Custom Media Controls vs Media Session API

Developers should learn and use Custom Media Controls when building media-rich applications that require a branded or cohesive user experience, such as streaming platforms, educational tools, or interactive websites meets developers should use the media session api when building web applications with audio or video playback features, such as music streaming services, podcasts, or video players, to provide a native-like media experience. Here's our take.

Custom Media Controls

Nice Pick

Developers should learn and use Custom Media Controls when building media-rich applications that require a branded or cohesive user experience, such as streaming platforms, educational tools, or interactive websites

Pros

• It is essential for implementing features not supported by default controls, like custom playback speeds, chapter navigation, or accessibility enhancements, and ensures cross-browser consistency and better integration with modern frameworks
• Related to: html5-media-api, javascript

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Media Session API

Developers should use the Media Session API when building web applications with audio or video playback features, such as music streaming services, podcasts, or video players, to provide a native-like media experience

Pros

• It is particularly useful for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and mobile web apps, as it allows users to control playback without having the app in focus, improving accessibility and convenience
• Related to: javascript, html5-audio

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. Custom Media Controls is a concept while Media Session API is a api. We picked Custom Media Controls based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

Custom Media Controls wins

Based on overall popularity. Custom Media Controls is more widely used, but Media Session API excels in its own space.