autoplay

English

Etymology

From auto- +‎ play.

Noun

autoplay (uncountable)

1. (computing) Any software feature that plays (a video, a compact disc, etc.) automatically.
   • 2001, E. Ernst, The desktop guide to complementary and alternative medicine, page 445:

     If you have not enabled autoplay, click on the CD icon that appears on your desktop, then click on 'CAM' to open the application.

   • 2004, Tony Bove, Cheryl Rhodes, iLife '04 all-in-one desk reference for dummies, page 346:

     You can even combine the features and make a looping autoplay DVD for a kiosk or self-running demo.

   • 2011, Steve Fulton, Jeff Fulton, HTML5 Canvas, page 265:

     Adding controls, looping, and autoplay to an HTML5 video embed is simple.

   • 2020 February 6, Alicia Lee, “Netflix is finally letting you stop previews from automatically playing. Here’s how to do it”, in CNN Business‎, archived from the original on 20 December 2025:

     Netflix’s autoplay feature has annoyed viewers for a while, but people became especially upset after the trailer for “Don’t F**k with Cats” surfaced on the homepage in December.

2. (gambling) A slot machine feature that automatically performs a number of spins at the same bet amount.

Translations

software feature

Afrikaans: outospeel Portuguese: reprodução automática f

Verb

autoplay (third-person singular simple present autoplays, present participle autoplaying, simple past and past participle autoplayed)

1. (computing) To play automatically.

   Users may leave a Web site in frustration if a video autoplays when they visit.

   • 2020 February 6, Alicia Lee, “Netflix is finally letting you stop previews from automatically playing. Here’s how to do it”, in CNN Business‎, archived from the original on 20 December 2025:

     To disable previews from autoplaying on the homepage, you’ll need to sign into Netflix from a web browser, not your phone or tablet app.