The Compact Cassette is a magnetic tape recording format introduced in 1963 by Philips. It consists of a plastic shell containing two reels of tape, allowing audio to be recorded and played back. The format became popular for music distribution and personal recording, especially in the 1970s and 1980s. Compact cassettes are typically 10 centimeters wide and can hold up to 90 minutes of audio. They played a significant role in the rise of portable music players, such as the Walkman, and contributed to the growth of home recording. Despite being largely replaced by digital formats, they remain a nostalgic symbol of an era in music history.