GoKawiilRIAA data shows CD sales jumped 45.7% in first half of 2026
The RIAA reported that 17.5 million CDs were sold in the US during the first six months of 2026, up from 12 million a year earlier, generating $171.1 million in revenue. Vinyl sales also grew nearly 21 percent to 26.5 million units, while other physical formats like cassettes and DVDs rose over 73 percent to 1.6 million units. Streaming still dominates overall, growing 4.7 percent to $4.9 billion in revenue, far outpacing physical formats combined.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The rebound comes after CD sales had fallen 22 percent the previous year, suggesting the format's revival is being driven by collectible-focused releases, such as K-Pop special editions, rather than a genuine shift back to physical playback. Research from Luminate found only about half of buyers even own a CD player, indicating the boom reflects fandom and nostalgia rather than a real threat to streaming's dominance.
- CD sales rose 45.7% to 17.5 million units in H1 2026, per the RIAA.
- Vinyl grew nearly 21% to 26.5 million units, while other physical media surged over 73%.
- Streaming revenue still dwarfs physical sales, growing to $4.9 billion in the same period.
Sony CFD-S70 CD Boombox — If you're stacking up K-pop special editions and vinyl reissues, it helps to actually hear the discs — Luminate found only about half of CD buyers even own a player. This Sony boombox plays CDs, tunes AM/FM radio, and takes an aux input, making it an easy way to join the physical media revival.
See Sony CFD-S70 CD Boombox on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: theverge.com — Terrence O'Brien, 2026-09-05
Published there as: “CD sales are booming as physical media continues its resurgence”
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