● Covered by 3 sources · 3 reportsLow impact3 neutral
CD Sales See Unexpected Rebound in First Half of 2026, RIAA Reports
Key points
- CD revenue grew 58.6% to $171.1 million in H1 2026.
- CD unit sales increased 45.7% to 17.5 million in H1 2026.
- This follows a 7.8% revenue decline in 2025.
- The trend aligns with a broader interest in retro tech.
- CD sales increased from 12 million units in H1 2025 to 17.5 million in H1 2026.
- CD sales declined 22% from 2024 to 2025.
- RIAA reported the CD sales figures.
- Luminate reported 16.3 million CD units sold in H1 2026.
- K-Pop artists like BTS drive CD sales with special editions.
- Gen Z and millennials treat CDs as collectibles; only half own a CD player.
- Vinyl unit sales climbed nearly 21% to 26.5 million.
- US recorded music revenue grew 6.9% to $6 billion in H1 2026.
- Physical revenues jumped 25.9% in H1 2026.
- Digital streaming generated $4.9 billion in H1 2026, up 4.7%.
- Paid subscriptions grew 6.4%.
CD Sales Rebound in Early 2026
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) reported a significant increase in CD sales during the first half of 2026. Revenue from CD sales reached $171.1 million, marking a 58.6% rise from $107.9 million in the first half of 2025. Unit sales also saw a substantial jump, with 17.5 million CDs sold, up 45.7% from 12 million units in the same period last year.
Context of Previous Decline
This rebound is notable as it reverses a trend from 2025, when full-year CD revenue fell by 7.8% to $312.4 million from $338.9 million in 2024. Unit sales in 2025 also decreased by 11.6%, from 33.3 million to 29.5 million. The RIAA's reporting method for dollar figures changed in 2025 from estimated retail value to wholesale value, which affects direct revenue comparisons with 2024, but unit sales confirm the prior decline.
Broader Retro Tech Trend
The resurgence in CD sales aligns with a wider trend of renewed consumer interest in simpler, retro technologies. This includes devices such as 'dumbphones,' digital cameras, typewriters, and landlines, as well as other physical media like vinyl records. This trend is partly attributed to Gen Z's interest in experiencing technology from an earlier era, seeking more control over their tech engagement and fewer distractions.
Market Activity and Limitations
Several startups are catering to this demand, offering products like landlines and non-smartphones. Consumers are also acquiring vintage gadgets through thrift stores and online marketplaces. The RIAA's figures do not include sales of used CDs, suggesting the actual scale of the retro CD trend could be larger than reported.
Updates
- US recorded music revenue grew 6.9% to $6 billion in H1 2026.
- Physical revenues jumped 25.9% in H1 2026.
- Digital streaming generated $4.9 billion in H1 2026, up 4.7%.
- Paid subscriptions grew 6.4%.
- CD sales increased from 12 million units in H1 2025 to 17.5 million in H1 2026.
- CD sales declined 22% from 2024 to 2025.
- RIAA reported the CD sales figures.
- Luminate reported 16.3 million CD units sold in H1 2026.
- K-Pop artists like BTS drive CD sales with special editions.
- Gen Z and millennials treat CDs as collectibles; only half own a CD player.
- Vinyl unit sales climbed nearly 21% to 26.5 million.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
US recorded music revenue grew 6.9% to $6 billion in the first half of 2026, with physical media sales, particularly CDs and vinyl, showing significant growth. This resurgence in physical formats occurred alongside continued growth in digital streaming, indicating a diversified market.
CD sales increased by 45.7% in the first half of 2026, totaling 17.5 million units and $171.1 million, according to the RIAA. This resurgence in physical media is driven partly by collectible special editions, particularly from K-Pop artists, though streaming revenue continues to dominate the music industry.
CD sales revenue increased by 58.6% to $171.1 million in the first half of 2026, with unit sales up 45.7% to 17.5 million, according to the RIAA. This growth follows a decline in 2025 and indicates a broader trend of renewed interest in retro technology and physical media.