TechTom's Hardware1h ago
Sales of CD and vinyl music sees strong resurgence amid physical media
Sales of CD and vinyl music sees strong resurgence amid physical media backlash — US sales of ‘retro media’ were up 59% and 18%, respectively, in H1 2026
TL;DRCDs and vinyl sales surged 59% and 18% in first half of 2026.
Why it matters: Physical media's revival signals consumer rejection of streaming's audio quality and ownership limits.
Music industry physical revenues jumped by 25.9% in H1 2026, 'powered by 17.7% vinyl growth and a 58.6% increase in CDs,' reported the RIAA.
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