MP3 is a digital audio format that compresses sound files, making them smaller and easier to store and share. It stands for MPEG Audio Layer III and was developed in the early 1990s. This format allows for high-quality audio playback while significantly reducing file size, which is why it became popular for music distribution online. The MP3 format revolutionized the music industry by enabling users to download and share songs easily. It is widely supported by various devices, including smartphones, computers, and portable media players. As a result, MP3 has become a standard format for digital music.