Digital distribution is the delivery (through downloading) of any digital content, including audio, e-books, games, PDFs, pictures, software, and video. Digital distribution is handled through a digital distribution platform designed to stream the digital content or allow the content to be downloaded in full. For example, a platform like Steam allows a user to purchase and download a game to their computer. Netflix is another example of a digital distribution platform that charges a monthly fee for users to stream TV shows and movies.

Examples of digital distribution platforms

Digital distribution platforms are designed to help manage digital goods and distribute those goods to users. Although some services may offer limited free options, because of content bandwidth distribution costs, all charge for most or all their services. Below we’ve broken up the different digital distribution platforms into categories of content they serve.

Digital distribution may also be called content delivery, ESD (electronic software distribution), and online distribution.

Video

As more people move to broadband around the world, video has become the most common and used digital distribution platform. Below is a list in alphabetical order of digital distribution platforms for watching TV and movies on your computer or Internet-connected device.

  • Video

  • Games

  • Audio

  • eBooks

  • Is watching TV for free on the Internet legal?

Games

Many modern computers no longer feature optical disc drives, which previously were the primary way to install software on a computer. Digital distribution platforms are now a common way of getting computer games onto a computer.

Most of these services only allow you to stream the digital content and not download them to your device. Also, not all of the following digital distribution platforms are available globally.

Below is a list of the digital distribution platforms for computer games in order of popularity. Once the digital distribution platform software is downloaded and installed, you’ll be able to purchase, download, and play the games available on that platform.

  • Steam - Steam is the largest and most well-known provider of computer games from thousands of different publishers.

  • Epic Games Launcher - Games made by Epic, like Fortnite, Borderlands, and The Outer Worlds.

  • Battle.net - Games made by Blizzard, like World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo 3, and Hearthstone.

  • Origin - Games made by Electronic Arts, like Anthem, Battlefield, and The Sims.

  • Rockstar Games Launcher - Games made by Rockstar, like GTA (Grand Theft Auto), Red Dead Redemption, and Max Payne.

  • Ubisoft Connect - Games made by Ubisoft, like Rainbow Six, Assassin’s Creed, and Farcry.

  • Bethesda Launcher - Games made by Bethesda, like Doom, Elder Scrolls, and Fallout.

  • How to download video games.

Audio

Listening to music and other audio is another popular service digital distribution platforms can offer. Below are examples of audio services.

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