What is the controls attribute in video and audio elements?

Q: What is the controls attribute in video and audio elements?

It works with both ` ` and ` ` elements. When present, it shows the browser’s default player interface (play/pause button, timeline, volume, etc.). It is a Boolean attribute — meaning you don’t need to assign it a value (just writing `controls` is enough). Without `controls`, the media can only be controlled through JavaScript or autoplay. Your browser does not support the video tag. Your browser does not support the audio element. In short: The `controls` attribute makes media interactive by showing play, pause, volume, and other basic controls to the user.

Difficulty: 3/10

media elements, accessibility, user interaction

In HTML, the `controls` attribute is used with `<video>` and `<audio>` elements. It tells the browser to display built-in playback controls, such as play, pause, volume, and seek bar, so users can interact with the media.

Key Points about the controls Attribute

1
It works with both <video> and <audio> elements.
2
When present, it shows the browser’s default player interface (play/pause button, timeline, volume, etc.).
3
It is a Boolean attribute — meaning you don’t need to assign it a value (just writing controls is enough).
4
Without controls, the media can only be controlled through JavaScript or autoplay.