordingly.

Songs on the Sun by Nelson Rodrigues

This visualizer takes the form of a circle and, thanks to clever design, appears to form a ring around a sun-like sphere. Click on the screen to play a tune and watch the mesmerizing effect. The snippet uses HTML5 canvas and some JavaScript to power the player.

See the Pen Audio Ring Visualization by Nelson Rodrigues

3D Tune Tiles by Carlo Alducente

Increasingly, we’re viewing the web in three dimensions. This trend has been employed here, as the screen rotates while tiles move to the beat of the music. The 3D effect is powered by d3.js.

See the Pen Audio Visualization – 3D Tiles by Carlo Alducente

Like Atari, but with Better Sound by Niklas Knaack

Start this audio visualization, and you’ll be transported into a 1980s-like video game world. The sound can be turned on and off with a click, and your trip through the portal will change direction based on your cursor position. In a word, it’s RAD!

See the Pen Landscape V2 Audio Visualizer by Niklas Knaack

A Simple Approximation by Octavector

Not every website needs an audio player, but the visualization effect can still be useful. For those situations, this single-div simulation is a great fit. With just a little bit of HTML, you can add some colorful movement to your project.

See the Pen One Div Equalizer by Octavector

Cloud Music by André Mattos

Particle animation seems like the perfect tool for making sound a visual experience. And this is a prime example of its power. Push play, see the dots “light up” and move along with your cursor. This pulsating effect is bold without coming on too strong.

See the Pen AUDIO CLOUD by André Mattos

Liquid Audio by Ryan McKay

Here is a unique take on bringing audio to our eyes. This colorful “Inkqualizer” is fun to watch. Plus, it makes us wonder if the ink cartridges in our printer are dancing like this when we aren’t looking.

See the Pen Inkqualizer – Audio Equalizer by Ryan McKay

When in Doubt, Do “The Carlton” by Grzegorz Witczak

Do we really need accurate visual renderings of our favorite songs? This snippet says “no.” All we need is a great song and a pixelated Alfonso Ribeiro doing his famous “Carlton” dance. Frankly, this should fit in perfectly with every project.

See the Pen Pure CSS The Carlton dance by Grzegorz Witczak

The Sights of Sounds

If your website or app features audio, adding visualization to the mix can make the user experience that much better. It helps to keep eyeballs glued to your presentation and adds an element of fun. And even a simulated visual can be used to draw attention.


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