Cassette single facts for kids

A cassette single was a special type of music tape that had just one or two songs on it. Think of it like a mini-album with only the hit song! Music companies started selling these in the 1980s. They wanted them to be like the smaller, single-song versions of vinyl records (called "45s") but on tape.

What is a Cassette Single?

A cassette single was a compact audio cassette that contained a single song. Sometimes, it might have had a "B-side" song too, which was another track not usually found on the main album. These tapes were much smaller than a full album cassette.

Why Cassette Singles Were Made

In the 1980s, music fans started buying more and more cassette tapes instead of vinyl records. Cassette albums became very popular because they were portable and easy to use. Music companies then thought, "Why not make single songs available on cassette too?" This was their way to replace the small vinyl "45" records that people used to buy for just one hit song.

Their Popularity and End

Even though cassette albums sold really well, cassette singles didn't become quite as popular as the old vinyl singles. Many people still preferred buying the vinyl 45s for single songs. As time went on, compact disc players became more common. Soon, CD singles took over from cassette singles as the main way to buy a single song. By the late 1990s, cassette singles were rarely sold.

Images for kids

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  The first ever cassette single to be released, C·30 C·60 C·90 Go from Bow Wow Wow.

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  Sleeve cover for the Cassette Single, Baby, I Love Your Way / Freebird Medley (Free Baby) by Will to Power.

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  A relatively modern cassette single (by T.A.T.u.) in an O case packaging. This single is sold only in the O case and does not have an insert.