What is an EP? Everything You Need to Know About Modern Album Formats

If you're into music, you've probably heard artists or fans talking about an "EP." Whether it’s your favorite band announcing one or an emerging artist dropping their first, EPs are a big part of today’s music scene. But what is an EP exactly? Is it an album, a single, or something else entirely? If you've ever wondered what sets an EP apart and how it fits into the music world, you’re in the right place. In this post, we’ll break down what an EP means in music, how it compares to singles and albums, and why artists love releasing them. We’ll also tackle the EP vs album debate and explain why EPs have become such a popular format in the streaming age. Whether you’re an artist thinking about your next release or just someone who wants to understand the lingo, we’ve got you covered.

Credit: Travis Yewell

What Is an EP in the Music World?

First things first—what does EP stand for? The answer is pretty simple: EP stands for "Extended Play." It’s a term used to describe a release that’s longer than a single but shorter than a full album. The EP meaning in music comes from the days of vinyl records.

Back then, an EP was a format that allowed for more songs than a single but fewer than an LP (long play). While artists now release their music digitally, the idea behind an EP has stayed the same.

So, what is an EP in music? Simply put, an EP typically contains 4 to 6 songs and runs about 15 to 30 minutes long. It’s not as short as a single (which usually has one or two tracks), but it doesn’t have the depth of a full album. Artists often use EPs to give their audience a sneak peek at new music or to experiment with sounds and styles without the pressure of a full album release.

For emerging artists, an EP is a perfect way to introduce themselves to new listeners. It's short enough to grab attention but long enough to show off their range. Established artists, on the other hand, might release EPs to keep fans engaged between albums or to try out a new direction.

EP vs Album and LP: What’s the Difference?

Now that we’ve covered what an EP is, let’s explore the EP vs album and EP vs LP comparisons. First off, it’s important to note that an album and an LP (Long Play) are essentially the same thing. Historically, LP referred to vinyl records that contained a full collection of songs, usually over 40 minutes long, but nowadays, LP is just another term for a full-length album. So, whenever you hear someone talk about an LP, they’re usually referring to an album.

The key differences between EPs and LPs are in the number of tracks and runtime. An album usually contains 8 to 12 songs and can run from 30 minutes to over an hour. Albums are often seen as major artistic statements, representing a body of work that tells a story or explores a theme. They typically take more time and budget to produce.

On the other hand, an EP is shorter, more flexible, and they often serve as a way for artists to experiment or give fans new material without the time commitment and the cost of an album. They’re quicker and cheaper to produce, making them ideal for keeping up with the fast-paced world of streaming or giving fans something fresh between full album releases.

Albums (or LPs) are viewed as more comprehensive, often signaling a bigger artistic project. EPs, in contrast, offer a more casual, yet still cohesive collection of tracks. They sit comfortably between a single and an album, allowing artists to stay relevant and active in the industry without the long production cycles required for albums. They can be a way to keep fan engaged, or to present them with ongoing experimentation.

Credit: Clem Onojeghuo

EPs and Streaming Platforms

In the age of streaming, EPs have taken on new life. Platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have made it easier than ever for artists to release music directly to fans, and EPs fit perfectly into this digital landscape. But how does an EP differ from singles in the streaming world?

Here’s something interesting: when you release an EP on platforms like Spotify, it won’t show up in the "Albums" tab of your profile. Instead, EPs appear in the "Singles and EPs" tab. This placement signals to listeners that the release is more casual than an album but still offers more than a single track. It’s a nice middle ground between dropping a one-off single and going all out on an album.

The pros? By appearing in the "Singles and EPs" tab, artists can release music more frequently, keeping fans engaged without the pressure of creating a full album. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce new sounds and concepts before committing to a larger project.

The cons? Some listeners may overlook EPs, expecting albums to be the artist’s "main" body of work. Being grouped with singles can sometimes give the impression that an EP is less significant or polished than an album, even if it’s a cohesive, well-thought-out project.

That said, EPs are a great fit for the streaming era. Streaming algorithms reward frequent releases, so artists who consistently put out EPs can stay relevant in playlists and recommendations. With listeners always hungry for new content, EPs allow for a steady stream of music without the long wait that comes with an album.

It’s also totally fine to release a few EPs, and then combine some (or all) of the tracks in the form of an album. This way, your songs get more chances to be discovered by new fans, or to be included in algorythmic playlists! In today’s fast paced cultural landscape, it’s a good way to stay at the top of people’s mind.

In short…

So, what is an EP in music? It’s a versatile format that allows artists to release more than a single but less than an album. Whether you’re an artist looking to share new music or a fan wanting to understand how it all works, EPs are a key part of the modern music landscape. EPs allow for creativity and flexibility—a perfect fit for artists who want to stay relevant, experiment, or simply give listeners more without committing to a full album. Whether you’re debating EP vs album or just trying to figure out what an EP stands for, now you know why these short, punchy releases are here to stay.

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