CD sales surge in the US during first half of 2026

Compact Disc (CD) sales in the United States have seen a significant resurgence in the first half of 2026. According to data from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), CD revenues rose by 58.6% to approximately $171 million, while unit sales jumped 45.7% to roughly 17.5 million units.

This growth comes alongside a continued, though slower, rise in vinyl sales, which generated about $544 million in revenue. While streaming remains the dominant force in the American recorded music market, physical formats collectively accounted for $731.5 million in revenue, representing a 25.9% increase.

Industry observers suggest the trend is driven by a desire for tangible collections, including cover art and booklets, as a counterpoint to the convenience of digital streaming. The renewed interest in physical media also follows consumer concerns regarding digital ownership, particularly as companies like Sony have moved toward phasing out certain physical supports and digital content availability.