Compact Discs in the USA Surge: An Unexpected Turnaround After a Tough Year

RIAA: Compact Discs Return After Decline

According to НВ — Техно: On September 5 at 1:03 PM, RIAA (the Recording Industry Association of America) published its report for the first half of 2026. According to the document, CD sales in the USA have recovered after a decline in the previous period. Revenue from the format reached $171.1 million over six months-a growth of 58.6% compared to $107.9 million a year earlier. In unit terms, the dynamics are also positive: 17.5 million copies were sold compared to 12 million, representing a 45.7% increase.

From Failure to Recovery: Statistics Details

It is worth noting that 2025 was not the best year for compact discs. According to RIAA, the income from CDs dropped by 7.8%-from $338.9 million in 2024 to $312.4 million. The number of discs sold fell by 11.6%, decreasing from 33.3 million to 29.5 million units. Importantly, in 2025, the association changed its evaluation methodology: instead of the estimated retail price, the wholesale price became the basis. However, this change did not affect the calculation of the number of CDs sold.

Overall, the physical media market is also showing growth: in the first half of the year, its revenues increased by 25.9% to $731.5 million. Revenue from vinyl records grew by 17.7%. However, used discs and copies passed on from Generation X to their children do not enter the RIAA statistics.

The increase in compact disc purchases may indicate a potential reversal in consumer trends: physical media is once again gaining popularity in the digital age.

The rising demand coincides with an interest in simple technologies-button phones, digital cameras, typewriters, and vinyl records. This consumer behavior is often associated with nostalgia and the desire to own tangible items. Likely, the youth culture, which is increasingly turning to old formats, is also influencing this; in the long run, this may change market dynamics.

For Russian-speaking audiences, it is important to note that this pertains to the American market, and therefore these figures cannot be directly transferred to other countries.