MP3

MP3 sharing on IRC (Internet Relay Chat) was a popular method for distributing music files in the late 1990s and early 2000s—especially before platforms like Napster, BitTorrent, or Spotify became dominant. It worked through a combination of IRC bots, file servers (Fservers), and direct client-to-client (DCC) connections.

Here’s how it worked in detail:

🧩 1. The IRC Setup

IRC is a text-based communication protocol where users join channels (like chat rooms) on networks. Some channels were specifically dedicated to sharing MP3s, named things like #MP3z, #metal-mp3, or #Top40.

📁 2. File Servers (Fservers)

IRC users would run Fservers — essentially mini file servers on their machines — using IRC scripts (like those in mIRC, SysReset, or Polaris).

• You’d type a command like !list in the channel.
• The bot would respond with a list of available file servers (e.g. users hosting music).
• Then you could initiate a file list view with a command like: /ctcp Username trigger (e.g. /ctcp DJZelda mp3z)

You’d then browse their directory structure in your IRC client (somewhat like a text-based FTP).

🔁 3. DCC (Direct Client-to-Client) Transfers

Once you found the MP3 you wanted:

• You’d use a command like: /msg Username xdcc send #12 where #12 would refer to a specific file/package in the bot’s queue.
• The file would then be sent to you over a DCC SEND connection — a direct file transfer protocol supported by many IRC clients.

🔄 4. Queues and Bandwidth

• Popular files or bots had long queues, so you’d often see things like: Added to queue position: 13 of 20. Average wait time: 3h 45m
• Transfers were asynchronous — you could request files and then leave your IRC client running.

🔒 5. Risks and Security

• These systems were not moderated, and many files were misnamed, fake, or even infected with malware.
• Some networks banned music sharing due to copyright infringement concerns.
• Users often used proxies or VPNs to hide their IPs during transfers.

🕹 Tools Commonly Used

📉 Why It Faded

• Legal action and DMCA takedowns
• Rise of easier-to-use platforms: Napster, LimeWire, BitTorrent
• Streaming services like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music