The
mini CD single (also
3-inch CD or
CD3, in relation to the CD5, or the 5-inch
CD single; commonly known as "snap-pack") is a
music single released on a
mini Compact Disc that measures in diameter, rather than the standard . They are manufactured using the same methods as standard full-size CDs, and can be played in most standard audio
CD players and
CD-ROM disc drives. The format was first released in the
United Kingdom,
Japan,
U.S.A.,
France,
West Germany, and
Hong Kong in 1988. Although the format was not widely available in the United Kingdom, several artists, such as
Garbage,
Catatonia,
The Sisters of Mercy,
Stereolab,
Robert Palmer and
R.E.M. have released singles in the format. They also remain a popular, low cost way for independent musicians and groups to release music.