CD Sales Surge as Physical Media Finds New Life

The data from the RIAA highlights a dramatic shift in consumer habits, moving from a 22 percent decline between 2024 and 2025 to a robust recovery. Market research firm Luminate attributes much of this momentum to K-Pop acts like BTS, whose elaborate special editions have turned discs into coveted collectibles. This trend is particularly pronounced among Gen Z and millennial buyers, roughly half of whom report not even owning a dedicated CD player.

Broader interest in physical formats extends beyond CDs. Vinyl sales climbed 21 percent to 26.5 million units, while niche formats—ranging from cassettes to SACDs—surged over 73 percent. Despite the renewed enthusiasm for tangible music, digital consumption remains the dominant force. Streaming revenue grew by 4.7 percent to hit $4.9 billion, a figure that continues to dwarf the combined gains of all physical media segments.