A CDE Definition

A Web-based service that sells copyrighted songs and albums for a fee. With Apple's iTunes being the most popular, an online music store is a legitimate music distribution organization that pays royalties to the music's copyright holders. Even Napster, which became infamous in the early 2000s for facilitating illegal copying, became a legitimate service in 2003.

Following are some of the major online music services in alphabetical order. For music information in general, visit www.mp3.com. Contrast with peer-to-peer network, which allows people to share music, whether copyrighted or not. See online music service.

(1) See online music store and music search.

(2) A Web-based service that lets users stream and/or download songs to their computers or mobile devices. Also called a "music locker" if the service allows users to upload their own music collection. See Spotify, Pandora, Napster, Google Play, Apple Music, iTunes, iTunes Match and cloud music storage.