So what IS a digipak?Digipak is a patented term, belonging to AGI Media. It was created around 2000.It's typically made up of a book style outer binding, with one or more plastic trays capable of holding a CD, DVD or both. Digipaks were the first alternative to jewel cases to be used by major record companies.

Digipak style packaging is usually used for CD singles or special editions of CD albums.

Digipaks are self contained and protect the disc better than traditional jewel cases. They can be covered with graphics inside and out, making them more visually interesting than traditional cases, which only feature paper inserts and booklets.

<< Traditional jewel case

Digipak >>

Key elements of a Digipak• Text-name of band, name of album, track listings, price, bonus

material, website, blog, credits: name of record company, songwriters, record producer, musicians, musicians thanks, where/when recorded.

• Pictorial-picture of band, band logo, record label logo (back), barcode (back), DVD logo (back), CD logo (back), website banner (back).

• Design-colour and style to fit artists genre, unfolds, cardboard sleeve, adverts, booklet, DVD, shape.

What are the advantages of Digipaks?

For the audience• High level of graphic versatility.• Offers more than just a CD.• Less likely for disk damage to occur.• Can be collectors items. Opportunity to

make money selling digipak when rarity increases.

• Sentimental value. Customer perhaps attended one of the live shows featured etc.

• Bonus features audience is unable to access elsewhere e.g videos, pictures, bonus tracks. Helps with convergence and synergy

• More economically friendly as most are produced from recycled paper or card.

For the industry• Can charge more for Digipaks than albums

or singles.• More creative flexibility• Gain more attention from the public and

possibly sell faster in the case of ‘special editions’ and ‘digitally remastered’ media

• Being economically friendly makes the company look good, may help influence consumers decision.

• Large advertisement/promotional opportunity. Can include leaflets promoting band merchandise (ringtones, clothes etc)/other bands signed to the label.