A mixtape is a collection of music tracks, often made by a DJ, that is typically not released as an official album. Mixtapes can be released on physical media like CDs, or they can be shared digitally. The tracks on a mixtape are usually chosen to create a specific mood or vibe, and they can be a mix of original songs, covers, remixes, or other types of tracks. Mixtapes are often seen as a way for artists to experiment with new sounds and styles, and they can be an important part of an artist's development.