A system for distributing digital content obtained from a variety of sources in a variety of formats is described that utilizes a content distribution system configured to receive and store the content files, convert the content file both into a standardized format file and into a thumbnail file, and associate the content with one or more tags that can signify characteristics or relevant facts about the content file. Users of the system select one or more tags on their remote devices in order that the content distribution system automatically transmit to the remote device thumbnail images of those content files that match the selected tags. Users can then select the thumbnail image in order to cause the system to transmit to the remote device the standardized format version of the content.