Digital music refers to audio recordings that are stored and distributed in digital formats, allowing for easy access, playback, and sharing via electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, and portable media players. Unlike traditional analog formats like vinyl records or cassette tapes, digital music is encoded in binary code (zeros and ones) and stored in digital files.

Key aspects of digital music include:

Formats: Digital music can be stored in various file formats, with some of the most common being MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV, and OGG. Each format has its own characteristics in terms of audio quality, compression, and compatibility with different devices and platforms.

Distribution: Digital music can be distributed through various online platforms and services, including music streaming services (e.g., Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music), online music stores (e.g., iTunes, Google Play Music, Bandcamp), and digital download platforms (e.g., SoundCloud, Beatport).

Streaming: Music streaming allows users to listen to digital music over the internet in real-time, without the need to download or store files locally. Streaming services offer vast catalogs of songs that users can access on-demand or through curated playlists, radio stations, and recommendations based on their preferences.

Downloads: Users can purchase and download digital music files from online music stores, allowing them to own and store the music files locally on their devices. Digital downloads offer flexibility in terms of offline playback and device compatibility.

Digital Rights Management (DRM): Some digital music files may be protected by DRM technology, which imposes restrictions on how the music can be accessed, copied, and shared. DRM-free music files, on the other hand, allow for greater flexibility and interoperability across devices and platforms.

Metadata: Digital music files often contain metadata such as artist name, album title, track title, genre, and album art, which help organize and categorize the music in digital libraries and music player applications.

Digital music has transformed the way people discover, access, and consume music, offering unprecedented convenience, accessibility, and diversity of content. While digital music has largely supplanted physical formats in the mainstream music industry, it has also opened up new opportunities for independent artists and musicians to distribute and promote their music to global audiences with minimal barriers to entry.