The 16 2/3 rpm record came around in 1950. It was the same size as the 33 1/3 record, they were 30 cm or 12 inches in diameter. 16 rpm records had a very slow recording speed, and were not that suitable for recording music. They were used mostly to record spoken words. They were used most commonly for recording books and were used to help the blind, and were also used for educational purposes. The play time was almost double than that of a 33 1/3 rpm record. When you find a record player that plays 16's (it would probably be easier to find a record player with a tuneable speed), there is a second needle on the cartridge that is thicker. It is changed by pushing a tab or button.