The long-believed death of the compact disc has been postponed, as new data from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) indicates a dramatic resurgence in physical music sales. The organization reported that CDs generated $171.1 million in revenue during the first half of 2026, marking a 58.6% increase from the $107.9 million recorded in the same period of 2025. Unit sales also climbed sharply, rising 45.7% to 17.5 million copies sold.
This rebound stands in stark contrast to the trajectory seen over the previous year. Full-year 2025 figures had shown CD revenue declining 7.8% to $312.4 million, with units sold dropping from 33.3 million to 29.5 million. However, the RIAA noted a methodological change in 2025 that shifted reporting from estimated retail value to wholesale value, meaning the dollar figures for 2024 and 2025 are not directly comparable. Unit sales, which remain consistent in methodology, confirm that the market was still contracting prior to this year’s unexpected turnaround.
The revival of optical media is part of a wider cultural shift toward analog and simpler technology. Gen Z consumers are increasingly embracing “dumbphones,” landlines, digital cameras, and physical media such as vinyl and CDs. For younger demographics, these items represent a desire for tech that offers more personal control and less algorithmic intrusion. This demand has spurred a wave of startups producing modern retro devices, including landlines from Tin Can and Ooma, and minimal smartphones from Light and Dumb Co.
The trend is expected to be even larger than official statistics suggest. The RIAA’s current metrics do not account for the secondary market, including used CD sales at thrift stores or garage sales, nor do they capture the volume of discs passed down from Gen X parents to their children.
Physical media as a whole continues to perform strongly. Revenue from physical formats jumped 25.9% to $731.5 million in the first half of 2026. This growth was fueled not only by the CD surge but also by a 17.7% increase in vinyl revenue, signaling that consumers are actively seeking tangible music experiences over purely digital streaming platforms.
Wait, 58% growth? I bought three CDs last month. Finally, the format gets its respect back!
Interesting that they don’t count garage sales. That underground used market must be massive but invisible to the RIAA.
I thought vinyl was the only physical medium Gen Z loved. Guess we were wrong about CDs entirely.
Is this just nostalgia, or are people actually tired of algorithm-driven streaming playlists taking over their ears?