Some distribution channels allow the download of the content. Depending on their characteristics, they are classified as a specific type.
Streaming
These channels offer the streaming of content online without the listener necessarily having to purchase a file for download. However, they may offer the option to download content to listen to it offline.
Tethered Download
Tethered downloads are so-called limited downloads. A tethered download is a digital file that is delivered electronically to a computer or other device to reside there on a limited basis.
There are two types of tethered downloads:
- Time-limited download: for example, the song resides on the computer for 30 days.
- Use-limited download: for example, the song can be heard 12 times before it can no longer be played.
Permanent Download
A permanent download is an individual delivery of a sound recording by digital transmission resulting in a reproduction made by or for the recipient which may be retained and played by the recipient on a permanent basis. Permanent Downloads are sometimes referred to as full track downloads or untethered downloads.
"A La Carte" digital service
A service that allows a consumer to either stream, download, or burn music on a pay per transaction basis. Examples include (but are not limited to) Apple iTunes or Amazon MP3.