# Media Keys

> Lets you control various media sites using the media keys on your keyboard. Supported Sites: youtube, pandora, spotify, bandcamp, google play, yandex, soundcloud, tidalhifi, deezer, plex, vk and more.

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/media-keys](https://chrome-stats.com/d/media-keys)

## Overview

- **ID:** `media-keys`
- **Platform:** Firefox
- **Type:** Firefox add-on
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Carlin
- **Category:** photos-music-videos,other,games-entertainment
- **Daily users:** 1,423
- **Weekly downloads:** 36
- **Rating:** 3.39 / 5 (110 ratings)
- **Version:** 2.5.2
- **Last updated:** 2020-02-02
- **First published:** 2014-10-25
- **Size:** 94 KB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-06
- **Store listing:** [Firefox Add-ons Store](https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/media-keys/)
- **Website:** [https://github.com/carlin-q-scott/browser-media-players](https://github.com/carlin-q-scott/browser-media-players)

## Description

**Media Keys** is a versatile Chrome extension that lets you control various popular media streaming sites using the media keys on your keyboard. Compatible with platforms like YouTube, Spotify, Pandora, Bandcamp, SoundCloud, Deezer, and more, it offers seamless play/pause functionality to enhance your media experience without leaving your current task.

Please note, due to Firefox limitations, the browser window must be active for media keys to work, and macOS support is currently unavailable. The extension prioritizes pinned tabs and supports additional services such as Netflix, Amazon Music, TuneIn, and Overcast.fm. For feature requests or contributions, users can visit the project's GitHub repository. Media Keys simplifies media control, bringing your keyboard shortcuts to life across multiple streaming providers.

## Rankings

- #2,749 — Overall
- #254 — Games & Entertainment
- #4 — media
- #81 — dial
- #101 — medium
- #165 — contribute

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `storage`

### Content script matches

- `*.youtube.com`
- `*.pandora.com`
- `*.tidal.com`
- `*.music.apple.com`
- `*.bandcamp.com`
- `shop.attackthemusic.com`
- `*.play.google.com`
- `*.play.spotify.com`
- `*.player.spotify.com`
- `*.open.spotify.com`
- `soundcloud.com`
- `w.soundcloud.com`
- `app.stitcher.com`
- `*.music.yandex.ru`
- `*.vk.com`
- `*.radio.yandex.ru`
- `*.deezer.com`
- `*.overcast.fm`
- `*.plex.tv`
- `*.app.pluralsight.com`
- `*.jamstash.com`
- `*.jango.com`
- `*.kanopy.com`
- `*.koel.phanan.net`
- `*.demo.subsonic.org`
- `*.demo.madsonic.org`
- `*.music.amazon.com`
- `*.music.amazon.de`
- `*.music.amazon.co.uk`
- `*.cbcmusic.ca`
- `*.mixcloud.com`
- `*.hulu.com`
- `*.hypem.com`
- `*.netflix.com`
- `*.npr.org`
- `*.tunein.com`
- `play.pocketcasts.com`
- `*.di.fm`
- `*.udemy.com`

## Safety

- **Risk impact:** Very high risk impact
- **Risk likelihood:** Low risk likelihood

### Analysis details

- Request access to the following domains: youtube.com, pandora.com, tidal.com, apple.com, bandcamp.com, attackthemusic.com, google.com, spotify.com, soundcloud.com, stitcher.com, yandex.ru, vk.com, deezer.com, overcast.fm, plex.tv, pluralsight.com, jamstash.com, jango.com, kanopy.com, phanan.net, subsonic.org, madsonic.org, amazon.com, amazon.de, co.uk, cbcmusic.ca, mixcloud.com, hulu.com, hypem.com, netflix.com, npr.org, tunein.com, pocketcasts.com, di.fm, udemy.com
- This extension has low user count. Unpopular extensions may not be stable or safe.

> Some risk analysis details are omitted from this free response. [Upgrade to view the full analysis](https://chrome-stats.com/pricing).

## Review summary

User reviews are mixed. Many report that the add-on works for play/pause across several sites and is easy to use, with some updates improving key coverage. However, recurring issues include unreliable background/focus behavior, limited support beyond play/pause, and bugs causing intermittent or complete non-functionality. Overall, it can be useful but reliability and consistent background operation are common concerns.

### Pros

- Generally works for media keys (play/pause) across several sites, including YouTube, SoundCloud, and Google Play Music.
- Simple, lightweight usage with no need to restart or reload.
- In some setups it can operate in non-focused windows or with additional scripting (e.g., AHK) for background control.
- Updates (e.g., version 2.5.2) can map all keys to play/pause, expanding key coverage.
- A number of users report it fixes prior issues with media keys and provides noticeable improvements.

### Cons

- Unfocused/background usage is unreliable; in many cases it only works when the Firefox window/tab is active.
- Most keys map only to play/pause; other media controls do not consistently work across sites.
- Bugs and instability are common: intermittent behavior, glitches, or non-functionality in some scenarios.
- Site compatibility is inconsistent: some services work (YouTube, SoundCloud, Google Play Music) while others (e.g., Spotify, Pandora) may fail in various reviews.

## Similar extensions and apps

- [Keyboard Media Controls](https://chrome-stats.com/d/keyboard-media-controls) — 9 users, 1.00 / 5
- [Universal Media Controller](https://chrome-stats.com/d/universal-media-controller) — 1 users
- [Media Key Manager](https://chrome-stats.com/d/media-key-manager) — 1 users, 1.00 / 5
- [Multi-Platform Media Keys](https://chrome-stats.com/d/multi-platform-media-keys) — 1 users
- [Global-media-controller](https://chrome-stats.com/d/global-media-controller) — 70 users, 4.40 / 5
- [Mpris integration](https://chrome-stats.com/d/mpris-integration) — 140 users, 4.00 / 5
- [Easy Control](https://chrome-stats.com/d/easy-control) — 3 users, 5.00 / 5
- [Better Media Keys for YouTube](https://chrome-stats.com/d/better-media-keys-for-youtube) — 66 users, 3.67 / 5
- [Streaming Keyboard Controls](https://chrome-stats.com/d/streaming-keyboard-controls) — 1 users
- [Play and List](https://chrome-stats.com/d/play-and-list) — 6 users
- [Media Center](https://chrome-stats.com/d/media-center-one) — 15 users
- [Global Music Hotkeys](https://chrome-stats.com/d/global-music-hotkeys) — 4 users

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/media-keys)