A 7-inch vinyl record is a small, circular disc made of vinyl, typically used to store music. It usually plays at 45 revolutions per minute (RPM) and can hold one song on each side. These records are popular for singles, allowing artists to release individual tracks rather than full albums. The 7-inch format became widely used in the 1940s and remains a favorite among collectors and music enthusiasts. Many iconic songs from artists like The Beatles and Elvis Presley were released on this format, making it a significant part of music history.