Distribution & Download Formats In 2021, official cast recordings and live albums typically appeared on major streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music), digital stores (iTunes / Apple Music Store, Amazon Music), and specialist musical/theatre outlets. Downloads were offered in variable formats: lossy MP3/AAC for consumer convenience and higher-quality lossless FLAC or ALAC for niche audiences. The term "B1" in audio metadata usually refers to a track designation or disc indexing rather than a codec; if referring to bitrate or format, common bitrates in 2021 were 256–320 kbps (MP3/AAC) for downloads. Official distribution favored streaming due to licensing and revenue models, but downloadable purchase options remained available on stores and label sites.