A mixtape is a collection of songs, usually recorded onto an audio cassette tape or CD, that are combined and arranged in a specific order to showcase the creator's musical taste, style, and preferences. Mixtapes were traditionally made by hand, with DJs carefully selecting tracks from various sources such as records, radio broadcasts, or other mixtapes, and then manually syncing them together onto one tape. The term "mixtape" can also refer to a digital playlist of songs created on software, but the concept remains the same - it is a curated collection of music that reflects an individual's taste and creativity. Mixtapes were popular among DJs as a way to showcase their skills and gain recognition in the music industry, and they also served as a means for artists to share their work with others or promote themselves. Today, mixtapes continue to be made both physically and digitally, and are often used by musicians to demonstrate their versatility, creativity, and passion for music.