CD Sales Growth Outpaced Vinyl in the First Half of 2026

I report that CD sales surged 16% to 16.3 million units in the first half of 2026, significantly outpacing vinyl's modest 2.4% growth. While BTS played a major role, the revival extends beyond K-pop, driven by Gen Z's nostalgia for 90s music and a desire for tangible collectibles. Mass-market retailers like Target and Walmart are now capturing nearly 30% of the physical music market, signaling a new chapter for physical formats.

"The iridescent gleam of CDs is no longer just a relic of the late '90s and early 2000s; they're functioning as collectibles, fan merchandise, and a way for listeners to support the artists they love."