A content delivery network (CDN) is a system of distributed servers that deliver web content to users based on their geographic location. It maintains copies of files like media, software updates, and websites from an origin server in multiple points of presence around the world to provide fast access and delivery to users. Major CDN providers include AWS CloudFront, Akamai, Google, and CloudFlare. Websites and apps like Instagram, Facebook, and others use CDNs to efficiently deliver content to global users.