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Chrome already supports casting local music and video files to a compatible TV or receiver. Google documents a workflow that opens the file in a Chrome tab, then sends it to a receiver using Cast. Chromium source also contains a “Cast file” option, but that label alone does not establish when a changed interface will roll out. [Google’s instructions | Chromium source]
Cast a local file from Chrome
To cast a video or music file stored on your computer, open it in a Chrome tab and choose a receiver. Google’s documented steps are:
- Open Chrome and open the file. Drag it into a Chrome tab, or use Ctrl+O on Windows or Command+O on Mac to select it.
- Open More → Cast, save, and share → Cast….
- Select the TV or other compatible receiver.
The computer and receiver should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, with a strong connection. Google’s instructions cover local music and video files, but do not specify every supported format, codec, file size, or operating-system exception. [Google Support]
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Chromium’s Media Router strings include a source-picker option labeled “Cast file”. Nearby strings refer to the selected item as “Cast [file name]” and distinguish local media files from a tab or desktop source. This confirms the terminology exists in Chromium source; it does not confirm a release date or the broad rollout status of a newly described interface. [Chromium source]
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So, the practical capability is not wholly new: Google already documents casting a local file through a Chrome tab. The source label may indicate a more direct way to choose a file in the Cast picker, but the available evidence does not establish when users will see that interface.
Compatible TVs and receivers
Google lists these receiver types for Chrome casting:
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
- Chromecast
- Chromecast with Google TV
- Google TV Streamer (4K)
- Chromecast Ultra
- TVs with Google Cast built in
If your TV already has Google Cast or you own a compatible receiver, you do not need to add another device for this workflow. Google TV Streamer (4K) is one listed option only for setups that need a compatible receiver; it is not a requirement. [Google Support]
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Choose file, tab, or screen casting
These routes serve different sources and can behave differently with audio:
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- Watch the entertainment you love with Chromecast with Google TV, including live TV in up to 4K HDR; discover over 700,000 movies and TV episodes, plus millions of songs
- Get fast streaming, and enjoy a crystal clear picture up to 4K and brighter colors with HDR
- Your home screen displays movies and TV shows from all your services in one place with Chromecast 4K; get personal recommendations based on your subscriptions, viewing habits, and content you own
- Press the Google Assistant button on the remote and use voice search to find specific shows, youtube tv streaming, or search by mood, genre, actress, and more; control the volume, switch inputs, play music, and get answers, hands-free
- Chromecast is easy to install and compatible with almost any TV that has an HDMI port; to get started, just plug it into your TV’s HDMI port, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming
| Route | What you send | Audio behavior noted by Google |
|---|---|---|
| Local file in a Chrome tab | A music or video file opened from your computer | For video and images cast from a tab, the content appears on both the computer and TV while sound plays on the TV. |
| Cast a tab | The contents of a Chrome tab | Google recommends tab casting when you want audio to play on the TV. |
| Cast the screen | The computer’s screen | Audio might play on the computer rather than the TV. |
These differences are useful when the picture appears on the television but sound comes from the computer: try casting the tab rather than the entire screen. [Google Support]
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the feature is being described as new
Google announced on August 29, 2016 that Google Cast was built into Chrome. The company reported more than 38 million Chrome casting sessions and more than 50 million hours of content watched and listened to in the preceding month. Those are figures from the month before that 2016 announcement, not current usage statistics. [Google, August 29, 2016]
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