U.S. CD Sales Rise 16% in First Half of 2026

A Luminate report shows that physical CD album sales in the United States reached 16.3 million units in the first half of 2026, a 16 % increase over the same period a year earlier. Vinyl sales also grew but only by 2.4 %.

The growth is not driven solely by K‑pop fans; even after removing K‑pop titles, CD sales are up 6.7 %. Younger buyers, including many Gen Z and millennial consumers who do not own CD players, are purchasing CDs as collectible items and a way to support artists, especially in the K‑pop market where releases are often packaged for fans.

The data suggests a shift in the value of the CD format from pure audio playback to a tangible, aesthetic product that offers fans a sense of belonging and a relatively affordable way to back their favorite musicians.