The mediaContent item type is intended for binary files, including video, audio, image, and PDF files. Rather than having separate item types for each kind of binary file, the content management repository provides this generic item type and distinguishes between different content using the item’s mediaType property. This is an enumerated property whose value is set automatically, based on the filename extension in the URL. See Setting the mediaType Property of a mediaContent Item.

In addition to the binary file itself, a mediaContent item has string properties such as title and description that can be displayed on pages and used for searching and guided navigation.