8-track tapes were a popular format for audio recordings from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. They consist of a continuous loop of magnetic tape housed in a plastic cartridge, allowing for easy playback in compatible players. Each tape typically contained four programs, or tracks, which could be switched while playing. The format was widely used in cars and home audio systems, offering a convenient way to listen to music. However, 8-track tapes eventually fell out of favor due to the rise of cassette tapes and compact discs, which provided better sound quality and more storage capacity.