digital downloads
Files from internet
Digital downloads are files—music, software, books, games—transferred from the internet directly to a device.
The term distinguishes purchased content received electronically from physical media like CDs or DVDs: I bought the album as a digital download.
Once dominant for music distribution, digital downloads have largely given way to streaming services.
- audiobooksNarrated literary recordings
- moviesFeature-length filmed entertainment
- softwarePrograms directing computer operations
- file compressionShrinking data for storage
- video gamesInteractive electronic entertainment
mobile apps · music · piracy · cloud services · cloud storage · learning resources · file sharing · podcasts · Bandcamp · torrent · licensing · backups · iTunes · online purchase · peer-to-peer networks · streaming services · DRM · album releases
- Etsyhandmade, vintage, craft, jewelry, pottery
- library servicesyouth services, bookmobiles, reference desk, reference librarian, mobile libraries
- iTunessongs, albums, artists, playlists, music videos
- revenue streamsad revenue, subscription, commissions, fees, direct sales
- gaming revenuetable games, handle, win, house edge, high roller
- Classical Recordingssymphonies, concertos, overtures, orchestral arrangements, studio recordings
physical vs. digital format
digital downloadsphysical media
Content on tangible formats
CDs · DVDs · vinyl records · Blu-rays · printed books