Discogs: community-built music database and marketplace
Discogs is a crowd-sourced music database and marketplace primarily known for detailed release data, vinyl and electronic music coverage, and tools for collectors and researchers.
Overview
Discogs is an online, crowd-sourced resource that documents music releases, labels, artists and formats. Visitors use it both as a reference database and as a platform to buy and sell physical recordings. The site combines user-contributed discographical information with a marketplace and collection-management tools. For quick access to its public pages see Discogs website.
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Structure and main features
The service centers on release pages that record details such as track listings, release date approximations, catalog numbers, format (vinyl, CD, cassette, digital), credits and label information. The database is maintained by contributors and editors who submit and revise entries. In addition to release data, Discogs includes artist profiles, label listings and a searchable marketplace for used and new items. Find the database search tools at database and explore entries for particular music genres or specific recordings.
History and development
Discogs began as a focused catalog for electronic music fans and grew into a broad, genre-spanning resource through contributions from collectors and musicians. The platform is operated by Zink Media, Inc., which is based in Portland, Oregon in the United States. Over time the site added features such as marketplace listings, collection and wantlist organization, and editorial guidelines to improve data consistency.
Uses and importance
Collectors, DJs, researchers and record store owners rely on Discogs to verify pressings, compare editions and locate hard-to-find items. The marketplace aggregates seller stock worldwide and the user collection tools help manage personal libraries. Because entries often include release variants and label details, Discogs is especially valuable for people studying vinyl pressings and electronic music scenes.
Notable facts and distinctions
- Community-driven: content is contributed and curated by users rather than maintained solely by a central editorial staff.
- Comprehensive format coverage: includes vinyl, CD, cassette, digital and promotional items with release-specific metadata.
- Collector focus: strong reputation among vinyl collectors and DJs, particularly for electronic music releases.
- Combination of reference and commerce: pairs a detailed discography with an active marketplace and tools for inventory management.
For policies, contribution guidelines and further help consult the site's help resources available from its main pages and community sections via the links above.
Questions and answers
Q: What is Discogs?
A: Discogs is a website and database that provides information about music recordings.
Q: Who owns Discogs?
A: Discogs is owned by Zink Media, Inc. in Portland, Oregon, United States.
Q: What is Discogs known for?
A: Discogs is known for being one of the largest online databases of electronic music releases.
Q: What is Discogs believed to be the largest online database of?
A: Discogs is believed to be the largest online database of releases on vinyl.
Q: What kind of information does Discogs provide about music recordings?
A: Discogs provides information about music recordings, including details about artists, releases, and labels.
Q: Is Discogs exclusively focused on electronic music?
A: No, Discogs provides information about all types of music recordings, not just electronic music.
Q: Can users contribute to the Discogs database?
A: Yes, users can contribute to the Discogs database by submitting information about releases, artists, and labels.
Related articles
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Discogs: community-built music database and marketplace Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/27648
Sources
- alexa.com : "Discogs.com Site Info"