Abstract: Systems and methods for previewing multimedia files associate information with a multimedia file that designates certain “frames” of the multimedia file as preview content. Such information is embedded within the multimedia file itself using, for example, tags. A media player application may, in response to a user's request to preview a selected multimedia file, determine from the associated information those frames of the multimedia file that are designated as preview content, and the media player application may then present such designated preview frames to the user as a preview. Certain embodiments further enable extended play beyond the designated preview frames, responsive to a user request for such extended play. For example, during playing of a given preview frame, a user may request extended play, wherein additional contiguous frames are appended to the preview frame(s) to provide an extended play beyond what would be presented by the pre-designated preview.