Analog tape is a medium used for recording sound and video. It consists of a long strip of plastic coated with a magnetic material. When sound waves hit the tape, they create a magnetic pattern that can be played back later. This technology was widely used in music recording and broadcasting before the rise of digital formats. The most common types of analog tape are reel-to-reel and cassette tapes. Reel-to-reel tapes are larger and often used in professional settings, while cassettes are smaller and more portable, making them popular for personal use. Despite being largely replaced by digital media, analog tape is still appreciated for its warm sound quality.