Business & Finance
U.S. CD sales rebound in early 2026 amid rising demand for physical media
RIAA data shows double-digit gains in both revenue and shipments following years of decline, spurred by broader consumer interest in retro formats.
The short version
- U.S. compact disc revenue surged 58.6% to $171.1 million in the first half of 2026, with shipments rising 45.7% to 17.5 million units according to the RIAA.
- The surge marks a sharp turnaround from 2025, when both CD dollar sales and unit volumes experienced declines.
- The growth is fueled in part by younger demographics seeking simpler vintage gadgets and physical ownership of music.
- It remains uncertain whether this momentum will translate into sustainable multiyear growth across the recording industry.
Key facts
- The Recording Industry Association of America reported that first-half 2026 CD revenue reached $171.1 million, a 58.6% increase compared to roughly $107.9 million during the same period in 2025.[TechCrunch]
- CD unit shipments rose 45.7% year-over-year in the first six months of 2026 to 17.5 million, up from around 12 million units in the first half of 2025.[TechCrunch]
- Overall physical music revenue expanded by 25.9% to $731.5 million in the first half of 2026, supported by gains in CD sales and a 17.7% rise in vinyl revenue.[TechCrunch]
- The rebound follows a 2025 contraction where full-year CD unit volume dropped 11.6% to 29.5 million from 33.3 million in 2024.[TechCrunch]
- The RIAA modified its revenue accounting methodology in 2025 to measure wholesale value instead of estimated retail value, complicating direct monetary comparisons with 2024 and earlier.[TechCrunch]
What remains uncertain
- The full magnitude of the secondary CD market is unknown because RIAA industry tracking excludes secondhand disc transactions from thrift stores, garage sales, and informal resales.[TechCrunch]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.