The disclosure discloses a media file playing method and apparatus, an electronic device, and a computer readable storage medium. The media file is one that is displayed on a media file display page and is selected based on a selected instruction. The method comprises: non-key resources are invoked for a selected first media file to establish a pipeline on a media file display page; when the selected first media file is switched to be a selected second media file, non-key resources are invoked for the second media file and a new pipeline is established in parallel; when all non-key resources are invoked and the second media file is kept to be selected, key resources are invoked to add an element for the new pipeline; and when all key resources are invoked and the second media file is kept to be selected, the second media file is played based on a received playing instruction. Therefore, the play starting time of the media file is shortened; and a problem of long play starting time of the existing media file is solved.