EP stands for "Extended Play" and refers to a music release that sits between a single and a full-length album in terms of length. While there's no universal standard, an EP typically contains 3 to 6 tracks with a total runtime of 15-30 minutes. On vinyl, EPs are usually pressed on 10-inch or 12-inch discs at either 33⅓ or 45 RPM.
The EP format has a rich history in punk, indie rock, and electronic music, where artists use it to release focused collections of songs between full albums. Many legendary releases started as EPs — The Beatles' "Magical Mystery Tour" was originally a double EP in the UK, and countless punk bands built their reputations on 7-inch EPs.
For collectors, EPs can be highly desirable because they often feature exclusive tracks, B-sides, or alternate versions not available on the artist's main albums. Limited-edition EPs on colored vinyl are particularly sought after in genres like shoegaze, post-punk, and indie.
Streaming platforms like Spotify don't officially distinguish between EPs and albums — any release under 30 minutes with fewer than 7 tracks is loosely categorized as an EP.