Products in the Media Industry 1

1. Video

Video is described as “any moving visual image recorded, produced or broadcasted for viewing”. There are many types of video products. These include online and social media videos, films and movies, TV programmes, television adverts, internet adverts, business videos, product videos and marketing videos.

Many media industry sectors use video as a part of their business. For example, video products are used in media sectors such as film, radio, television, computer gaming, and social media.

Below are examples of how each of these media sectors uses video:

• Film and television are the two industries that make the most direct profit from video as it’s the biggest selling point of their product. Other media industries such as radio and social media use video as a supporting form of media to promote their businesses.
• Radio shows use video to showcase live interviews, games and more by posting videos of these segments to their website or streaming platforms such as BBC iPlayer and YouTube.
• Computer gaming businesses use video products as a part of their in-game experience with cut scenes showing the storyline. They also use video as a part of their marketing by paying streamers to record themselves playing their game with live reactions and post it online.
• Social media businesses post video content to boost audience engagement, promote their accounts and follow current trends. Video products also allow viewers to interact with social media businesses by viewing live streams.
• Media industries can use video for advertising their products by producing adverts for television and the internet.

2. Audio

Audio is described as “recorded pieces of audio that can be reproduced for commercial use”. There are many types of audio products. These include radio shows, audiobooks, podcasts, television and film audio, sound design for gaming and advertisements.

Many media industry sectors use audio products for their businesses. For example, audio products are used in media sectors such as digital publishing, television, film, radio, social media, and computer gaming.

Below are examples of how each of these media sectors uses video:

• Digital publishing businesses use audio to sell their audiobooks. Audiobooks are a form of new media produced by the publishing industry to keep up with current trends. There is a demand for content that can be consumed on-the-go, and the publishing industry uses audio to make its book content more accessible to a wider audience.
• Television and film businesses use audio as a part of their main production. Audio throughout television programmes and films to bring the content to life, without it the video would be silent.
• Radio businesses use audio as its main product for distribution. Radio uses an audio broadcast to distribute its content to their audience, this include the host talking, the music that is played and any interviews or segments of the radio show.
• Social media businesses use audio to engage with their audience through using catchy songs in videos. TikTok and Instagram heavily rely on audio as their main source of media entertainment.
• Computer gaming businesses use audio to enhance their video games, by adding music, special effects (SFX) and voices to the games.

3. Music

Music is described as “vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) combined to produce expression”. Music products include any recording of music that can be used in media industry businesses. Music products include songs, background tracks, advert jingles and more! Music is a product that is extremely popular on music streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, where they rely on music as their main product.

Many media industries use music products for their businesses. For example, music products are used within media sectors such as radio, television and film, computer gaming, and social media.

Below are examples of how each of these media sectors uses video:

• Radio shows use music as their main product which they distribute, most radio shows play music all day. The main appeal of radio shows is the genre of songs that they play, and this is how they engage with their audience.
• Television and film businesses use music in the production of their content. All television shows have an intro song, which is the catchy hook designed to stick in their audience’s head. Music is also used in the background of television for emotional impact. Film use music throughout production as background music to add depth and emotion to their content.
• Computer gaming businesses use music throughout their production. Computer and home console games all have a “theme song” that is played on the opening screen of the game. This is a big part of the game branding which brings the story to life. Computer and home console games also have background music throughout the game to keep the player focused and entertained whilst playing.
• Social media uses music by adding songs to social media posts and videos. This is a great way to engage with their audience by keeping up with current music trends.