Audio CDs, or Compact Discs, are a digital medium used to store music and sound recordings. They typically hold up to 80 minutes of audio and are played on CD players, computers, and some DVD players. The sound quality is generally high, making them a popular choice for music enthusiasts. The format was introduced in the early 1980s and quickly became the standard for music distribution. Audio CDs use a laser to read the data encoded in tiny pits on the disc's surface. Despite the rise of digital downloads and streaming services, many people still enjoy collecting and listening to CDs for their tangible nature and cover art.