What does the term 'metadata' refer to in digital media?

The term 'metadata' refers to data that provides information about other data. In digital media, metadata serves several purposes, such as describing the content, context, or structure of the media itself, making it easier to organize, find, and manage. For example, metadata might include information about the author of a photo, the date it was taken, the dimensions of the image, or the file format. By providing context and details, metadata enhances the usability and accessibility of digital media assets.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately encapsulate the concept of metadata. While "any type of digital data" might sound broad enough to include metadata, it fails to specify the crucial aspect of metadata: its role in describing or contextualizing other data. Similarly, data that alters media content refers to editing or transformation processes rather than descriptive information. Lastly, information aimed at advertising does not cover the general purpose of metadata, which is primarily about describing and organizing data rather than serving a marketing function.