The 8-track tape is a magnetic tape format that was popular from the 1960s to the early 1980s. It consists of a plastic cartridge containing a continuous loop of tape divided into eight tracks, allowing for longer playtime compared to earlier formats. The 8-track was commonly used in cars and home audio systems, providing a portable way to listen to music. Despite its popularity, the 8-track format faced challenges, such as sound quality issues and the inability to easily skip tracks. By the late 1970s, it was largely replaced by cassette tapes and compact discs, which offered better sound quality and more convenience.