Distribution is about getting a media product from the producer to the audience. You must
choose the right platforms, formats and methods so that the
product is high quality, easy to access and suitable for the target audience.
What Are Distribution Platforms and Media?
In R093 you need to understand how different media products reach audiences, from traditional broadcast
to online streaming and social media. This includes:
- Platforms – where the product appears (TV, cinema, radio, websites, apps, social media, print).
- Media and formats – the files and technologies used (video, audio, images, interactive content).
- Methods – physical vs digital, streaming vs download, on-demand vs scheduled.
Why Distribution Matters
- Determines who sees the product and how easily they can access it.
- Affects file formats, compression and technical choices.
- Often appears in the exam as scenarios where you must pick suitable platforms and justify them.
Distribution Platforms & Media at a Glance
This infographic summarises where media products can be distributed and how to match platforms to audiences.
- Broadcast: TV and radio channels (live and catch-up).
- Streaming & on-demand: services like Netflix, iPlayer, Spotify and YouTube.
- Cinema & physical media: theatrical releases, DVDs, Blu-ray, boxed games.
- Online & social: websites, social networks, video platforms and blogs.
- Apps & downloads: mobile apps, app stores, digital game stores.
- Exam link: name the most suitable platform(s) for a product and justify your choice.
Broadcast · Online · Apps
- Audience habits: where your target age group actually spends time (TV, TikTok, games, etc.).
- Access & devices: smartphones, consoles, smart TVs, PCs or tablets.
- Interactivity: choose web/apps or games when user control is important.
- Budget: some platforms are cheaper (social media) than others (cinema release).
- Global vs local: online platforms can reach worldwide audiences more easily.
- Exam tip: link your chosen platform back to purpose, audience and distribution budget.
Habits · Access · Reach
Types of Distribution Platform
Different products suit different platforms. You must be able to choose platforms based on
target audience, purpose and context.
Examples of Platforms
- Television and radio – broadcast schedules, catch-up and on-demand services.
- Cinema – large-screen viewing for films and some special events.
- Websites and web apps – accessible via browsers on many devices.
- Mobile apps – designed for smartphones and tablets, with notifications and offline modes.
- Social media platforms – short-form video, posts and stories to reach large audiences quickly.
- Print media – posters, flyers, magazines, leaflets and billboards.
Choosing Platforms
- Think about where the target audience spends time (e.g. teens on social media, adults on radio).
- Consider the purpose – awareness, detailed information, quick updates, entertainment.
- Match the platform to the product type – e.g. long video vs short clips vs static images.
File Formats, Compression and Delivery
Distribution is closely linked to file formats and compression. The same
product may need different versions for different platforms.
Common Distribution Formats
- Video – MP4/H.264 or similar for web and mobile streaming.
- Audio – MP3, AAC or similar compressed formats for podcasts and music.
- Images – JPEG/PNG for web and print; higher resolution for print products.
- Interactive content – HTML5, app packages and platform-specific formats.
Optimising for Different Platforms
- Use appropriate resolution and bitrate to balance quality and file size.
- Consider streaming vs download – streaming needs stable connections and buffering control.
- Compress files for web and mobile to load quickly, especially on slower connections.
Reaching and Engaging the Audience
A good distribution plan does more than upload a product once. It plans how to promote,
share and update content across platforms.
Cross-Platform Distribution
- Using a main platform (e.g. a website or YouTube channel) as the central hub.
- Sharing supporting content on social media to drive traffic to the main product.
- Using QR codes or links on print media to connect offline and online content.
Factors to Consider
- Access to devices (phones, tablets, computers, consoles, TV).
- Internet connection speed and data limits.
- Whether the product needs to be available offline.
- Time zones and scheduling for global audiences.
Games to Practise Distribution Platforms & Media
These games help you match platforms and formats to scenarios, choose suitable file types and
build strong exam answers about distribution.
Distribution
Distribution Dash
Match client briefs to the best distribution platforms and file formats for mobile, web,
print and physical media.
MCQs
Formats
Platforms
Mega game · File types
File Types Forge
Choose the best formats and compression settings for different distribution scenarios,
from streaming trailers to downloadable posters.
Mega game
Formats
Compression
All topics
iMedia Genius
Tackle mixed R093 questions, including distribution scenarios that test your understanding
of platforms, audiences and technical choices.
Exam-style
Whole spec
Mixed difficulty
Mixed exam
Escape Room: R093
Escape each room by answering questions from across the spec, including tricky
distribution and platform scenarios.
Mixed
Whole spec
Challenge mode
Distribution
Distribution Platforms Picker
Match media products to the best platforms and methods of distribution, explaining your choices for the exam.
Arcade quiz
Platforms
Targeting
Exam Practice – Distribution Platforms & Media
Q1. State one advantage of distributing a music video on a video-sharing website. (1 mark)
Technique: Give a clear advantage such as “can reach a global audience quickly”
or “viewers can share the link easily”.
Q2. Explain one reason why a charity might use social media as well as posters to promote an event. (2 marks)
Technique: Make one point about how social media helps (e.g. wider reach, interaction)
and explain the impact on awareness or engagement.
Example structure: “Social media is used to… This helps because…”
Q3. Describe three factors a producer should consider when choosing a platform to distribute a new short film. (3 marks)
Technique: Give three distinct factors, such as target audience, device access
and internet connection or data limits.
Q4. Explain two problems that could occur if a video is exported in an unsuitable format for a streaming platform. (4 marks)
Technique: For each problem, describe what might happen (e.g. buffering, poor quality,
incompatibility) and explain the effect on the audience experience.
Q5. A college is producing a series of short tutorial videos to help new students. Discuss how the
media team should choose distribution platforms and file formats so that the videos are easy to access
on different devices, including at home and in college. Provide justified recommendations. (9 marks)
Technique: Organise your answer into paragraphs (platform choices, file formats,
compression/quality and accessibility). Explain specific decisions and justify why they suit the
target audience and context.
- Paragraph 1: Platforms – website, VLE, video-sharing site, social media links.
- Paragraph 2: File formats and compression – suitable video formats and bitrates.
- Paragraph 3: Access and devices – mobiles, laptops, college PCs, offline options.
- Paragraph 4: Promotion – how to share links and reminders with students.
- Final paragraph: Conclusion – justify the best combination of platforms and formats.
Can You Now…?
- Describe different distribution platforms and when they are suitable.
- Link file formats and compression choices to distribution methods.
- Recommend platforms and formats for exam-style scenarios and justify your choices.
- Explain clearly how distribution affects the audience’s experience of a product.
